Utah State University has received a one-point-five (M)million dollars grant to establish a chair in religious studies.
The program is geared toward understanding the world's major religions and its eventual goal is to offer a degree in religious studies.
The grant is from the Charles and Annaley Redd Foundation. Charles Redd carved out a ranching empire in southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado.
Hardy Redd said his father was a well-read, free-thinking Mormon who regarded his religion with affection but who subjected its practice and theology to rigorous examination.
He said a well-educated person ought to have a basic understanding of each of the world's great religions.