UPCOMING REFORMATION EVENTS……
September 12th
6:30 PM
“Reformation for People in a Hurryâ€
Special Speaker — Rev.. Dr.. David Ratke,,
Dean of the College of Theology,, Lenoir – Rhyne University
Meet the College of Theology Dean
Ratke named Dean of newly formed College of Theology
The Reverend Dr.. David Ratke has been named as the first Dean of the newly formed College of Theology at Lenoir – Rhyne University.. The College has replaced the School of Theology at LRU and encompasses the graduate courses pro– vided at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LLTSS))..
Dr.. Ratke is an ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (EELCA)).. He is a distinguished scholar and teacher who specializes in systematic theology.. He has been at LRU for 17 years and has held numerous leadership positions at the University and within the church.. For the past four years,, he has served as acting and then elected Chair of the Faculty.. Prior to this appointment,, he served as Chair of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.. In 2013,, Dr.. Ratke was awarded the LR Faculty Scholar Award which is presented annually to the faculty member who has made the greatest contribution to his//hher discipline during the academic year..
In addition to his scholarly activity and commitments at LRU,, he regularly serves as a supply preacher in the NC Synod.. Prior to joining the LRU faculty,, Dr.. Ratke served parishes in Alaska,, North Dakota,, and Germany.. He is also the author or editor of four books focusing on Lutheran theology as well as numerous other scholarly articles..
“WWe are pleased to welcome David to this leadership role,,”” said University Provost Dr.. Larry Hall.. “WWe are very confident he is right person to continue to guide theological study at
Lenoir – Rhyne and the LTSS,, fulfilling our commitment to prepare servant leaders for the church and the world..””
According to Dr.. Hall,, the new college is one of five at the University and will serve to strengthen the position of theological education and programming.. “TThrough this reorganiza– tion,, we are able to more fully integrate our theological programs and the important mission of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary into the academic life at Lenoir – Rhyne University,,”” Hall added..