History

1957

The J. M Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies is founded. It is named in honor of Dr. Joseph Martin Dawson, who served as the first Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs (1947-1954).

1958

The Journal of Church & State, the only periodical of its kind at the time, is established and soon becomes the preeminent forum for publication of key articles.

1959

Dr. James E. Wood, Jr. is appointed as the first director. He held this position until 1972 and again from 1980 to 1995.

1965

The Interdepartmental Graduate Degree Program in Church-State Studies is inaugurated, leading students towards a Master of Arts degree.

1968

The Church-State Center moves into permanent facilities in the Carroll Library and establishes its classrooms and library there.

1970

Jim Logsdon is the first graduate to earn a Master of Arts degree.

1973

Dr. James Leo Garrett is appointed as the second director. He held this position until 1979.

1995

The third director, Dr. Derek Davis, is appointed. He served as director until 2006.

1997

Dr. J. David Holcomb, the first doctoral student, graduates.

2006

The fourth director, Dr. Chris Marsh, is appointed. He held this position until 2011.

2008

The Journal of Church & State celebrates its 50th Anniversary with its 167th issue.

2012

The academic programs of the J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies close, and enrolled students work to complete their degrees.

2013

The J.M Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies is restructured through the efforts of Dr. William Bellinger, former chair of the Department of Religion, and Dr. C. Doug Weaver.

2015

Dr. C. Doug Weaver is named the fifth director. He served as director until 2021.

2021

The sixth director, Dr. Elizabeth H. Flowers, is appointed.