BUIES CREEK — Michael Cogdill, founding dean and
professor of pastoral leadership at the Campbell University Divinity School,
has announced his desire to step down from his current post at the conclusion
of the 2009-2010 academic year. Cogdill will begin service as a full-time
faculty member in the divinity school.
Campbell University photo Michael Cogdill |
Cogdill has served as the divinity school’s only dean since
his appointment in December 1995. During the last 14 years, he has led the
school to numerous accomplishments. Among them are the recruitment of an
experienced and knowledgeable faculty, the development of an innovative
curriculum, the building of a solid endowment, the achievement of the school’s
full accreditation and the strengthening of church ties throughout Baptist and
other circles.
Under his leadership, the divinity school also saw the
creation of a doctor of ministry degree program. In recent years, he
helped guide the work of the Butler Chapel Campaign Cabinet resulting in the
building of Campbell’s first-ever chapel.
“In 1995 it was Campbell University’s good fortune to
position Mike Cogdill as founding dean of the divinity school. In the
ensuing years he has led the divinity school in superb fashion,” said Jerry
Wallace, Campbell’s president. “While we shall miss his leadership, we are
pleased that as a professor of pastoral leadership he will continue at Campbell
to bring his considerable knowledge and skill to bear in the training of
Christian ministers.”
In a prepared statement, Cogdill shares the following
words with the divinity school faculty, staff, and students: “It has been
a dream come true to serve as the founding dean of the divinity school. I
care deeply for the welfare of the school, and for all of its faculty, staff,
students, alumni, and friends. It is now time in my life to give thanks
for this wonderful chapter of ministry, and to embrace the new opportunities
for the future. I look forward to continuing to help the divinity school
prosper and grow as a full-time member of the faculty.”
The university will form a search committee in the coming
weeks to select the next dean.