Academic Council Rejects New Doctoral Program in Religious Studies Amid Health System Expansion Insights

The Academic Council recently held its final meeting of the 2024-25 academic year, where it voted against a proposed doctoral program in religious studies and discussed the significant expansion of Duke University Health System.

The council narrowly rejected the new doctoral program in religious studies with a vote of 25-28. Nine members chose to abstain. This proposal aimed to separate the religious studies department from the long-standing Graduate Program in Religion, a collaboration with the Divinity School since 1960. Concerns were raised about inadequate faculty input from the Divinity School and the financial feasibility of sustaining the program independently. Professor David Morgan warned that the Graduate Program’s viability was in jeopardy due to financial strains.

On another note, Duke University Health System is looking to expand. Executive Vice President Daniel Ennis mentioned the recent acquisition of Lake Norman Regional Medical Center in Mooresville, NC, and a partnership with UNC Health to establish North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital. He emphasized the need for growth to ensure the health system’s financial stability.

Ennis stated, “There’s no path for modern academic health systems that doesn’t rely on significant scale.” This reflects a larger trend in healthcare where systems are consolidating to survive financially. Duke Health currently faces higher operating costs compared to other systems because of its commitment to comprehensive patient care and medical training. President Vincent Price noted that recent losses in research funding have intensified financial pressures, integrating the health system into Duke’s strategic adjustments.

In response to concerns about whether these financial issues might compromise academic freedom, Price reassured that both missions—healthcare and education—are aligned. He highlighted the value that Duke Health has historically provided to the university, particularly in healthcare research.

In addition to these discussions, the council made revisions to the faculty handbook and awarded the prestigious title of Faculty Scholars to four undergraduates: Miguel Suarez (chemistry), James Fletcher Rydell (computer science), Jorge Frontela (biology), and Trisha Santanam (English). This honor recognizes their potential as future doctoral candidates.

The council also addressed inconsistencies regarding faculty titles and job descriptions, indicating progress toward standardization across departments. Lastly, it approved the degrees for approximately 6,900 graduates ahead of the upcoming commencement ceremony.

As the landscape of education and healthcare continues to evolve, these decisions by the Academic Council reflect a proactive approach to both challenges and opportunities at Duke University. For more insights on higher education trends, read the latest from sources like [The Chronicle of Higher Education](https://www.chronicle.com) or [Inside Higher Ed](https://www.insidehighered.com).

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