Dr. Stuart was an avid practitioner of developing connections and collaborating with others in the interest of formulating experiential learning for his students during his teaching stint at Greenville College in the 1970's. Jim reached to Saint Meinrad Seminary and Archabbey to construct a dialogical experience for students enrolled in his Basic Methods in Theology course. Having studied in Europe in the 1960’s, he was deeply influenced by the Ecumenical Movement which developed as a result of the Second Vatican Council. Committed to creating avenues for learning and dialogue between Protestants and Catholics, Jim forged a relationship with a sister institution which continues today, almost 50 years later, as a venue for both student and faculty learning. It has been my privilege to take two trips there annually for the better part of three decades, building on the relationships Dr. Stuart developed a half-century ago.
On a more personal note, Jim’s oral and written examinations (structured on the European model) were my most formidable tests as an undergraduate. They challenged me to think both broadly and deeply about the subject matter and honed my skills as both a speaker and writer. And, my trip with his class to Saint Meinrad in the spring of 1976, alongside the project I developed for the Religion Seminar on Ecumenism a year later, contributed mightily to my thirst for learning more about church history, in general, and monasticism, in particular. In addition, Dr. Stuart served as marriage counselor for many students, including Darlene and myself, and my wife claims that his course in Christian Ethics was probably the most stretching academic exercise she ever undertook.
On behalf of Darlene and myself, Jim's many former students here at Greenville, the faculty and the administration, we thank God for Dr. Stuart's ministry among us and send our condolences to his family.
Brian T. Hartley, Ph.D.
Dean of the Faculty and Chief Academic Officer
