HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 6, 2009 - Dr. Christopher A. Franks received tenure and has been promoted to associate professor of religion in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at High Point University. He previously served as assistant professor of religion.

Franks teaches the history of Christian thought, Biblical studies, ethics and religion in America. He specializes in the history of theology and ethics, especially ancient and medieval theology. In addition to teaching, he also serves as the pre-ministerial adviser, chair of the Global Studies Committee, and as a member of the Educational Policies and Information Technology Committees at HPU.

"It is an honor to be part of a church-related academic community that is always striving to be better here at High Point University," Franks says.

Franks holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in religion from Indiana University, and Master of Divinity and doctorate degrees from Duke University.

Franks came to HPU in 2004 and has published one book, three articles and numerous book reviews, along with presenting research at local, regional and national conferences. He is an ordained elder in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.

At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in a fun environment with caring people. HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with 3,700 undergraduate and graduate students from 50 countries and 44 states at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. It is ranked by US News and World Report No. 5 among comprehensive universities in the South and No. 1 in its category among up-and-coming schools. Forbes.com ranks HPU in the top 6 percent among "America's Best Colleges." HPU was included in The Chronicle of Higher Education's "Great Colleges to Work For" 2009 listings. The university offers 68 undergraduate majors, 40 undergraduate minors and seven graduate degree programs. It is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at www.highpoint.edu.