SWAGÊÓƵ

SWAGÊÓƵ History Professor, Paul Burlin, has been recently elected to the Board of Trustees of Bangor Theological Seminary (BTS).

Burlin states, "I have always been interested in religion and its role in American history and culture."  He has done research in the archives of the institution. Burlin adds, "I accepted the honor, in part, because it represents a significant service opportunity that I can fulfill as a professional historian."

Burlin's specialty is 19th-century American diplomatic history. He has published a number of articles in this area and has completed a book titled Imperial Maine and Hawaii: Interpretative Essays in the History of Nineteenth Century American Expansion, which traces connections between Maine and Hawaii as a way to explore large issues related to American imperialism in the 19th century. He also has an interest in the perceptions and insights "foreigners" have about U.S. history, culture and society and is particularly interested in Brazilian observations about the United States. In addition, he has an interest in contemporary American culture.

BTS President Kent Ulery states, "Paul brings an historian's mind and insight, along with years of educational experience, to our Board of Trustees. Familiar with the history and mission of the seminary, he will prove invaluable in our strategic plan."

Founded in 1814, BTS, with campuses in Bangor and Portland, Maine, is one of the five oldest seminaries in the country, and the only graduate school of religion in northern New England. BTS is an ecumenical seminary in the Congregational tradition of the United Church of Christ. Students and faculty represent diverse backgrounds and religious traditions.  Degrees offered at BTS include the Master of Divinity (M.Div.), which prepares students for various forms of ordained professional ministry, and the Master of Arts, which provides a background in the core theological disciplines for further graduate study or professional and spiritual development.