Dr. Douglas Henry, assistant professor of philosophy in the Honors College at Baylor University, was appointed as a director of Baylor’s Institute for Faith and Learning.

“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.”

The Institute for Faith and Learning has been running for seven years, enhancing Christian intellectual life through a wide range of initiatives and serving as a resource to other related institutions that pursue similar goals.

“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.

Henry explained of his role and responsibilities: “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 various articles and books.