CHESTNUT HILL -- Jesuit Father Richard J. Clifford, acting president of the Weston Jesuit School of Theology and renowned professor of the Old Testament, has been named the founding dean of the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, Boston College announced Nov.1.

The School of Theology and Ministry, which will begin holding classes in the fall of 2008, will include BC’s Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry, the online programs of BC’s Church in the 21st Century Program and the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, which is re-affiliating with Boston College after 33 years.

The new school will be located on the Brighton campus of Boston College.

Father Clifford said he welcomes the challenge of directing the new entity, given the promise it holds for the future as the mission of each of the previous entities will be broadened and enjoy richer resources.

“The coming together of so many dedicated faculty members, staff and students to build the school is a historic moment for Boston College. It is an unparalleled opportunity to advance the Gospel and serve the Church and academic community,” he said.

In addition to his 37 years of service to Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Father Clifford has served as a visiting lecturer at Harvard Divinity School, president of the Catholic Biblical Association and general editor of the Catholic Biblical Quarterly. He has also served as a consultor for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Liturgy, and chair of the Boston Theological Institute’s Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures Colloquium.

The author of seven books including “Psalms 1-72” and “Psalms 72-150,” published in 2002-2003, and “Proverbs: A Commentary,” published in 1999, Father Clifford has also published hundreds of articles and book segments.

The university is also conducting searches for associate deans of academic, student and administrative services.