Degrees

  • ABD Ph.D. Philosophy, Southern Illinois University (1999)
  • M.A. Philosophy summa cum laude, University of Southern Mississippi (1997)
  • M.Div. summa cum laude, Reformed Theological Seminary (1994)
  • B.A. Biblical Studies cum laude, Westmont College (1988)

    • Experience

  • Lecturer in Ethics and Philosophy at Southern Illinois University
  • 12 years teaching
  • 4 years at Alma Heights Christian

    • What do you love about teaching?

    Teaching young people about God and his world is a high calling and a great privilege. I love to be a part of this work.

    What do you enjoy most about being at AHC?

    I love the students here. I especially enjoy seeing the vibrant student leadership.

    How did you end up becoming a teacher?

    I became a Christian at the end of my senior year in high school, and soon after that became involved in a campus ministry at college. It was through this that I began to sense the call to teach.

    How do you invest in the lives of young people outside of class?

    I have a pancake ministry. I cook pancakes for my own children on Saturday mornings, and every now and then I add some secret ingredients (like chocolate chips or blueberries) and invite some students over to eat. (See video below.)

    What's the funniest thing that's ever happened in one of your classes?

    My classes are never funny.

    Name some interesting places in the world you've visited

    The Bulgarian Black Sea; the carpet store on the south side of the bazaar of Istanbul; the Fern Grotto in Maui; the elevator shaft of The Empire State Building (we weren't exactly in it, but we did look down it)

    Name some interesting jobs you had before you became a teacher

    I sold fake perfume door to door for a day or two; I was a director of a camp and conference center; resident director at a college

    What's changed most since you were in high school?

    People wear their clothes lower than they used to.