The Randall Professorship is held by a recognized scholar whose work concentrates on an understanding of culture that embodies a Christian view of human achievement. The selected individual contributes to undergraduate instruction in the theology, philosophy, history, literature, or the social sciences departments by participating in the Liberal Arts Honors and Development of Western Civilization Programs, directing student research, and delivering public lectures.
2009-20010 Randall Chair
Sister Dianne Bergant
Biblical Studies
Biographical Overview
Sister Dianne Bergant of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Agnes is the sixth occupant of the Rev. Robert J. Randall Distinguished Chair in Christian Culture. She is Professor of Biblical Studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and has dedicated his scholarly life to the promotion of the study of the Bible, both in the academy and among the Catholic faithful. She has written many scholarly books, including People of the Covenant: An Invitation to the Old Testament (2001) and Song of Songs: The Love Poetry of Scripture (1998). She has been the president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America (2000-01) and a longtime participant in Jewish/Catholic dialogue. Her writing for the broader Catholic public includes the much utilized three-volume Preaching the New Lectionary as well a popular weekly column called "The Word" for America magazine, which ran from 2002-2005. During her year with us, Sister Dianne will be completing a commentary on Genesis from a feminist perspective as well as an ecologically-minded commentary on Job for the Earth Bible.
Courses to be Taught at Providence College:
Lectures at Providence College:
- "A Woman as a Theologian in the Church Today"
September 29, 4:00, Moore Hall I