Penland named Dean of the School of Christian Ministries at TFC

TOCCOA - Toccoa Falls College President Brian Shelton recently announced that Dr. Jonathan Penland has been named as Dean of the School of Christian Ministries. "Jon is a popular professor, a respected colleague, and a capable administrator," said Dr. Shelton. "Such qualities are afforded to a good dean, and he will bring wisdom and enthusiasm to the oversight of our ministry programs."<br /> <br /> Dr. Penland joined the Toccoa Falls College faculty in 2000 after serving 13 years in the Dominican Republic as an instructor in the Leadership Development Program for the Dominican Alliance and director for Dominican Alliance Associates.<br /> <br /> He is published in the Manual for Ministry Internship and has written book reviews for the journal, Missiology. He is fluent in Spanish. While at TFC, he has assisted in the design and implementation of a major in Cross-Cultural Adult Education and a minor in Sustainable Development.<br /> <br /> He received his B.A. in Theology from Toccoa Falls College, his M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Columbia International University, and his Ph.D. in Adult Education from the University of Georgia and is completing a second Ph.D. from UGA in Anthropology.<br /> <br /> After accepting this appointment, Dr. Penland said, "Psalm 84:12 states: 'Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.' As I become the Dean of the School of Christian Ministries at Toccoa Falls College, I trust God to guide me. I can already see several of His blessings. I am blessed to live in the beautiful city of Toccoa: 'The Heart of Northeast Georgia.' I also am blessed to work at Toccoa Falls College, a globally engaged Christ-centered college.<br /> <br /> "In becoming the Dean of Christian Ministries, I will give oversight to the academic work of the Bible and Theology Department, the Christian Education Department and the World Missions Department. It is an honor to serve at this fine SACS accredited educational institution and to work alongside the Deans of the Schools of Arts and Sciences and Professional Studies. May God bless people and churches across Northeast Georgia through the expanding educational programs of Toccoa Falls College."