The Society of Biblical Literature's Research and Publications Committee recently named James C. VanderKam, John A. O'Brien Professor of Hebrew Scriptures at the University of Notre Dame, to a three-year term as General Editor of the Journal of Biblical Literature. Widely known and universally respected for his numerous contributions to the study of the history and literature of early Judaism and the Hebrew Scriptures, Prof. VanderKam will assume the editorship of JBL early in 2006, succeeeding Gail R. O'Day upon the completion of her second and final term as JBL General Editor.

After receiving a B.D. from Calvin Theological Seminary (1971) and a Ph.D. from Harvard University (1976), Prof. VanderKam taught for a number of years at North Carolina State University before joining the Notre Dame faculty in 1991. He has authored numerous works, including The Dead Sea Scrolls Today (1994), An Introduction to Early Judaism (2001), and From Joseph to Caiaphas: High Priests after the Exile (2004). In addition, Prof. VanderKam has edited or co-edited a number of volumes in the Discoveries in the Judaean Desert series and the Encyclopedia of the Dead Sea Scrolls, has published over 100 journal or book essays, serves on the editorial board of several series, and has delivered papers at numerous conferences and offered invited lectures in a wide variety of places. The Society of Biblical Literature is both honored and grateful that such a renowned scholar has accepted its invitation to serve as JBL editor.

The SBL would also like to take this opportunity to express its profound and deep gratitude to Prof. O'Day of the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, for her vital leadership and exceptional service these past six years. Since becoming JBL editor in 2000, Prof. O'Day has led JBL to a standard of excellence that will be difficult to surpass. Under her leadership, JBL has broadened its coverage to include new and developing methodologies in biblical studies and has given voice to previously underrepresented groups within the guild. In sum, JBL has become, under Prof. O'Day's guidance, the premier source for every aspect of scholarly biblical research today. In recognition of her contributions to JBL and the Society, Executive Director Kent Harold Richards will make a special presentation to Prof. O'Day at the SBL Authors and Editors Reception during the Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.

Citation: , " James C. VanderKam Named New JBL Editor," SBL Forum , n.p. [cited Oct 2005]. Online:http://sbl-site.org/Article.aspx?ArticleID=461