Tusculum University takes seriously its heritage as a daughter of the Presbyterian Church. We have covenants in place with the Presbytery of East Tennessee, Holston Presbytery and the Synod of Living Waters. Our Religious Life and Covenants Committee meets at least once a semester to ensure implementation of the covenants and promote formation of strong Christian character among students.
Each year, Tusculum University adopts a biblical theme that guides us throughout the year and motivates us to pursue a life that honors God and blesses others. Our theme for 2024-2025 is “Pressing Forward” which comes from Philippians 3:14
Voluntary chapel services take place in Niswonger 405 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM. when classes are in session. Typically, we have music, prayer and a brief message. Each semester, we have a different theme for the chapel messages, and feature speakers from across campus and throughout the community.
For more than 30 years, Tusculum University has given people in East Tennessee an opportunity to hear presentations from experts in the fields of biblical studies, theology and religious history. These presentations take place on Fridays in February, and attendees are eligible for a free lunch in the cafeteria following each lecture.
In the week leading to Easter, Tusculum offers daily services that help students, faculty and staff prepare to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. In addition to speakers, we observe the Stations of the Cross in a special walk through the campus.
All services, except for the Stations of the Cross, take place in The Pioneer Perk. Stations of the Cross begin at Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center and process throughout campus.
Dr. Yosef “Yossi” Garfinkel a professor of archaeology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, spoke at Tusculum on November 7, 2022, about the excavation work taking place at Tel Lachish in Israel in search of Iron Age fortifications. To watch the video of the presentation, click the button below.
Video Link
Tusculum University is honored to host the 2025 Theologian-In-Residence lecture series, featuring Dr. Ramy N. Marcos, a distinguished scholar and minister with extensive expertise in Middle Eastern Christianity. Dr. Marcos will present a four-part series titled “Christianity in the Middle East,” offering in-depth insights into the region’s Christian heritage and contemporary challenges.
Event Details
Dates: Fridays—February 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Chalmers Conference Center, Scott M. Niswonger Commons, Tusculum University
February 7: A Living Faith
An exploration of the emergence of Christianity in the Middle East, its diverse traditions, and historical periods including Byzantine and Islamic rule.
February 14: New Opportunities and Challenges
An examination of modern missionary work in the region and the indigenous responses to these efforts.
February 21: Christian-Muslim Relations
A study of shared histories, cooperation in the public sphere, and the dynamics of interfaith dialogue between Christians and Muslims.
February 28: The Future of Middle Eastern Christianity
An analysis of the impact of instability, conflict, and sectarian violence on Christian communities in the Middle East.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Ramy N. Marcos is a distinguished scholar and minister with a diverse background in philosophy and theology. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Cairo University and pursued theological studies at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo. 
Dr. Marcos furthered his education with a Master of Sacred Theology from Yale Divinity School and a Ph.D. in Interreligious Studies from Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. His research focuses on the historical interactions between Evangelical and Coptic communities in Egypt, as exemplified in his book, “The Emergence of the Evangelical Egyptians: A Historical Study of the Evangelical-Coptic Encounter and Conversion in Late Ottoman Egypt, 1854-1878.”
Registration:
Attendance is free, but registration is required. Please complete the registration form below to secure your spot. For additional information, contact Dr. Chris Shumate, the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Campus Minister at Tusculum University. You can reach him via email at cshumate@tusculum.edu or by phone at (423) 636-7300, extension 5316.
Campus Ministries provides opportunities for students, faculty and staff to explore their faith in greater depth and participate in multiple programs that enable them to grow in their faith. Tusculum family members who are struggling with their faith or have no faith still receive support and are encouraged to share challenges they face with the campus minister.
By participating in the many available Campus Ministries programs, students, faculty and staff grow in their faith, build their character and discover their purpose and calling.