ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — Six prominent figures in Franciscan education have been named to the Franciscan Institute Research Advisory Council at St. Bonaventure University.
The Council, established as part of the reorganization of The Franciscan Institute, will provide strategic direction with regard to research possibilities and potential publications and foster the engagement of an international network of Franciscan scholars in the ongoing work of the Institute.
Appointed to the Council were:
- Joshua Benson, an assistant professor of systematic theology at The Catholic University of America. Benson received his Ph.D. in historical theology from Saint Louis University (2007); his master’s in Franciscan studies from St. Bonaventure University (2002); and his bachelor’s in philosophy from Canisius College (2000).
- Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., dean of the School of Franciscan Studies at St. Bonaventure University. A 1970 graduate of St. Bonaventure with a Ph.D. in psychology from The Catholic University of America, Br. Ed is also vice president for Franciscan mission at St. Bonaventure and a member of the Secretariat for the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition.
- Jacques Dalarun of the National Centre for Scientific Research in France. The Joseph A. Doino Visiting Professor at the Franciscan Institute in 2004-2005, Dalarun is one of the world’s foremost authorities in medieval and Franciscan studies. He has devoted significant research to Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. He earned his doctorate at the University of Paris (Sorbonne).
- Sr. Mary Beth Ingham, C.S.J., professor at the Franciscan School of Theology, University of San Diego, and professor emerita of philosophy at Loyola Marymount University. She earned her Ph.D. from Universite de Fribourg, Switzerland. Her specialties include the Franciscan spiritual tradition and its influence on John Duns Scotus and others.
- Lezlie Knox, associate professor of history and director of graduate studies at Marquette University. Knox, who received her master’s and doctorate from the University of Notre Dame, is an expert in medieval studies, with an emphasis on the enclosed nuns (Poor Clares) of the Order in Italy in the 13th through 15th centuries.
- Amy Neff, associate professor of art history at the University of Tennessee. A specialist in medieval art, Neff received her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Her recent publications have focused on the impact of the Franciscan movement on the arts and on the imagery of women.
In May, Dr. Timothy J. Johnson of Flagler College was named chair of the Council. A Senior Fulbright Scholar, Johnson holds a doctorate from the Gregorian University. He serves as senior theology co-editor for the journal Franciscan Studies and has authored numerous journal articles and book chapters on liturgy, spirituality and theology.
“The Research Advisory Council will provide important leadership for the Franciscan Institute as it charts the future of research and publication,” said Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., university president. “We are delighted that such an outstanding body of working scholars could be assembled to provide direction to this internationally recognized academic center of our university.”
Br. Gary Maciag, O.F.M., is the director of operations for the Franciscan Institute. He was appointed May 1. He will coordinate initiatives of the Research Council and facilitate its work with resident faculty and the Institute’s press.
At present, the Institute continues its “Bonaventure Texts in Translation Series” coordinated by Fr. Robert Karris, O.F.M. Fr. Michael Cusato, O.F.M., is authoring a number of historical studies with a grant from the university.
Fr. David Flood, O.F.M., and Dr. Jean-François Godet-Calogeras complete the Institute’s roster of resident scholars.
For more information on the The Franciscan Institute, visit www.sbu.edu/franciscaninstitute.
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