Grammy and Oscar-nominated composer Joshuah Brian Campbell joins Wake Forest University
Joshuah Brian Campbell will join Wake Forest University this year as director of music and arts at the School of Divinity and director of the University Gospel Choir. 
Campbell, a Grammy and Oscar-nominated composer, will collaborate with choral groups across the University to contribute to dynamic worship and concert experiences, including weekly worship at the Divinity School. His work leading the Gospel Choir will include performances of music inspired by the African American sacred tradition.
“I am elated that Joshuah Brian Campbell will bring his extraordinary gifts to benefit our students and the Wake Forest community,” said Jonathan Lee Walton, dean of the School of Divinity and Wait Chapel. “His appointment represents a commitment to ensuring this grand tradition of gospel music will continue on our campus at the highest levels.” Read more
Categories: Faculty News, Inside WFU
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
Gilead COMPASS Initiative Faith Coordinating Center awards grants to organizations addressing HIV crisis
The new Gilead COMPASS Initiative Faith Coordinating Center at Wake Forest University School of Divinity has awarded grants to 17 organizations working to address the HIV crisis in the American South. Recipients are rooted in over ten states, and the majority are led by Black, Indigenous, people of color.
“We are excited about working with this strong group of diverse, well-respected organizations across the South,” said Allison Matthews, executive director of the Gilead COMPASS Faith Coordinating Center. “We believe each of them are well-suited to advance our mission of troubling the narratives about the intersection of HIV and faith. We aim to shift the culture to be more inclusive and loving of all people, regardless of their race/ethnicity, gender or sexuality.”
The grants total $1 million and will help organizations advance efforts which include HIV-public health capacity building and faith-leader training, development of curricular and co-curricular programs on the HIV/AIDS crisis in the South, community asset mapping, and strategic partnerships to advance anti-stigma work.
Visit the Wake Forest University School of Divinity website to learn more about the grant program and view this year’s recipients.
Categories: Inside WFU
Melanie Harris and Austin Rivera join Wake Divinity faculty
The Wake Forest University School of Divinity will welcome two new faculty-scholars on July 1. Melanie L. Harris will join as professor of Religion, Black Feminist Studies and Womanist Theology and director of the Food, Health and Ecological Well-Being Program. She is jointly appointed with the Wake Forest University African American Studies program. Charles “Austin” Rivera will join as assistant professor of Church History. Read more
Categories: Faculty News, Inside WFU
Anti-Racist Pedagogy Faculty Panel to be held April 7
The Wake Forest University School of Divinity will host a virtual faculty panel on anti-racist pedagogies on Wednesday, April 7, from 11 a.m. to noon. The event offers faculty across the University the opportunity to think more deeply, dialogue more broadly and act more decisively in implementing anti-racist pedagogies in their courses. The interdisciplinary panel will discuss the challenges and opportunities of engaging anti-racist pedagogy in the classroom.
“Grassroots movements across the U.S. are urgently calling for bold action to eradicate racial injustice and violence at its core,” said Jill Crainshaw, Vice Dean for faculty development and academic initiatives. “Through intentional dialogue, we hope to explore our role as educators in embodying bold action through teaching and ways to enhance our pedagogy to better prepare students for critically conscious, anti-racist leadership.”
The conversation will be moderated by Betsy Barre, executive director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching.
Panelists include:
- Katherine A. Shaner, associate professor of New Testament
- Corey D. B. Walker, Wake Forest professor of the Humanities
- Betina Cutaia Wilkinson, associate professor and associate chair of Politics and International Affairs, and director of the Race, Inequality and Policy Initiative (RIPI)
This event is co-sponsored by the WFU Race, Inequality and Policy Initiative (RIPI) and made possible through a departmental grant from the Program for Leadership and Character.
Categories: Events, Faculty News, Inside WFU
