Dr. R.J. Gore

Fall term has begun at Erskine Theological Seminary (ETS), with Due West campus classes beginning today. Classes on Erskine Theological Seminary campuses in Charleston, Greenville, Augusta, Ga., and Asheville, N.C., began Saturday, Sept. 2, and Fort Jackson campus classes are set to open Saturday,
Sept. 9.

Vice President and Dean of the Seminary Dr. R. J. Gore admits that managing all the seminary’s extension sites is a challenge.

"We have students who register and don’t show up, and some who show up but are not registered. Since classes hold their initial meetings on various days during a 10-day period, it seems as if we are beginning the semester somewhere all month, and it is usually late September before we have firm enrollment numbers," Gore said.

Gore said it is too early to gauge this year’s demographics, but noted, "We do have a good number of recent college graduates entering programs."

Erskine Seminary has a strong lecture series schedule this academic year. "We have lectures scheduled that address the twin themes noted in our motto–‘Christian Commitment and Excellence in Learning.’ We will explore the relationship between Christianity and public service, Chrisitanity and public morality, Christianity and worship, and Christianity and literature."

Asked about what is new and different at ETS, Gore said, "This year we will be offering a number of new courses in Old Testament, including an introduction to wisdom literature, and new counseling courses to support the Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry. Currently we have accepted 10 students into the new counseling program."

In the midst of all the fall term activity, ETS is also involved in an extensive self-study process required by two accreditation agencies to which ETS is responsible, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Theological Schools.

"The only new academic year resolution I have," said Gore, "is to get through the self-study process successfully, without taking anything away from our commitment to excellence in theological education."