Dr. Dongjae Jun on the DBU campus in Dallas

Seeing the Lord Through Creation: Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Dongjae Jun Joins the DBU Family

Dr. Dongjae Jun joined the DBU Family this semester as the newest member of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He brings his expertise in life science, fused with his love for the Lord, into the classroom.

Dr. Debbye Garner teaching in the Collins Learning Center on the DBU Campus in Dallas

DBU Welcomes Dr. Debbye Garner, Program Director of Master of Education in School Counseling and Master of Education in Teaching

Dr. Debbye Garner brings her passion for people and her expertise in counseling to the College of Education. As a lifelong student, she is honored to impart her wisdom to DBU students.

DBU's Newest Faculty Members Join University Hill

New Full-Time Faculty

We are blessed to have new faculty members join the DBU Family 2024-2025 school year who bring their expertise in business, science, leadership, and more.

DBU Staff Member Mitch Bennett after running a half-marathon in all 50 states

DBU Staff Member and Alumnus Mitch Bennett Finishes Running a Half Marathon in All 50 States

Mitch Bennett challenged himself to run a half marathon in every state. This summer, he finished his journey by running in Alaska.

DBU Professor of Psychology Dr. Jennifer Burgess on the DBU campus

Using the Teachings of Jesus to Treat Mental Health: DBU Professor of Psychology Dr. Jennifer Burgess

Dr. Jennifer Burgess recently joined the DBU Family. She brings her expertise in mental health and psychology, along with her heart for servant leadership, into her classroom to teach her students how to serve with a Biblical heart.

Dr. Mary Nelson and Dr. Gary Cook debuting the new book "Miracles on University Hill" in the Great Hall on the DBU campus in Dallas

Dr. Mary Nelson and Dr. Gary Cook Debut New Book: "Miracles on University Hill"

DBU Chancellor Dr. Gary Cook and Dr. Mary Nelson collaborated to author a book chronicling the history of DBU during Dr. Cook's time as President.

Dr. Joshua Longmire on the DBU campus in Dallas.

Introducing Dr. Joshua Longmire, Assistant Professor of Leadership and Director of the M.A. in Leadership and M.A. in International Relations

Dr. Joshua Longmire joined the DBU Family last year. He serves as Assistant Professor of Leadership and the Director of the M.A. in Leadership and M.A. in International Relations. The Lord graciously led Dr. Longmire to DBU to equip the next generation of leaders.

Headshot of Dr. Cicely Jefferson, Dean of the College of Business at Dallas Baptist University

Dr. Cicely Jefferson Named Dean, DBU College of Business

DBU announced that Dr. Cicely S. Jefferson has been named Dean of the College of Business. Dr. Jefferson brings extensive experience and vision to her new position as dean, and she will enhance DBU’s longstanding commitment to upholding the highest regard for academic scholarship while challenging students to apply faith and biblical values in the marketplace.

Susie Cassel receiving the award for Staff Member of the Year from DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright in the Hillcrest Great Hall on the DBU Campus

Susie Cassel Named 2024 DBU Staff Member of the Year

Susie Cassel, Director of International Student Services, was named DBU Staff Member of the Year at the annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon.

professor grace paterson on the dbu campus in dallas

Meet DBU's Newest Professor of Accounting, Grace Paterson

Professor Grace Paterson joined the DBU Family this past fall, and she shares her passion for equipping students academically, professionally, and spiritually.

professor dana wicker standing outside on the DBU campus in Dallas

Meet Dr. Dana Wicker, Director of the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling Program

Dr. Dana Wicker shares her story of how the Lord developed a passion for ministering to people through the world of counseling.

