Dr. Robert Kolb, mission professor of systematic theology and director of the Institute for Mission Studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, received an honorary doctor of letters degree during a special convocation on September 23 at Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind.

Kolb is a noted researcher in the field of Reformation history, and his articles have appeared in journals and scholarly publications around the world. He recently edited, with Timothy J. Wengert, a new and highly acclaimed translation of the Book of Concord that has become the standard for confessional studies at the Seminary. He also has authored 12 books, including Martin Luther as Prophet, Teacher, Hero, published as part of the "Texts and Studies in Formation and Post-Reformation Thought" series produced by Baker Book House Co.

"Robert Kolb is truly a ‘mission professor' on a global scale," commented Dr. Andrew H. Bartelt, vice president for academic affairs at Concordia Seminary. "His scholarship in the areas of the Lutheran Confessions, Reformation History and Confessional Theology are well-known and respected by Lutheran communities throughout the world. He has also written extensively on issues of missiology and evangelism, and his engagement in the mission of the church is a living reminder that confessional Lutheran theology is truly mission oriented. It is a honor both to Dr. Kolb as well as to our Seminary and the church we serve that Valparaiso University would recognize him in this way."

Kolb has served on the faculty of Concordia Seminary since 1993. He was acting president of Concordia College, St. Paul, Minn. from 1990-1991, where he served on the faculty for 21 years.

He earned his bachelor's degree at Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Ind. in 1963, and his master of divinity degree (1967) and master of sacred theology degree (1968) from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He also earned a masters degree and a doctor of philosophy degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1973.

For more information, contact Lois M. Engfehr, director of communications, Concordia Seminary, 801 DeMun Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63105; 314-505-7375; engfehrl@csl.edu.