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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
Catholic PRWire

IRVING, Texas – MAY 2, 2007 – The University of Dallas has announced that the Institute for Religious and Pastoral Studies (IRPS) has been renamed the University of Dallas School of Ministry. This new designation reflects the School of Ministry’s important position at the University, its growing national reputation and its expanded areas of service in meeting the theological education needs of the Catholic church. The announcement was made during a 20th anniversary celebration on April 27th, which featured a keynote address by The Most Rev. William Friend, Bishop of Shreveport, Louisiana, who was instrumental in establishing IRPS.

Dr. Frank Lazarus, President, University of Dallas, said, “On behalf of the University of Dallas and its Board of Trustees, I am proud to announce that the Institute for Religious and Pastoral Studies has earned the distinguished designation of School of Ministry. This School of Ministry designation reflects the growth and development of the former Institute for Religious and Pastoral Studies as a theological education institution at the University of Dallas. The IRPS has established a reputation for excellence in its field, experienced major growth in the number of programs offered and students enrolled during the last five years and is expected to continue increasing its leadership role in theological education for the Catholic church.”

The School of Ministry is one of the fastest growing graduate schools in its field in the United States. Enrollment in its five master’s degree programs has increased from 26 students in 2002 to 130 students in 2007. Enrollment in its Catholic Biblical Schools certificate program has increased from 70 students in 2002 to more than 620 in 2007, making it the largest program of its kind among all Catholic universities in the U.S. based on 2007 enrollment numbers.

Additionally, more than 130 students are enrolled in its deacon and faith formation programs. Enrollment in all its programs is projected to double to more than 1,600 in the next four years.

Dr. Brian Schmisek, director of the School of Ministry, said, “The School of Ministry’s goal is to be recognized internationally as a premier institution for those seeking theological studies, faith formation, pastoral skills and spiritual growth. We have assembled an impressive international faculty, formed strong working relationships with dioceses, and developed master’s degree and certificate programs through our Catholic Biblical School to deliver outstanding educational experiences for all our students.”

The School of Ministry holds special distinction as:
• The only Catholic School of Ministry in the U.S. to offer its entire Masters of Theological Studies degree program and Catholic Biblical School programs online, as well as selected courses in its other master’s degree programs;
• The nation’s only Summer in Rome study program that is fully integrated into its master’s degree programs. Courses are taught at the University’s campus in Rome by the School’s faculty and other top theological scholars; and
• One of the only Catholic universities in the U.S. that offer a comprehensive, four-year Catholic Biblical School certification program. This program, which is also offered online and in both English and Spanish, is the largest program of its kind among all Catholic universities in the U.S. based on 2007 enrollment numbers.

The University of Dallas founded the Institute for Religious and Pastoral Studies in 1987 following a challenge by The Most Rev. William Friend, Bishop of Shreveport, Louisiana, to “take a decisive role in the theological formation and continuing education of Catholic leaders.”

“Today, we are meeting the challenge Bishop Friend established 20 years ago by developing theological formation and continuing education opportunities for Catholic leaders and staff as well as lay persons,” said Schmisek.

The School of Ministry meets the educational needs of the Church through five strategic areas of focus: its flagship master’s degree programs; Catholic Biblical School, deacon formation programs and adult faith formation programs at the parish level; and an annual ministry conference. The School of Ministry offers five master’s degree programs: theological studies, Catholic school teaching, religious education, pastoral ministry and Catholic school leadership. The Master of Pastoral Ministry degree program offers six concentrations: campus ministry, family ministry, healthcare ministries, Hispanic ministry, pastoral life and administration, and youth ministry.

The University is committed to expanding the School of Ministry’s U.S. and international programs with high-quality, innovative new academic programs that meet the developing needs of an increasingly diverse Catholic clergy, deacons and lay persons.

***

The University of Dallas is one of the nation’s highly regarded private colleges and the only private Catholic-affiliated university in North Texas. With more than 3,000 students, the University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts, sciences and business. The School of Ministry is widely recognized as an important center for learning theology, developing pastoral skills, and fostering spiritual growth. It is a member of the Association of Graduate Programs in Ministry and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. For more information about the School of Ministry, please visit www.udallas.edu.

The University of Dallas has its main campus in Irving, Texas, as well as the Constantin Campus in Marino, Italy, and satellite campuses in Plano and North Richland Hills (Tarrant County), Texas. For more information about the University of Dallas, visit www.udallas.edu.

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