History Professor Charles Gunnoe, Ph.D., Began New Post July 1

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Grand Rapids, Michigan (July 7, 2008) - Aquinas College's new provost and dean of faculty has officially taken office. Charles "Chad" Gunnoe Jr., assumed his new role as provost on July 1.

President C. Edward Balog, Ph. D. announced the appointment of Gunnoe in April 2008.

"I believe that Chad is qualified, knows the College, and has significant support amongst the faculty, staff and students, as well as the unanimous support of the Cabinet," said President Balog.

Gunnoe began teaching at Aquinas in August 1999 and has served as chair of the history department for the past six years. A native of Virginia, he earned his doctorate from the University of Virginia in 1998 after completing preliminary undergraduate and graduate work at the College of William and Mary and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in 1986 and 1990, respectively.

His primary interest is in European history, and he is a collaborator and editor of several publications on the subject. He is currently working on his third book, this one about Thomas Erastus and the Reformation of the Electoral Palatinate. Gunnoe was recently involved in setting up the new Catholic Studies minor at Aquinas with Assistant Professor of History John Pinheiro, Ph.D.

Gunnoe is actively involved in several areas of the College. He co-chairs Aquinas' Retention Initiative that was launched last year. Gunnoe commenced official duties as provost and dean of faculty on July 1. He replaces Don Chaffee, Ph.D. who has served as interim provost since July 2007 when C. Edward Balog began his new duties as the College's sixth president.

"I think there's a dynamism at Aquinas right now," Gunnoe said. "I like everything about the College. I enjoy the intellectual challenge but also love the stimulation of the social life, so to have a job in this capacity is an ideal situation."