David Vila, Ph.D., distinguished professor of religion and philosophy, is the first holder of the Abila Chair in Archeology and History of the Biblical World. Vila will lead initiatives like the Abila Archeological Project in Jordan, the Jordan Summer Studies Program, the Bible Lands Study Trip and the Abila Museum on campus. Funded by an anonymous gift, the chair supports biblical archeology experiences at JBU. Vila has led the Abila excavation since 2008 and has been involved since 1990. He will continue mentoring students and advancing JBU’s biblical studies. Additionally, he has received his third Fulbright Scholar award for 2025-2026 to work with the University of Jordan and the Department of Antiquities on excavation and tourism strategies for Abila of the Decapolis.
