It is with a mixture of pride and deep regret that I announce that our much loved and highly respected colleague, Dr. Luke Powery (the Perry and Georgia Engle Assistant Professor of Homiletics) has been appointed Dean of the Chapel at Duke University. Dr. Powery’s appointment at Duke will be effective from September 1, 2012.
 
Dean of the Chapel at Duke is one of the most distinguished posts for a preacher in North America. Dr. Powery’s immediate predecessors are Dr. Sam Wells, who was installed as Vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London, on July 2, and Will Willimon, who served as Dean from 1989–2004 before being elected to the episcopacy.
 
Dr. Powery is the author of Spirit Speech: Lament and Celebration in Preaching (2009) and Dem Dry Bones: Preaching, Death, and Hope (2012).
 
Luke has entered into every aspect of the Seminary’s life and we will miss his presence keenly. But this is a wonderful appointment, recognizing and honoring his remarkable gifts. We congratulate him warmly and wish him, Gail, Moriah and Zachery well as they prepare to move to Durham.
 
Iain Torrance
July 26, 2012

Read Duke University’s announcement about Dr. Powery’s appointment.