Shonda Jones to lead academic programs at the School of Professional Studies
After 10 years with the School of Divinity, Dr. Shonda Jones has accepted a new role as executive director of academic programs at the School of Professional Studies. Dr. Jones will develop and oversee a compelling portfolio of flexible, affordable and relevant academic programs for the new school. Her work will produce a collection of high-demand degree and non-degree offerings to meet the evolving needs of working professionals in the Charlotte community and beyond. 
“This is an exciting time for the University and a pivotal time in higher education. We must be able to respond not only to the current marketplace but anticipate what innovations and untapped opportunities exist before us,” Jones said.
“Dr. Jones’s strategic leadership and innate ability to decipher what students, as well as her colleagues, need to foster strong relational ties and successful academic experiences will greatly benefit the School of Professional Studies,” said Jonathan Lee Walton, dean of the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. Read more
Categories: Faculty News, Inside WFU, Staff News
Faculty books: August 2020
Clendinning, Elizabeth A. (Music). American Gamelan and the Ethnomusicological Imagination. University of Illinois Press. 2020.
Jones, Shonda R., & Pamela R. Lightsey, Eds. (Divinity). Transforming Service: Reflections of Student Service Professionals in Theological Education. Pickwick Publications. 2020.
Categories: Faculty News, Inside WFU
WFU committee working to implement new Title IX regulations
Wake Forest University has established a Title IX 2020 Implementation Task Force led by Vice President for Campus Life Penny Rue and Associate Provost for Academic Initiatives Kami Chavis.
The group, which held its first meeting on June 3, was established following changes announced in early May by the U.S. Department of Education regarding how colleges and universities must handle sexual-assault and sexual-harassment complaints. The new regulations increase protections for accused students and employees and take effect Aug. 14.
Among the most notable changes, institutions must now hold live hearings and allow cross-examination when deciding sexual-misconduct complaints. The new federal regulations are the first regulatory revisions in 45 years to the federal gender-equity law and will also limit the scope of complaints colleges and universities are required to investigate.
Categories: Inside WFU, University Announcement
School of Divinity launches MDiv Flex pathway to program offerings
The School of Divinity has added the MDiv Flex pathway to its premier program offerings. The MDiv Flex provides working professionals an opportunity to pursue theological education with flexibility and convenience through alternative course times and formats. This flexibility makes it possible for students to work and learn full-time.
The School of Divinity remains committed to equipping students from an array of personal and professional backgrounds to be religious leaders who are agents of justice, reconciliation and compassion. The MDiv Flex invites a broader range of students to enroll in the Master of Divinity program.
In addition, students enrolled full-time are able to complete the 78-credit hour Master of Divinity degree in three years with course enrollment throughout the Fall, Spring and Summer. “While the majority of the program will remain residential (in-person), the program will include a mix of hybrid and remote learning opportunities, particularly in the summer terms,” said Shonda Jones, senior associate dean for strategic initiatives and integrative learning. Eligible students with full-time enrollment will be considered for scholarship awards.
The entire announcement for the degree program is available here.
Categories: Inside WFU
Lamb named director of ministry, vocational exploration
Rayce Lamb
This is a guest post from the School of Divinity:
Rayce Lamb has been named director of ministry and vocational exploration in the School of Divinity after having previously served as an assistant dean of admissions for Undergraduate Admissions the last two years.
“The appointment acknowledges Rayce’s strong commitments to assisting those making critical decisions about vocations in ministry and their graduate school choice,” said Shonda Jones, associate dean and assistant teaching professor of intercultural theological education at the School of Divinity. “In this role, Rayce will implement ministry and vocation exploration programs designed to attract the best possible pool of students to the school who are committed to making a difference in the world.”
In his role as assistant dean, Lamb was a critical part of the admissions team and performed tasks that were essential to the overall success of the Undergraduate Admissions office. From his extensive travel across the United States recruiting academically talented students to serving on the admissions committee where he reviewed and assessed applicant materials, Lamb understands the cyclical nature and demands of working in the field of admissions.
“I feel I can be a positive asset to the admissions team at Wake Forest University School of Divinity,” said Lamb as he reflected on his transition to the School of Divinity. “During my tenure in the Undergraduate Admissions office, I have helped continue a legacy that is Wake Forest University. Now, I want to contribute to the School of Divinity as it continues to build a legacy of its own.”
“Theological education is now more important than ever. In our chaotic and uncertain world, who will serve as the next generation of faith leaders providing hope and direction to the masses?,” he continued. “The School of Divinity has a mission to equip students to be agents of justice, reconciliation, and compassion in this world. Let it be my mission to recruit those students and assist them in discovering their vocation.” Read more
Categories: Guest Post, Inside WFU
