DUE WEST, SC - Retiring Erskine Theological Seminary Dean Dr. Randall T. Ruble has been appointed a resident scholar in the Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton, New Jersey, beginning in May 1998.

The Center was founded in 1978 to encourage advanced research into the content and significance of the Christian faith and promotes critical engagement with non-theological discplines, various religious traditions and other forms of spirituality.

Each year a select group of scholars is invited to reside together in Princeton for intensive research, discussion and writing. Ruble is the first Associate Reformed Presbyterian scholar appointed to the Center. The appointment carries with it the use of a study, a townhouse, the Center's equipment, and a stipend.

A native of Greenville, Va., Ruble received his early education in Lexington, Va., then attended high school in a suburb of Philadelphia, Penn. Following his graduation from high school, he served in the United States Air Force in Korea and Japan during the Korean War, receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal, a Presidential Citation, and numerous other decorations for outstanding service in a combat zone.

Ruble earned an A.B. from Erskine College in 1958. While at Erskine, he received the H.M. Young award, the highest honor given to a graduating senior. He went on to earn a B.D. from Erskine Seminary in 1961 and subsequently was awarded the Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh.

Married to Erskine alumna Molly Grant in 1958, he is the father of three grown children, all of whom attended Erskine College.

Since 1965, Ruble has taught Hebrew and Old Testament at Erskine Seminary, served as Chaplain of Erskine College (1971-74) and served as Assistant Dean of Erskine Seminary (1975-76) before being named Vice President and Dean of Erskine Seminary in 1976.

Ruble's years as dean have been notable for a number of accomplishments: the achievement of full accreditation for the seminary; the development of the Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) and Master of Arts in Christian Education (M.A.C.E.) programs; the growth of off-campus programs in several locations; and the enhancement of seminary facilities and scholarship funds.

Dr. Ruble has been active in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, serving as Stated Supply Pastor of the ARP Church in Abbeville, S.C. since 1967. He was appointed supply pastor of the Mt. Carmel ARP Church in 1990. He has served as a member and officer on a number of boards, commissions and committees of the Virginia and Second Presbyteries and was Vice Moderator of General Synod in 1973 and Moderator in 1975.

Active in professional and civic organizations, Ruble has published The Ten Commandments for Our Day as well as numerous scholarly and popular articles and essays. He is past chairman of the Caribbean and North American Area Council of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, and has also served two terms as President of the Atlanta Theological Association.