St. Francis College has named Joel Warden, Ph.D. as its first Catholic Scholar in Residence, a new position within the Office of Mission, Ministry & Interfaith Dialogue whose primary charge is to enrich the College's academic curriculum – particularly its Religious Studies courses -- and produce new research that advances Catholic scholarship.

Dr. Warden earned a doctorate in Theology from Fordham University, with a dissertation about moral theology, social ethics and medical ethics, topics which remain his academic focus. He brings with him twenty years of pastoral experience in Brooklyn Catholic parishes and currently also serves as the Clinical Ethics Consultant at The Brooklyn Hospital Center.

For the past two years, Dr. Warden has been an adjunct lecturer in St. Francis College's Philosophy and Religious Studies Department. He also teaches at Fordham University in the Theology Department.

"The Scholar in Residence position allows me to have a natural connection with students at St. Francis," said Dr. Warden. "It's not just a research position that's separate from the social life or academic life of the College. It's embedded within the College."

While research and teaching are the cornerstone responsibilities of the position, Dr. Warden will also contribute to the pastoral efforts of The Office of Ministry, Mission and Interfaith Dialogue, providing spiritual support to students.

"The Scholar in Residence position is a way that St. Francis College honors its Catholic heritage and ongoing identity while also honoring and companioning with other religious traditions," said Alexandria Egler, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Office of Mission, Ministry & Interfaith Dialogue. "Our aim is that the position provides the Religious Studies Department a permanent faculty who specializes in Catholic doctrine or history, while allowing the scholar to explore new dimensions in his or her area of scholarship."

"Joel is absolutely ideal to serve as our first Scholar in Residence, and we couldn't be more thrilled to welcome him on board," Egler said.

The Catholic Scholar in Residence is a one-year, non-tenured position. The current appointment began in September 2019 and concludes in September 2020.