Bethany Seminary calls new professors, interim academic dean.

Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., has called H. Kendall Rogers as professor of historical studies, beginning in the 2008-09 academic year. Rogers has served as a professor in the Religion and Philosophy Department at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., for 30 years. He is a Manchester College graduate and holds degrees from Oxford University in England and from Harvard University. Rogers also served as resident director for Brethren Colleges Abroad in Germany and China, as Fulbright Program Adviser for Manchester, and as coordinator for the Ministry Training Institute of Manchester College and the Church of the Brethren in Indiana. His publications and presentations include "The Church of the Brethren and Liberation Theology," "The War in Iraq: Theological Reflections," and "Engaging Students of Church History through Interviews of Retired Church Leaders."

Malinda Berry will join the Bethany faculty in the 2009-10 academic year as an instructor in theological studies and director of the master of arts program. Berry is a doctoral candidate at Union Theological Seminary in New York, and is currently visiting scholar in religion and women's studies at Goshen (Ind.) College. She is a graduate of Goshen and holds a master's degree in peace studies from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind. She also served as interim minister at Manhattan (N.Y.) Mennonite Fellowship, and as associate director of Mennonite Voluntary Service. Her publications and presentations include "Women and Missio Dei," "A Theology of Wonder," and "Reading with Daughters of Sarah and Hagar: Authority, Scripture, and the Christian Life."

Richard B. Gardner will serve as interim academic dean during the 2008- 09 school year. Gardner is emeritus professor of New Testament studies and served as Bethany Seminary's academic dean from 1992-2003. He is a graduate of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and holds degrees from Bethany and the University of Wrzburg in Germany. Gardner also served as parish ministries staff for the Church of the Brethren General Board. His publications and presentations include "Matthew" in the Believers Church Bible Commentary Series, "Vocation and Story: Biblical Reflections on Vocation," and "No Creed But the New Testament."

Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra