On Feb. 5, Dr. John Koessler, chair and professor of Pastoral Studies in Moody's Undergraduate School, received the 2013 Faculty Citation Award. The award was presented to Dr. Koessler by the Moody Bible Institute Alumni Association, during the Tuesday morning session of Moody's annual Founder's Week conference.

Each year, the Alumni Association honors a professor for his or her distinguished service to Moody's students. "Dr. Koessler is stellar in the classroom and has a resounding commitment to the training of students for the pastorate," said Dr. Larry Davidhizar, vice president and dean of the undergraduate school. "He has solidified the major with a strong internship program and assisted in the design and implementation of three new majors, including Women's Ministry, Church Planting, and Ministry to Victims of Sexual Exploitation."

Additionally, Dr. Koessler recently partnered with Moody Theological Seminary to build the innovative, five-year BA/MA program in Pastoral Ministry. He has chaired the Pastoral Studies department for the last 12 of his 20 years at Moody.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Koessler is a gifted writer. He has contributed to Today in the Word devotionals, had articles published in Christianity Today and has authored and served as general editor for more than 10 books. Dr. Koessler's book, Folly, Grace, and Power: The Mysterious Acts of Preaching (Zondervan, 2011), was recently named "Book of the Year" by PreachingToday.com in the "Preacher's Soul" category. He also edited The Moody Handbook of Preaching (Moody, 2008), which was a Moody faculty team effort.

Dr. Koessler started teaching at Moody in 1994 and holds a B.A. from Wayne State University, a M.A. and M.Div from Biblical Seminary, and a D.Min from Trinity International University.