Announcing the appointment, Fr. Appleyard said Muldoon will be involved in developing the content of programs for administrative staff and faculty focusing on the Jesuit and Catholic dimensions of the University's mission. He also will teach courses on Ignatian spirituality in the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program, and work with Campus Ministry and Intersections to plan an Ignatian leadership program for undergraduates.

In addition, Muldoon will develop an online journal about faith and contemporary issues for undergraduates and young adults.

Timothy Muldoon

"I'm delighted that Tim will be working with me," said Fr. Appleyard. "His theological background, his experience working with young adults, and his ability to communicate about faith issues are resources that will be very useful for the programs that we are developing."

Two years ago, Muldoon was named inaugural director of the Church in the 21st Century Center, an outgrowth of BC's Church in the 21st Century initiative that was launched in the fall of 2002 to assist the Catholic Church in exploring issues emerging from the clerical sex abuse crisis and the course for renewal.

As the center's director, Muldoon helped organize events, activities and programs to further the C21 mission. One popular example was "Agape Latte," a series of informal discussions on faith and spirituality for undergraduates with BC administrators and faculty.

"I have enjoyed being part of C21 for these past two years and hope that I have made some contribution to its success," said Muldoon, who voiced his appreciation for the Boston College community's cooperation and support in the success of C21. "I am confident that with the momentum we have created in recent months and years, it will continue to be a vibrant contribution to the life of the University and the Church."

Muldoon said he looked forward to his return to the classroom, and to working with faculty, staff and students in cooperation with Campus Ministry and Intersections.

"In my new role, I will have the opportunity to return to my first love, which is teaching. I will be an adjunct associate professor in the Honors Program, among whose graduates I am blessed to be included."

Muldoon also anticipates a resumption of his writing projects, notably his book Seeds of Hope: Young Adults and the Catholic Church in the United States, which Paulist Press will release in the spring.

Prior to coming to BC, Muldoon chaired the Department of Religious Studies, Philosophy and Theology at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pa. He has written and lectured widely on faith issues and young adults, spirituality, and marriage, and is the author of two books on spirituality for young adults.

Muldoon holds a master's degree in theology from Emory University and a doctorate in systematic theology from Duquesne University.

Robert Newton, special assistant to the president, who directed the C21 initiative during its first three years, will serve as interim director of C21 until a new director is named. Newton said he was confident that a robust schedule of C21 events would be in place for the fall.