Samford University will begin a new series this fall, the University Lecture Series, that will feature faculty members and periodic guests speaking on topics representing their interests and research areas. The lectures will be presented each Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. in Reid Chapel, and will last approximately 35-45 minutes. Students, faculty and staff are invited, as well as alumni and other friends. Students will receive convocation credit for attending.

The University Lecture Series schedule, as announced by Matt Kerlin, assistant dean of spiritual life and university minister, includes:

Aug.19 – Brian Toone, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science, “Race Across America: Details and Analysis from the Long Road”

Aug. 26 – Jeremy Thornton, associate professor of business, “How to Be Rich”

Sept. 2 – Lyle Dorsett, professor of divinity, “Chaplains of WWII”

Sept. 9 – Allison Dearing, Crisis Center Birmingham, “Protecting Friends from Violence”

Sept. 16 – Howard Finch, dean, Brock School of Business, “Being a Christian in the Business World”

Sept. 23 – Ron Cole–Turner, H. Parker Sharp Professor of Theology and Ethics at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, guest of the Samford Center for Science and Religion, “Transhumanism: Heresy or Here to Stay?”

Sept. 30 – Carl Beckwith, associate professor of divinity, “Between Athens and Jerusalem” (Core Text Lecture)

Oct. 7 – David King, guest of the Samford Social Entrepreneurship Program, topic to be announced

Oct. 21 – Scott McGinnis, associate professor of religion, “The Death Penalty”

Oct. 28 – William Collins, professor of political science, “Making Sense of the Middle Ages” (Core Text Lecture)

Nov.  4 – Mark Gignilliat, associate professor of divinity, “The Old Testament and the Trinity: Really?”

Nov. 11 – Betsy Dobbins, associate professor of biological and environmental sciences, “Shades Creek: Waters of Life in Our Backyard”

Nov. 18 – Jason Wallace, associate professor of history, “Being and Becoming: Why the Liberal Arts Are Worth Your Time”