Baylor Academy for Leader Development Welcomes African-American Women’s Literature Scholar Katherine Bassard

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Contact: Lori Fogleman, Director of Media Communications, (254) 710-6275
WACO, Texas (Sept. 11, 2014) – The Baylor University Academy for Leader Development will welcome Katherine Bassard, Ph.D., chair of the department of English at Virginia Commonwealth University at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, in Paul W. Powell Chapel.
Bassard, an ordained minister and scholar in African-American women’s literature, will present a lecture titled “Seeing Scripture through New Eyes,” in which she will offer a distinct viewpoint on how the Bible impacts lives.
Jennifer Massey, Ph.D., assistant dean of the Academy for Leader Development, said Bassard was invited to speak because of her experience in her field.
“We invited Dr. Bassard because of her enormously impressive background and commitment to her vocation,” she said. “We want to invite speakers who not only believe in and understand leadership, but also live it out. She embodies that.”
The academy hopes students will be motivated to ask deep questions about life and leadership after hearing Bassard’s lecture.
“We hope to challenge students to ask bigger questions about their callings and purposes and how they will live it out,” Massey said. “She will share her wisdom and hopefully inspire those who attend.”
Bassard received her undergraduate degree in English at Wake Forest University, her master’s degree in English at Virginia Commonwealth University and her doctorate degree in English at Rutgers University. She also has a graduate certificate in women’s studies.
The lecture is free and open to the Baylor community. Paul W. Powell Chapel is in Baylor’s Truett Seminary, 1100 S. Third St. For more information, call (254) 710-3100.
by Kristen Bennett, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
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