Religious Studies and Sociology Prof. Jeffrey K. Hadden died of pancreatic cancer on Sunday at the age of 66. Hadden was one of the country's leading experts on the study of new religions.
Religious Studies Department Chair Harry Gamble emphasized Hadden's dedication to his field.
"He was an excellent scholar and a fine citizen of the University," Gamble said. "We will certainly miss his presence."
In addition to teaching numerous courses on the sociology of religion, Hadden was a member of several renowned organizations. He worked to further the study of religion in both the American Academy of Religion and the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion.
Colleagues praised Hadden's passion to spread religious tolerance and freedom.
"The thing I admired about him was that he had strong convictions that he wasn't afraid to express," Sociology Prof. Paul Kingston said.
Kingston also commented on Hadden's commitment to his field.
"The other thing I admired about his scholarship was that he tried to make his work interesting to the public," he said.
Hadden was well known especially for bringing his study of new religions to the public via the Internet. Tim Miller, professor of religious studies at Hadden's alma mater, the University of Kansas, called this Hadden's greatest achievement.
"He was one of the first scholars to see the potential for the Web," Miller said.
Miller also spoke highly of Hadden's remarkable contributions to academics.
Hadden was "a true giant in our field," Miller said. "He was one of the world's leading authorities in new religions."
Hadden frequently included his students in his work as well. In past years, he and his students created a Web site providing a resource for information on all of the world's major religions, as well as emerging movements.
Created in the mid-90s, this site has worked to educate the public in almost all areas of religious studies, according to Miller.
"The Web site is absolutely the leading resource of its kind," he said.
Colleagues said Hadden will be missed for his overwhelming contribution to the University and for his warm personality.
"He was also a tremendously nice guy," Miller said.
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