News and Information
Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30322

Release date: Mach 17, 1999
Contact: Elaine Justice, Assistant Director

FOSTER NAMED INTERIM DEAN AT EMORY'S CANDLER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

Charles Foster has been appointed interim dean of Emory University's Candler School of Theology for the academic year 1999-2000, according to Emory Provost Rebecca Chopp.

Foster will begin his year of service on July 1, the date that R. Kevin LaGree, current dean of Candler, becomes president of Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

For the last two years Foster has served as associate dean of faculty development at Candler. He joined the Candler faculty in 1988 as professor of religion and education and director of the Program of Christian Education. Before coming to Emory, Foster taught at Scarritt Graduate School in Nashville, Tenn., and at Methodist Theological School (MTS) in Delaware, Ohio. While on the faculty at MTS, Foster served for one year as acting dean.

Foster is an ordained United Methodist minister and holds membership in the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference. His research focuses on cultural diversity and the theory and practice of religious education in congregations and public life. His recent books include Educating Congregations (1994), We Are the Church Together: Cultural Diversity in Congregational Life (1996) and Embracing Diversity: Leadership in Multicultural Congregations (1997). At Emory he serves as co-chair of the University Council on Teaching.

During the 1999-2000 academic year a search will be conducted for a new dean. In preparation for the search process, Thomas Frank, professor of church administration and director of United Methodist Studies at Candler, is chairing an internal planning and review committee.

Foster is a resident of DeKalb County (30329).