December 1, 2024
Dear NEAS member,
I just returned from our 2025 annual conference in San Diego, California. Attendance at our sessions was the best I have ever seen. Our members’ strong presentations likely drove the attendance. Our keynote speaker, Peter van der Veen from Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, covered the Berlin Pedestal Relief and the Mt. Ebal Inscription. Notably, Clyde Billington, former NEAS president, completed his term on the Board of Directors and choose not to serve another term. Suzanne Lattimer remains on the Board, but she resigned her Treasurer duties after thirteen years in that role. We elected Dan Lawless to replace Suzanne. Thank you, Clyde and Suzanne, for your years of service. At the request of NEASB editor Titus Kennedy, we also updated the NEASB Editorial Board which now consists of the following members: Michael Grisanti, Mark Hassler, Dale Manor, Randall Price, Boyd Seevers, Scott Stripling, and Rodger Young.
Edwin Yamauchi Festschrift
At the 2023 annual meeting you commissioned a Festschrift to honor former president Edwin Yamauchi on his upcoming 90th birthday. Mark Hassler, Clyde Billington, and I are serving as editors. We announced at this year’s meeting that T&T Clark has agreed to publish the Festschrift. We will devote 2025 to writing and editing, with a goal of publication in 2027. The title is Scripture in Its Material and Literary Context: Historical, Archaeological, and Cultural Correlations.
Membership Renewal
About 150 of our 350 members have not yet renewed their memberships for 2025. If you fall into that category, please renew ASAP at neasociety.org. Membership Chair Abigail Van Huss is happy to assist you as needed. Benefits of NEAS membership include the following:
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Physical copies of ARTIFAX and NEASB delivered in the mail.
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Access to back issues of ARTIFAX, NEASB, and Bible & Spade through the website.
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Opportunity to submit paper proposals and present research at the annual meeting.
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Ability to vote on society issues at the annual meeting (for professional and student members only).
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Support Christian, evangelical research in the lands of the Bible.
NEAS Scholarships
Last year we awarded our first scholarships. These went to three graduate students who participated in the Shiloh excavation. The students were profoundly grateful for our help. Please join me in donating to this year’s campaign before February 1, 2025. Those applying for scholarship assistance should do so before March 1, 2025, and we will announce the awards around March 15, 2025.
I hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday celebration surrounded by family and friends. If you need anything, please let me know.
Digging the Bible,
Scott