Theology Scholar Named Coordinator of International Ph.D. Program at Hartford Seminary

For Immediate Release

HARTFORD (February 1, 2012) -- Dr. Edward Waggoner, a scholar in the areas of systematic theology and religion and politics, has been named Coordinator of the International Ph.D. Program at Hartford Seminary.

The International Ph.D. program is unique in its approach and structure. Offered by Hartford Seminary in cooperation with the University of Exeter in England, this partnership combines the strengths of the doctoral education systems of both the United States and the United Kingdom as well as the strengths of world-class faculty from both institutions.

The program was created out of the shared desire of Hartford Seminary and the University of Exeter to engage with international perspectives in a new doctoral program. Hartford Seminary and the University of Exeter together are at the forefront of this much needed innovation.

The program offers studies in theology and ethics and Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations. Professor Yahya Michot, director of the program and the faculty person primarily responsible for it, describes its strengths as small classes, the interfaith emphasis, the international aspect, the sense of community within the program and the Seminary as a whole, the teamwork and collaboration among colleagues, and the high expectations of academic work coupled with support and guidance from faculty.

"We are delighted to have Ed join the leadership team for our Ph.D. program. He will provide strong leadership for the program, working with current and future students to ensure that their studies with us and our partner, the University of Exeter, are first-rate", said Heidi Hadsell, President of Hartford Seminary. James Nieman, Academic Dean of the Seminary, added that "Ed brings an organizational precision to the task, combined with an intimate understanding of how first-rate doctoral programs need to operate".

Christy Lohr, Associate Dean for Religious Life at Duke Chapel and a graduate of the program, says, "When I was looking for the right school in which to do my doctoral studies, I had a few criteria in mind. I wanted a place firmly rooted in Christian tradition with a good reputation for religious scholarship. I wanted an institution that would understand my interest in interfaith engagement. A global perspective was also important. With a diverse student body and an interfaith faculty, I had all of this and more at Hartford Seminary".

Dr. Waggoner, who had been a Visiting Professor in Theology and Ethics at the Seminary, will start in his new position February 1. He also will be designated as a Faculty Associate in Christian Theology.

"Through creative, forward-thinking initiatives like its International Ph.D. Program, Hartford Seminary continues to show just how good a 21st Century seminary education can be. I am thrilled to add my theological research and teaching to this mix, and eager to work with colleagues and students to further enhance and embolden our common efforts", Dr. Waggoner said.

Dr. Waggoner has earned the Ph.D., a Master of Philosophy and a Master of Arts from Yale University, a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale Divinity School and a Bachelor of Arts from Willamette University, Salem, OR. He has taught at Yale Divinity School, the University of New Haven and Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT, besides Hartford Seminary.

His teaching and research interests span a wide range of current theological topics. His current projects include a new interpretation of Friedrich Schleiermacher's theological naturalism; a constructive doctrine of the Trinity as the basis for claims about human experience of divine 'persons'; and a critique of religious support for militarization in the United States.

In the winter/spring semester, Dr. Waggoner is teaching "The Triune God in Christian Life".

For further information, please contact David Barrett, Director of Public and Institutional Affairs, at (860) 509-9519 or dbarrett@hartfordinternational.edu. A photo of Edward Waggoner is available, and he is available for interviews.