Dr. Richard Vinson has accepted the position of Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies at Salem College. Dr. Vinson is in his third year as a professor of religion at Salem and also serves as the accreditation liaison with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Prior to joining the Salem faculty, he served as a faculty member and administrator at Averett University in Danville, VA, and at Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA.  His previous positions have included dean of arts and sciences and dean of the faculty, and as a scholar he has published works in his area of New Testament studies.

Dr. Vinson earned a B.A. in mathematics and an M.A. in religion from Samford University, an M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in new testament, Old Testament and classics from Duke University.

"I am delighted to have someone with Dr. Vinson's extensive administrative and academic experience and proven abilities serving in the associate dean position,” said Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Dean of the College, Dr. Susan Calovini.

Dr. Vinson will begin his duties as associate dean on July 1, 2012.