Murry Named Seminary Director of Field Education
Jun 13, 2007 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
Dr. Bradley Longfield, vice president and dean of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (UDTS), has appointed Rev. Harold (Hal) Murry as director of field education and instructor of ministry. Rev. Murry succeeds Dr. Henry Fawcett who has served as interim director of field education for the past year.
Murry holds a B.A. from Bowling Green State University, an M.A. from Ohio State University, and a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Mt. Gilead, Ohio, for nine years, and served for the past thirteen years as executive presbyter of John Knox Presbytery. "We are excited that Rev. Murry has accepted our call to assume this important position. Field education is a critical aspect of theological education and Hal brings tremendous gifts and a profound love of the church to the seminary," stated Dean Longfield.
The Office of Field Education oversees the Supervised Practice of Ministry (SPM) program of the seminary and seminary placement. All Master of Divinity students are required to engage in four semesters of supervised ministry as part of their theological education. The coursework connected to SPM addresses local church ministry, clergy ethics, understanding context and change in a congregation, and pastoral identity. SPM is a formative experience where each student, along with the guidance and support of faculty, trained supervisors, and committed laity, can develop the skills and capacities for a life of joyful service to Christ. Of his appointment Rev. Murry commented, "I am grateful for this invitation to serve the seminary community, and I rejoice in the many opportunities I will have to learn from colleagues in ministry."
Rev. Murry will work closely with pastors, congregations, students, and the seminary faculty to nurture close ties between the seminary and the church to benefit students and the church. For more information on field education at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary please contact the Office of Field Education at 563.589.3115.
