Truett McConnell University has received a $3 million gift to endow a chair of theology in the name of Dr. Charles F. Stanley. The gift will also be used to fund the Global Impact Center in Miller Hall, the building which serves as the centerpiece of the TMU campus in Cleveland.
This is the second largest gift in Truett McConnell’s 76-year-history and the first of its kind for the purpose of endowing a faculty chair.
Stanley is a well-known minister who pastored First Baptist Church of Atlanta for 51 years. He served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1984 to 1986. He is also the founder and president of In Touch Ministries.
Stanley stepped down as senior pastor of FBC Atlanta in September 2020 at the age of 87. Outgoinog TMU trustee Anthony George succeeded him as pastor.
“This gift and the naming of this Chair of Theology could not have honored anyone more fitting. His ministry has modeled the bold proclamation of Scripture so visibly, so practically, so consistently, and so globally, and to this day stands on a rock-solid theological foundation,” says George.
Dr. Mael Disseau will be the first professor to occupy the Dr. Charles F. Stanley Chair of Theology. Disseau is the Dean of the Hubmaier School of Theology and Missions and Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at TMU.
“I consider it a great honor to be asked to be the inaugural occupant of the Dr. Charles F. Stanley Chair of Theology. Dr. Stanley’s life has demonstrated a passion for the Word of God and the Great Commission,” says Disseau.
Truett McConnell University is based in Cleveland, Georgia. The school’s current enrollment is around 3,000 students, up from 468 in 2008.