Dr. Jeremiah Johnston standing with Dr. Adam C. Wright

Dr. Jeremiah Johnston Named Senior Fellow for Christian Origins at the IGE

Dr. Jeremiah Johnston will serve the IGE by editing an academic journal, expanding the reach of DBU, and engaging with students by teaching classes and speaking in chapel services.

business professor bob reader

Assistant Professor of Business Bob Reader Joins the DBU Family

Bob Reader joins the College of Business and brings a deep passion for integrating the Word of God into the world of business.

dbu chapel

Theology Matters

Introducing Tina Braswell, Program Assistant, and Madison Miller, Student Worker.

joshua brown

DBU's Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities: Dr. Joshua Brown

Dr. Joshua Brown joins the DBU Faculty with a commitment to teaching students how to hone their musical talents with excellence and bring honor to the Lord and Giver of music.

headshot of Kenneth Koester standing outside in Dallas

Assistant Professor of Digital Art and Graphic Design Kenneth Koester Joins the DBU Faculty

Professor Koester balances setting a high bar of expectation in the classroom with encouragement that quality design is possible and attainable for each student. Read more about one of DBU’s newest faculty members.  

julie leslie headshot

Waging Hope: New Faculty Member Dr. Julie Leslie, Her Husband Gary, and Their Cancer Story

Dr. Julie Leslie recently joined the DBU Faculty as Director of Research for the Ed.D., K-12 program. In 2016, she and her husband Gary began the difficult journey in a fight against his life-threatening pancreatic cancer.

jodi grimes headshot

Dr. Jodi Grimes - DBU's 2023 Piper Outstanding Professor

The DBU Faculty Council recently voted Dr. Jodi Grimes to receive the 2023 Piper Outstanding Professor Award.

julia hyman

Dr. Julia Hyman Joins DBU Faculty as Assistant Professor of Education

Dr. Hyman is no stranger to DBU but is new to the full-time family in her role as Assistant Professor of Education. She brings a passion for teaching, training educators, and views the classroom as her mission field.

Dr. Mary Nelson presenting at the Friday Symposium in Dallas

Leadership and the Power of Writing: Friday Symposium Featuring Dr. Mary Nelson of the Cook School of Leadership

Dr. Mary Nelson, Director of the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, recently spoke to students and faculty about the leadership that Dietrich Bonhoeffer exercised through his writing, especially during the difficult days of his incarceration by the Nazi Third Reich.

new faculty

New Full-Time Faculty

Several new full-time faculty joined the DBU Family for the 2023-2024 year. Dallas Baptist University is excited to see them guide students in various fields.

Dr. Norma Hedin, DBU Provost, speaking at faculty workshops

DBU Faculty Workshops Engage AI and Digital Learning Technologies

As a part of their ongoing faculty training and development, DBU full-time attended annual workshops prior to the start of the school year. This year’s theme was about "Igniting Engagement: Empowering Faculty and Students for Academic Success."

faculty publications

DBU Faculty Publications 2022-23

A list of featured publications from our esteemed faculty for the 2022-23 academic year.

Summer Reading

Faculty and Staff Summer Reading

Check out what books are currently on the DBU Faculty and Staff summer reading lists.

Dr. Cook at Pulpit

Chancellor Dr. Gary Cook Presented with Honorary Doctorate at Spring Convocation

Dallas Baptist University was honored to present Dr. Gary Cook, Chancellor and former President of 28 years, with an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity during the Spring Convocation service. Together, the DBU Family celebrates the past 35 years of Dr. Cook's service to DBU and looks forward to the years to come.

Dr. Son

Equipping the Next Generation of Biblical Scholars: Dr. Aaron Son Returns to University Hill

After 14 years of serving the Lord in different capacities, DBU is excited to welcome Dr. Aaron Son back to campus as he assumes his role as a Professor of Biblical Studies.

Dr. Henry leading breakout session discussion at Christian Leadership Summit

DBU Hosts Ninth Annual Christian Leadership Summit

This past month, the Gary Cook School of Leadership hosted over 100 individuals on campus for this year's Christian Leadership Summit.

Dr. Horn

Showing Christ in All Things: DBU Welcomes Dr. Brian Horn to College of Education Faculty Team

“Regardless of what I am teaching, I hope to approach its application through a Christ-centered lens. I challenge my students to do the same,” Dr. Brian Horn says. “A teacher’s students must be able to see Christ in their actions and reactions; only then will students want to know more about what is different in you.”

BIC Winners

2022 Big Idea Challenge Awards Glatzl, Rodriguez, and Cook with 1st Place for "Our Journey"

After screening 120 applicants and hosting our annual on-campus competition, Dallas Baptist University proudly named Morgan Glatzl, Marina Rodriguez, and Tiara Cook the 2022 Big Idea Challenge champions.

