Faculty chair named in honor of Edwina Patton

Dr. Jeff Webb

Dr. Mark Fairchild

HUNTINGTON, Ind. Huntington University has established its second faculty chair in the institution's history. The chair is named in honor of Edwina Patton, a longtime supporter of the institution and former professor. Patton was an English professor at the college from 1962 to 1978.

The Edwina Patton Chair in the Arts and Sciences has been bestowed upon Dr. Jeffrey Webb, professor of history. Webb has taught at HU since 1999. He holds a master's degree in history from Cleveland State University and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Chicago.

Also, with the retirement of Prof. Jim O'Donnell, Dr. Mark Fairchild, professor of Bible and religion, has been named the Luke J. Peters Chair in the Arts and Sciences. The chair was named in 2010 in honor of alumnus Luke J. Peters, a longtime donor to the university. This was the first named faculty chair at HU.

Fairchild has more than 25 years of experience at HU. He received his Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from Drew University and is a notable researcher who has been published in "Biblical Archaeology Review" for his discoveries of early synagogues in Turkey.

"Dr. Jeff Webb and Dr. Mark Fairchild were selected for these chairs because the university felt that these professors exemplified what it means to be a Huntington faculty member," said Dr. Del Doughy, interim senior vice president for academic affairs. "They both have strong records of scholarship in their respective fields, they are both great teachers, and they both provide effective service to the campus and the community at-large."