Southern Nazarene University announced the appointment of Jim Fitzgerald as chair of the School of Theology and Ministry, effective July 1. Fitzgerald will assume the role held by Hal Cauthron since 1995.

Fitzgerald currently serves as pastor of Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Duncanville, Texas, a role he has held since 2001. He is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary. Fitzgerald also holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Vanderbilt University where his areas of study included homiletics and American church history.

In addition to his current assignment, he has served in ministry in Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Missouri. He was ordained in 1991. He is married to Liz (Powers), and they have three daughters.

The Southern Nazarene University School of Theology and Ministry prepares students for lifelong ministry with practical and theological tools to support their career. The program integrates ministry practice through some internships within local Nazarene congregations in the region. Graduates finish the degree to be certified for ordination as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene.

Department professors hold a broad range of ministry experiences including senior pastors, pastoral staff, urban ministry directors, missionaries, and theological educators. All hold doctoral degrees and are engaged in research and writing projects as well as ongoing ministry involvement.

--Southern Nazarene University