The University of Dallas announced in May 2012 the appointment of Mark Goodwin, associate professor of theology and department chair, as interim dean of the School of Ministry. Goodwin will fill the school's top spot while the university undergoes a national search to replace departing Dean Brian Schmisek, who left in June to become director of Loyola University Chicago's Institute of Pastoral Studies.
"I am pleased to serve the university, and particularly the School of Ministry, during this time of transition," said Goodwin.
Goodwin, who has taught in the university's Department of Theology for nearly two decades, has served as department chair since 2010. His interests in scripture are wide-ranging, but are focused on the New Testament and its first century Jewish environment. In 2001, Goodwin published a book, titled "Paul, Apostle of the Living God: Kerygma and Conversion in 2 Corinthians," which explores the Jewish character of Paul's God-talk.
He holds a doctorate and two master's degrees from Yale University one in philosophy and one in religion in addition to a bachelor's degree from John Hopkins University.
"Mark Goodwin's longtime service to the University of Dallas, including the effective leadership he has demonstrated as chair of the Department of Theology, will undoubtedly help continue our School of Ministry's forward momentum," said University of Dallas President Thomas W. Keefe. "I am so delighted he has agreed to assume this responsibility."
"The School of Ministry has made great progress in recent years," said University of Dallas Executive Vice President and Provost Bill Berry. "Mark's leadership will continue that progress and advance the university's service to the Church."
During Schmisek's tenure as dean, the School of Ministry introduced an undergraduate degree in pastoral ministry, a master's degree in Catholic school teaching, the University of Dallas Ministry Conference and other programs, as well as made significant strides toward international recognition of the school as a premier institution for those seeking theological studies, faith formation, pastoral skills and spiritual growth.
"I believe deeply in the mission of the University of Dallas, which is what attracted me here," said Schmisek. "A vibrant Catholic faith, responsive to the needs of the Church, combined with the highest academic standards, is a hallmark of the School of Ministry in particular and the university in general. This is a remarkable place with tremendous potential, and I am proud to have served as the School's founding dean."
The University of Dallas is proud to announce another year of record-breaking undergraduate enrollment of 1,471 students. Record freshmen classes within five of the last seven years have contributed to this milestone. The Class of 2022, comprised of nearly 380 students, is one of the university's largest entering classes in its more than 60-year history.
+ Read MoreAs many as 100 classical school teachers will receive scholarships this year as the University of Dallas intensifies its efforts within the classical education arena. The university also plans to bring on two new tenure-track faculty members, each devoted primarily to one of two programs in the Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts.
+ Read MoreNext week kicks off the long-held junior class tradition, Charity Week -- and as the UD community gathers on Monday, Oct. 15, Catholics around the world also celebrate the feast of St. Teresa of Ávila, Virgin, Doctor of the Church. Lasting through Saturday, Oct. 20, the entire University of Dallas campus will raise funds for two nonprofits that align with the university's Catholic identity.
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