The Richard R. Osmer Papers

Collection

Identifier: SCM 391

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Materials in this collection pertain to Richard R. Osmer’s academic studies. Papers were originally in binders labeled “Dissertation Studies and Research,” “Notes PhD Studies Emory U,” and “Notes at Harvard.”

Dates

1970-1990

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

There are no special restrictions placed on the accessibility of this collection. It is available for the use of library patrons under the normal rules and conditions of Special Collections.

Biographical / Historical

Richard Robert Osmer was born in 1950 in Larchmont, New York. Most of his childhood was spent in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Osmer received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1972. He went on to Harvard Divinity School to pursue his graduate studies. It was there that he met his lifelong mentor, James Fowler and his wife, Sally, also a Harvard student. He would complete his studies at Yale, receiving an MDiv. After several years in the ministry, Osmer went on to pursue his doctoral studies, again under the guidance of his mentor James Fowler, now at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

Upon completing his studies, Osmer was offered an appointment at Candler, which included the beginning of the Center for Faith Development. After three years in this position, he would go on to teach at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He served here as Assistant Professor of Christian Education for four years. In 1990, Osmer joined the Princeton Theological Seminary faculty as Director of the Tennent School of Christian Education and the Chair of the Department of Practical Theology. He has also held two different chairs including Thomas W. Synnott Professor of Christian Education, 1990-2012 and Ralph B. and Helen S. Ashenfelter Professor of Mission and Evangelism, 2013-present.

Extent

0.417 Linear Feet (1 Document box)

Additional Description

Arrangement

This collection consists of one archival box containing six folders. The Richard R. Osmer papers were originally contained in three ring binders. Upon accession, the papers were removed from binders and foldered according to original description and order.