Sue Kavli and Steve Kavli

DBU Honors Dr. Sue Kavli as 2022 Piper Outstanding Professor of the Year

Dallas Baptist University is proud to announce Dr. Sue Kavli as the 2022 Piper Outstanding Professor of the Year.

Chapel

Dr. Stephen Mansfield Named Dean, DBU College of Business

Dallas Baptist University is proud to appoint Dr. Stephen Mansfield as the new Dean of the College of Business and Senior Advisor to the President for Strategic Initiatives.

Mark Brown

Seeing Criminal Justice through the Lens of Scripture: DBU Welcomes Mark Brown as Director of William B. Dean M.D., Institute for Criminal Justice Leadership

From his background in vocational ministry to his career in law enforcement, the Lord has been preparing Mark Brown throughout his life to assume his new role on University Hill. Now, DBU is excited to welcome Prof. Brown as the Director of William B. Dean M.D., Institute for Criminal Justice Leadership.

Dr. Wade and Rosemary

Introducing MAGL Adjunct Professor Dr. Charles Wade

The Master of Arts in Global Leadership is thrilled to welcome new Adjunct Professor Dr. Charles Wade and his wife Rosemary to the DBU Family.

Dr. R. Keith Loftin

DBU’s Philosophy, Politics, Economics Program Welcomes Dr. R. Keith Loftin as Director and Professor of Philosophy

DBU's new Director of the Philosophy, Politics, Economics Program Dr. R. Keith Loftin shares his heart for the study of PPE, love of academia as mission, and vision for DBU's PPE program.

Dallas buildings

“The Impact of Perceived Fairness in the Workplace” with Dr. Kimberly Bates, Assistant Professor of Accounting

During the Friday Symposium held on September 16th, students were able to learn from DBU Assistant Accounting Professor Dr. Kimberly Bates as she shared what she has found while pioneering research in the field of perceived fairness in the workplace.

New faculty photo

DBU Welcomes 7 New Faculty Members to Campus

Dallas Baptist University is excited to welcome seven new faculty members to guide our students in a variety of different fields on campus.

Students in classroom

The Virtue of Curiosity

Dr. Travis Dickinson explores the importance and value of curiosity from a biblical standpoint and encourages students to pursue intellectual curiosity in order to more closely know our Savior.

Scott Jeffries in library

Scott Jeffries: Helping Students Pursue Excellence through Scholarly Research

“Students have spent their entire lives with ‘good enough’ research. God wants us to pursue excellence and that includes excellence in scholarship and information discovery. The library and its electronic resources are the closest way that our students are going to get to the truth in many subject areas." (Scott Jeffries, Director of the DBU Library)

Dr. O'Brien

Accepting God's Invitation: Dr. Ross O'Brien

Dr. Ross O'Brien serves as the Director of the Center for Business as Mission and as a Professor of Management at Dallas Baptist University. Today, we sit down with Dr. O'Brien as he gives insight into why he chooses to teach and his goal for each student that sits in his classroom.

Dr. Mark Alexander

Master of Arts in Global Leadership Program Welcomes Dr. Mark Alexander

Dallas Baptist University welcomes Dr. Mark Alexander as the new Master of Arts in Global Leadership Program Director.

Marcus Wood

DBU Welcomes Coach Marcus Wood as Women's Head Soccer Coach

Dallas Baptist University is excited to welcome Coach Marcus Wood to the Patriot Family as he steps into the role of Women's Head Soccer Coach.

Professor Rick Jordan

Teaching to Transform: DBU Welcomes Rick Jordan as Full-Time Professor of Management

As he steps into his new full-time roll on campus as a Professor of Management, Professor Rick Jordan is excited to share his story and heart for both teaching and the business world to the Patriot Family.

Dr. Gus Reyes

Texas Hispanic Leader Gus Reyes Serves at DBU

DBU welcomes former Baptist General Convention of Texas Director Dr. Gus Reyes into the DBU Family to serve as the first Director of Hispanic Partnerships on campus.

