The Cowles-Dykhouse Chair of Wesleyan-Arminian Studies is the newest endowed chair at Olivet Nazarene University. The endowed chair is established to encourage the scholarship, study and promotion of Wesleyan-Arminian theology.
Through a gift from Richard and Deborah (Cowles) Dykhouse, this Chair honors their parents: Robert H. and Cynthia A. Dykhouse, and C.S. and Marjorie Cowles, who have served as role models for the family, in their dedication to Christ, their love for others, and their commitment to the furtherance of education and lifelong learning.
The endowment also provides for annual academic activities in Wesleyan-Arminian studies, as well as the Wesleyan-Arminian Scholarship. The scholarship recipient for 2018–2019 is Mia Hurst, a sophomore religion major from Lima, Ohio.
This new Chair will encourage the scholarship, study and promotion of the Wesleyan-Arminian theology of a loving God:
1. Who redeems the world through loving relationships with human beings, the objects of His eternal love;
2. Who offers grace and salvation to all who accept that grace;
3. Who through His redemptive love and grace, works for the good of humanity through His pursuit of a relationship with individuals who freely choose Him.
Dr. Mark Quanstrom is the first recipient for a term of three years. He is a professor and dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Olivet. He also serves as senior pastor of College Church of the Nazarene University Avenue, Bourbonnais, Illinois.
“I am grateful to the Dykhouses for their gift to Olivet’s School of Theology and Christian Ministry, and I am grateful to receive this appointment to the Chair for Wesleyan-Arminian Studies,” Dr. Quanstrom said. “This Chair provides a platform from which we can affirm our particular theological tradition and its formative influence on the Church. Since theology should inform practice, this endowed chair will help us think more clearly about how the Wesleyan theological vision informs how we do church.”
Dr. Quanstrom holds a bachelor’s degree from Olivet; a M.Div. from Nazarene Theological Seminary; and a Ph.D. from St. Louis University. He currently teaches courses in Wesleyan-Holiness theology and pastoral care and counseling.
He is the author of two books and numerous articles. His doctoral dissertation was published in 2004 by Beacon Hill Press under the title “A Century of Holiness Theology,” which some consider to be one of the publisher’s landmark publications. His second book, “From Grace to Grace,” is an exploration of the call to holiness and was published by Beacon Hill Press in 2011.
Prior to coming to Olivet, Dr. Quanstrom was the pastor at First Church of the Nazarene, Belleville, Illinois, for 23 years. During that time, he was an online instructor for Nazarene Bible College; an adjunct professor for European Nazarene College; director of the Illinois District School of Ministry; and served on the Illinois District Advisory Board. From 2009 to 2014, he was the University Campus Pastor of College Church of the Nazarene.
Through endowed professorships, chairs, programs and scholarships, the University offers enhanced educational opportunities for students. For more information on endowments, please contact the ONU Foundation at 815-939-5171.
Published: 4/5/2018
