Dr. Mark Goodwin Named Interim Dean of the School of Ministry
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."
