Vila Announced as Inaugural Abila Endowed Chair at JBU, Fulbright Scholar
John Brown University has established the endowed Abila Chair in Archaeology and History of the Biblical World and named David Vila, Ph.D., distinguished professor of religion and philosophy, as the inaugural chair.
As chair, Vila will provide strategic leadership for the university’s archaeology and biblical history initiatives — including oversight of the Abila Archaeological Project, the Jordan Summer Studies Program, the Bible Lands Study Trip, the Abila Lectures in Biblical Archaeology and the on-campus Abila Museum.
“Helping students understand the Bible's historical and cultural context is an extremely important task,” Vila said. “This new chair will ensure not only that the work of the Abila Archaeological Project continues into the future, but also that students from JBU will continue to excavate and study in the lands of the Bible for generations to come.”
A generous donation from an anonymous donor helped fund the new chair, which ensures the long-term continuity and development of these programs, which have become key components of JBU’s academic offerings in biblical studies and historical theology.
Chair responsibilities may include leading summer excavations, coordinating international study experiences, mentoring students, and facilitating public lectures and exhibits on archaeological research.
The Abila Archaeological Project is centered at the ancient site of Abila of the Decapolis in northern Jordan, a location that has yielded valuable insights into the Greco-Roman and early Christian worlds. Through this project, students gain firsthand experience in archaeological fieldwork while engaging with the cultural and historical context of the biblical world.
Vila has been involved with the Abila excavation since 1990 and has led the project since 2008. He joined the JBU faculty in 1999 and launched the Jordan Summer Studies Program in 2006. A scholar of early Christian-Muslim relations, Vila holds a doctorate in historical theology from Saint Louis University and has published extensively on Arabic Christianity.
In addition to his appointment as chair, Vila has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar for the 2025–2026 academic year — his third Fulbright award. He will serve as an affiliated faculty member at the University of Jordan and work in partnership with the Department of Antiquities of Jordan to help develop long-term excavation and tourism strategies for the Abila of the Decapolis site.
“My selection as a Fulbright Scholar is a result of the strong support and encouragement that JBU has given me over the years,” Vila said. “I’m deeply honored by this opportunity and look forward to a meaningful season of collaboration with my Jordanian students and colleagues.”
Vila’s previous Fulbright grants include a Junior Researcher award in 1995–1996 to study Arabic and early Christian-Muslim relations and a 2006–2007 Scholar award to teach and research at the University of Jordan.
"Dr. Vila’s passion for biblical archaeology has inspired many students, and the Abila Chair ensures that his vision for immersive, faith-informed learning — both in the classroom and in the field — will shape JBU’s academic life for years to come," said Rob Norwood, vice president for academic affairs.
For more information about the Abila Archaeological Project and related programs, visit www.jbu.edu/abila.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 42 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers over 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, business, computer science, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Eighteen graduate degrees are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, and education.
