Trinity Western University is pleased to announce Dr. Kent Clarke as the inaugural endowed Chair in New Testament Studies, which advances Christ-centered learning and culture to enrich the lives and minds of Christian leaders.
As Trinity Western’s first-ever endowed chair, this position signals the University’s commitment to placing biblical and theological studies at the forefront of TWU’s education.
An endowed chair is a faculty position that is funded by the investment of generous donors and provides ongoing support for a distinguished professor to pursue Christian scholarship and teaching and to represent TWU in the public square.
“As the University’s first endowed chair, the Chair in New Testament Studies signals our commitment to prioritize Christian scholarship and learning.”
Enriching TWU’s commitment to Christian education
Interim President and Provost, Dr. Todd Martin highlights the significance of this role for TWU’s identity and strategic direction as a global Christian university:
“The University has been working to develop this endowed chair as part of the strategy to place biblical and theological studies at the centre of TWU’s core liberal arts offerings,” he said. “As the University’s first endowed chair, the Chair in New Testament Studies signals our commitment to prioritize Christian scholarship and learning.”
Under his previous role as dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Martin had worked with faculty members to re-envision the centrality of biblical and theological studies within a Christ-centered learning environment.
“It is a great privilege to teach, research in, and seek to integrate the fields of biblical and theological studies. I have a deep passion for helping students explore and be transformed by the richness of Christian Scripture as they apply it to their lives, and to see them grow in their appreciation of God’s character, His nature, and His grace through the study of the New Testament."
Introducing TWU’s inaugural endowed Chair in New Testament Studies
Newly named endowed Chair in New Testament Studies, Dr. Kent Clarke is a professor of biblical and theological studies and long-time faculty member of TWU. He was selected after a rigorous search process that attracted numerous high-profile candidates from around the globe.
Upon accepting the endowed chair role, Dr. Clarke expressed his enthusiasm for the task: “It is a great privilege to teach, research in, and seek to integrate the fields of biblical and theological studies. I have a deep passion for helping students explore and be transformed by the richness of Christian Scripture as they apply it to their lives, and to see them grow in their appreciation of God’s character, His nature, and His grace through the study of the New Testament. I very much look forward to continuing in this calling, and to use this endowed chair to represent TWU as well as to serve the greater community.”
Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Michael Wilkinson remarks, “We are thrilled to see one of our faculty members recognized for their significant scholarship and chosen as TWU’s inaugural endowed Chair in New Testament Studies. Dr. Clarke is esteemed by many students and alumni for his depth of insight, sincere heart for others, and engaging teaching style. Our faculty colleagues value him, and we share with him in this honour.”
About Dr. Kent Clarke
Dr. Kent Clarke holds the Brooke Foss Westcott Professorship of New Testament Textual Criticism (2007–current). A professor of biblical and theological studies, Dr. Clarke has taught religion, theology, and biblical studies at TWU for over 25 years, instructing students in the undergraduate programs and in the graduate MA in Biblical Studies and Christian Thought.
Dr. Clarke received his PhD from Trinity College at the University of Bristol after completing his master’s degree in theological studies at Trinity Western University and his bachelor’s degree in theology from Okanagan Bible College. He specializes in Biblical Theology and Hermeneutics, Greco-Roman Studies, and the Ancient New Testament Text and Manuscripts. He is fluent in several modern research languages, as well as ancient research languages including Classical and Koine Greek, Latin, and Hebrew.
In 2018, Dr. Clarke received the Trinity Western University Rooted & Reaching Award in recognition of his Christian character, integration of faith with his academic discipline, and advancement of the legacy and purposes of students. In 2014, he received The Davis Distinguished Teaching Award in honour of his high level of teaching excellence and significant contribution to the pedagogical life of Trinity Western. He is the author of several books and monographs spanning topics of New Testament textual criticism, Christian faith and Enlightenment reason, and biblical exegesis and interpretation.
About the endowed Chair in New Testament Studies
The endowed Chair in New Testament Studies is an extension of TWU’s strategic priorities to advance Christ-centered learning and culture and enrich the lives and minds of Christian leaders. In particular, it aligns with the strategic objective to further our excellence in evangelical Christian scholarship, teaching, and commitment to “faith seeking understanding.”
The University is deeply grateful to faithful supporters whose generous donations have made this endowed chair possible. Their investment enriches the continued development of future Christian leaders in Canada and around the world.
As the inaugural endowed Chair in New Testament Studies, Dr. Clarke will continue to carry out research in New Testament Studies and contribute to the wider academic community through publications, presentation, and active participation in scholarly organizations and societies.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.