Center for Apologetics & Cultural Engagement names new fellows

Liberty University’s Center for Apologetics & Cultural Engagement has named four new senior fellows, as well as six student fellows, who will assume their roles during the Spring 2016 semester. The fellows were recognized at the Apologetics and Cultural Engagement Winter Fellowship Banquet on Friday, Dec. 4.

The center, housed in Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity, is under the direction of Dr. Joshua Chatraw, associate professor of theology and apologetics, and includes a diverse group of fellows, representing several programs across the university.

The Center for Apologetics & Cultural Engagement was founded last year as a forum for scholars, and aspiring scholars, from various disciplines to come together and engage the Liberty community and the world.

“We are in challenging and complex times, and we must think carefully about how we can faithfully relate to the world around us,” Chatraw said. “The senior fellows serve as models of excellence in their field of study and our four new fellows are no exception, each of them bringing a unique specialization.”

The center’s distinguished senior fellows include faculty members who exemplify what the center is all about — engaging the culture with both humility and boldness while excelling in their respective disciplines. The new distinguished senior fellows include: Dr. Gary Isaacs, Department of Biology; Dr. Tad Hardin, School of Music; Dr. Kenneth Dormer, College of Osteopathic Medicine; and Dr. Gary Sibcy, Department of Counselor Education & Family Studies. (View biographies for each of the senior fellows.)

Six student fellows were also accepted to the center. Student fellows include: Megan Gentleman, who is studying theology and apologetics; Stephen Heermance, discipleship ministries; Matthew Jollie, business administration and finance; Daniel Rudolf, business administration and communication; Benjamin Shaw, theology and apologetics; and Marisa Tillery, biochemistry and molecular biology.

The Center for Apologetics & Cultural Engagement hosts events, such as symposiums and lectures (often in partnership with other departments), throughout the academic year and serves as an interdisciplinary academic think-tank for the university. The center also uses its website as a resource to address difficult questions related to the Christian life. Readers can find insights from experts, including distinguished senior fellows and scholars from across the world. Videos and articles are regularly added to the website. Students interested in applying for the fellowship are welcome to fill out an application online.

• Visit www.Liberty.edu/ACE for more information.