Central College will install Terence J. Kleven, professor of religious studies, as the Dr. Jacob and Gela Schnucker Sessler Chair of Philosophy and Religion at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, in the Upper Chapel. The ceremony and reception are open to the public. Kleven will deliver a lecture as part of the event.
Central named Kleven to the endowed chair during the May 2021 Commencement ceremony. However, he spent 2021 to 2023 in Amman, Jordan, conducting research in Arabic political philosophy at the University of Jordan as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar.
“I’m honored to formally recognize Dr. Kleven for his dedication to research in religious studies and commitment to teaching,” says Mary E. M. Strey, vice president for academic affairs. “He brings a global perspective to his classes, enriching the learning experience for students. His deep knowledge of religion, global politics and research is a tremendous asset to Central’s students and faculty. He is truly deserving of this distinction.”
Kleven has taught at Central since 1996. He earned his bachelor’s degree in religious studies from the University of Calgary, in Calgary, Alberta, and completed his master’s and doctorate degrees at McMaster University, in Hamilton, Ontario. Kleven later was granted two postdoctoral fellowships — one at Boston College, with language study at Harvard University, and another at Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Kleven has received more than two dozen international, national and regional awards, fellowships and grants, including three Fulbright Visiting Scholar grants. His first Fulbright took him to the Louis Pouzet Center for Classical and Medieval Studies at the Oriental Library of The University of St. Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon. His second Fulbright, a two-year term, took him to the University of Jordan in Amman, Jordan. In 2001, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching named him Iowa Professor of the Year. He was a fellow of the American Research Center in Egypt funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. He has conducted research at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin. On two occasions, he led Central students on international education programs in Turkey.
Kleven published a book, “Faith and Reason in the Reformations,” a collection of essays which were presented at a conference held in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
At Central, Kleven has served as humanities division chair and department chair, faculty representative to the board of trustees and a member of numerous councils, committees and task forces. He has taught 28 different courses in religion, history, philosophy and languages. In addition to his work at Central, he serves as a part-time priest at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Oskaloosa and serves as a supply minister for several Reformed churches.
Established in 2002, the endowed chair recognizes faculty members for outstanding contributions to Central and provides support for teaching, research and scholarship. The position honors Jacob and Gela Schnucker Sessler, longtime friends of Central, for their commitment to academic excellence. Kleven is the third recipient, following Chad Ray, professor emeritus of philosophy (2002-2017), and David Timmer, professor emeritus of religion (2017-2020).
