Douglas Henry Named Director Of Institute For Faith And Learning

Baylor University President Robert B. Sloan Jr. today announced the appointment of Dr. Douglas Henry, assistant professor of philosophy in the Honors College, as director of Baylor's Institute for Faith and Learning. Henry, who has been serving as acting director, was recommended by a search committee after an extensive national search.
"As acting director of the Institute for Faith and Learning, Doug Henry has provided outstanding service to the university," said Dr. David Jeffrey, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "He has been widely recognized as the principal organizer of several conferences over the past two years that have attracted national attention. The search committee further was attracted to his disposition to encourage the work of others by nurturing the interests and emergent understanding of faculty on faith-learning issues and his willingness to engage in inter- and cross-disciplinary dialogue."
Now in its seventh year, the Institute for Faith and Learning serves a vital role in enhancing Christian intellectual life both at Baylor and beyond through a wide range of in-house and national initiatives helping faculty who wish to integrate academic excellence and Christian commitment. The Institute also serves as a resource to support sister institutions pursuing the same ends.
As director, Henry will oversee the planning and implementation of the Institute's activities, including the Pruit Memorial Symposium, the Art & Soul Festival, the Crane Scholars Program, Baylor Horizons and a Visiting Fellows Program. He also will promote the Institute's university and nation-wide partnerships and will contribute to the national discussion of the role of religion in higher education through an active program of research and publication.
"The Institute for Faith and Learning holds a high profile position in national discussions about the perils and promise faced by church-related higher education, and I am honored by the opportunity to continue the excellent record of accomplishment that Michael Beaty initiated seven years ago," Henry said. "IFL bears a significant responsibility to serve Baylor by supporting scholarship and teaching that are nurtured, enriched and informed by Christian intellectual traditions. In cooperation with an advisory board, colleagues and the provost's office, I will work hard to see that IFL continues its ambitious schedule of conferences, collaborations, retreats and seminars, along with significant research and grant writing efforts. I recognize the stewardship to past and future faced by those who fulfill their calling at church-related universities like Baylor. In light of that stewardship, I hope my efforts at service will assist in creating conditions in which the comprehensively Christian university to which Baylor 2012 aspires can be realized."
Henry received his bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and his master's degree and doctorate from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to Baylor in 2001, he held positions at Malone College and Grand Canyon University. He is the editor of Faithful Learning and Christian Scholarly Vocation and has written more than a dozen articles, book chapters and book reviews. He also is a frequent presenter at academic conferences.