Goff to Become Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Programs

Philip Goff, Ph.D., professor of religious studies and director of the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture (CSRAC), has been named associate dean for research and graduate programs in the School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI.

The appointment will take effect Nov. 1, 2009.

Professor Goff has served as the CSRAC director since coming to IUPUI in 2000. Under his leadership, the center has grown in national and international stature and become one of IUPUI’s signature centers. Over the past 9 years, Goff has also helped obtain nearly $3 million in grants and awards.

The author or editor of numerous books and articles, Professor Goff is the co-editor of “Themes in Religion and American Culture” (University of North Carolina Press, 2004) and of “The Columbia Documentary History of Religion in America Since 1945” (Columbia University Press, 2005). He is also the co-editor of Religion and American Culture: A Journal of Interpretation.

“Professor Goff is a highly accomplished scholar with a superb reputation for both his published research and his success in developing funding support for research,” said Bill Blomquist, dean of the School of Liberal Arts. “He is exceptionally well suited to help guide the continued growth in the extent and notoriety of the school’s research and graduate programs.”

Prior to joining the CSRAC, Goff spent seven years at California State University, Los Angeles as professor of history and religious studies, serving in several capacities including director of the religious studies program and director of the Center for the Study of Religion.

Professor Goff will assume his new role upon the retirement of current Associate Dean and sociology Professor David Ford. Professor Goff will continue to teach courses in religious studies and will serve as executive director of the CSRAC. Arthur E. Farnsley II, Ph.D., will become associate director of the CSRAC.