Jonathan L. Walton becomes dean of the School of Divinity at Wake Forest University
“Research and teaching are not simply academic exercises for me,” Walton said.
Jonathan L. Walton assumes the role of dean of the School of Divinity at Wake Forest University on July 1.
Previously he was professor of religion and society at the Harvard Divinity School. Walton will be chair of religion and society at Wake Forest.
“Research and teaching are not simply academic exercises for me,” Walton said. “The pursuit of knowledge is a sacred task insofar as we are called to better the lives of others, particularly the most vulnerable.”
Walton studies the intersection of religion, politics, and media culture and is author of Watch This! The Ethics and Aesthetics of Black Televangelism and A Lens of Love: Reading the Bible in Its World for Our World. He has contributed commentary to news outlets such as the New York Times, CNN, and the BBC.
Walton is an ordained Baptist minister and a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary and Morehouse College.
Rogan Kersh, Wake Forest provost and chair of the search committee, praised Walton for “his admirably collaborative style, inspirational and creative approach to colleague-ship, and deep roots across theological and religious communities.”
