Esther G. Maynor Honors College

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Esther G. Maynor Honors College
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372

Phone: 910.521.6841
Fax: 910.521.6606
Email: honors@uncp.edu

Location: Old Main, Room 204
Campus Map

GUSTAFSON LECTURE SERIES

In Memoriam: Robert K. Gustafson, Ph.D.

A 1951 graduate of UCLA with a major in Theatre Arts, Dr. Robert K.
Gustafson worked for CBS in Hollywood until he began his tour of duty
with the United States Army during the Korean War. After successfully
completing Officers’ Candidate Training School and Quartermaster
Training, he was assigned to the Psychological Warfare School at Fort
Bragg, N.C., which is now a part of the JFK Center.

Upon his release from the military, Gustafson entered Union Theological
Seminary in Richmond, Va., where he received his Master of Divinity,
Master of Theology with an emphasis on the Literature of Ethics, and
Doctor of Philosophy with an emphasis on the Literature of Ethics, and
Doctor of Philosophy with an emphasis in American Religious Thought.
He was ordained in the First Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, N.C.,
where he met and married Helen L. Sherrill.

Before joining the faculty at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke,
he served as Minister of Montpelier Presbyterian Church in
Wagram, N.C., as a Professor of Bible, Religion and Christian Education
at Flora Macdonald College in Red Springs, N.C. (1958-61), and St.
Andrews Presbyterian College (1961-1968) into which it merged in
Laurinburg, N.C., and as Dean of the College of Southeastern Community
College in Whiteville, N.C.

At The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, he was elected by the
faculty to Chair the Faculty Senate and to be a representative to the
Faculty Assembly of the UNC System, serving on the Faculty Benefits
Committee. In 1988, he was awarded the Distinguished Professor Award
with support from faculty, students and administrators.

Writings include three books: The Literature of Christian Ethics 1932-
1956; A Study of the Life of James Woodrow Emphasizing His Theological
and Scientific Views as They Relate to the Evolution Controversy;
James Woodrow (1828-1907); Scientist, Theologian, Intellectual Leader
(published by The Edwin Mellon Press, 1995). His articles in academic
and general magazines and church related publications are numerous. He
was a scholar of American religious thought, including extended study
throughout the United States on Indian cultures and beliefs and on cults,
sects, and religious movements.

Faculty, staff and students of the Esther G. Maynor Honors College
deeply appreciate the generosity of its donors, and especially thank Mrs.
Helen Gustafson for making the Scholar Series possible. Mrs.
Gustafson, a well-known, prominent educator in her own right,
established an endowment that enables talented speakers to annually
lecture at UNCP.

Dr. Gustafson’s legacy continues through The Robert K. Gustafson
Memorial Scholar Series, as its speakers provide faculty with cutting
edge views and expose students and community members to the
intellectual stimulation befitting a quality institution of higher learning.

• 2007 Speaker Scott Langley
• 2006 Speaker Kevin Bassler

Updated: Thursday, April 5, 2007

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