Markkula Center of Applied Ethics

Spohn Assumes Presidential Professorship

William C. Spohn, associate professor of religious studies at Santa Clara University, was named Presidential Professor of Ethics and the Common Good in September by University President Paul Locatelli, S.J.

The presidential professorship is a two-year appointment that supports a faculty member in ethics research, leadership in Markkula Center activities, and community service. During his tenure, Spohn will organize the Center Scholars program, including seminars for faculty and associates.

He will also teach in a class this fall that will consider the ethical implications of California ballot initiatives and issues in the presidential race. In addition, Spohn is scheduled to present Character Ethics: We Become What We Do, a series of workshops for SCU alumni.

"I'm excited about helping implement the Center's new strategic plan [see article, page 26]," Spohn said. "It should extend the influence of the Center in Silicon Valley and Northern California, as well as allow us to be a voice for conscience and compassion in the larger society."

Spohn has been with SCU's Religious Studies Department since 1992. Previously, he was a professor of theological ethics at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, Graduate Theological Union.

The author of What Are They Saying About Scripture and Ethics? (Paulist Press, revised 1995), he is currently working on two books, one on American religious ethics and another on Jesus and ethics. Spohn is a regular contributor to the journal Theological Studies, where he has published articles on AIDS, narrative theology, and other topics. Formerly, he held the John Nobili, S.J., Professorship at SCU.

Spohn succeeds Michael J. Meyer, associate professor of philosophy, as Presidential Professor.