Dr. Cicely Jefferson photo

Bridging the Gap Between Business and Faith: DBU Welcomes Dr. Cicely S. Jefferson as Assistant Professor of Business Law

After her time spent as a student, DBU adjunct faculty member, full-time church staff member, and litigator, the DBU Family welcomes Dr. Cicely Jefferson onto the full-time faculty team here at DBU.

Dr. Becky Morrison

Dr. Becky Morrison: How God Turned Her Career into a Calling

DBU welcomes Dr. Becky Morrison to the Patriot family as she serves as a new Associate Professor of Music Education in the College of Fine Arts.

Linam Honorary

Dr. Gail Linam Awarded Honorary Doctorate at December Commencement

At a December 2021 Commencement service, DBU honored Dr. Gail Linam for over 30 years of academic leadership and service at the University

children with boxes

DBU's Annual Christmas Tradition of Giving

For over 25 years, DBU has partnered with Operation Christmas Child to pack, collect, and send over 75,000 boxes filled with the gospel message to children around the globe.

Veterans Lunch Photo

DBU Honors Local Veterans at 2021 Veterans Day Luncheon

Dallas Baptist University took time to honor those who risked their lives for our freedom and safety at the 2021 Veterans Day Luncheon on campus.

Cyndy and Harim

Commissional Corner: November 2021

This month's Commissional Corner highlights Cyndy and Harim Jung. Cyndy is thrilled to work at the Graduate School of Ministry and continue her studies as a Doctor of Education candidate at DBU. Her husband Harim continues to faithfully serve as an Assistant Director of Global Recruitment at the International Admissions and Immigration office on campus.

Dr. Mitchell signing his book

DBU Celebrates the Release of Dr. Philip Mitchell’s "The Shared Witness of C.S. Lewis and Austin Farrer"

The DBU Family joins together to congratulate Dr. Philip Mitchell on the release of his new book entitled "The Shared Witness of C.S. Lewis and Austin Farrer."

Dr. Karen Alexander

Dr. Karen Alexander Recognized as Dallas Baptist University’s Piper Outstanding Professor of the Year

DBU is proud to honor Dr. Karen Alexander as the Piper Outstanding Professor of the Year, acknowledging all of her hard work and dedication throughout her nearly ten years serving and instructing on the Hill.

Dr. Arnott, Dr. Johnson, and Dr. Saydometov

DBU's Dr. Dave Arnott, Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, & Dr. Sergiy Saydometov Debut Institute for Christian Economics

The Institute for Christian Economics is a platform created by Dr. Dave Arnott, Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, and Dr. Sergiy Saydometov to help Christians engage in the world of economics in a biblical manner.

Photo of Dr. Dickinson

Diving Deep into Philosophy and Apologetics: DBU Welcomes Dr. Travis Dickinson to DBU Family

DBU welcomes Dr. Travis Dickinson into the DBU family. Dr. Dickinson is a professor of philosophy, a lover of apologetics, and is eager to begin pouring into students on campus.

New Fall 2021 Faculty

DBU Welcomes New Faculty Members

DBU welcomed eight new full-time faculty members to University Hill, bringing a love for students and a breadth of knowledge and expertise to various disciplines.

hand holding book

Biblical Economic Policy: A Useful Guide to a Christian Perspective on Economics

Dr. Dave Arnott and Dr. Sergiy Saydometov wrote a book to help Christians navigate how to engage biblically in the world of economics.

Marlon Rios Headshot

Higher Education Changed His Life: DBU Ph.D. Student and Director of Recruitment for Military & Veteran Services - Marlon Iván Ríos

Marlon Ivan Rios is currently a DBU Ph.D. Student and faithfully serves as the Director of Recruitment for Military & Veteran Services at DBU.

staff and students standing in front of national cemetery

Memorial Day 2021: ROTC Commemorates the Life of Lt. Michael P. Murphy

DBU faculty and staff Captain Lee Bratcher and Dr. Ross O'Brien hosted a Murph Challenge workout in honor of Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy for ROTC cadets at DBU's Soccer Field and Old Intramural Field.

Bob Doll

Marketplace Leader Bob Doll Speaks at Annual Gallup Lecture Series

A Christian leader in the marketplace with over 40 years of portfolio management expertise and numerous appearances on major news networks, Bob Doll spoke at this year's annual Gallup Lecture Series.

“My role is to challenge students to continue to strive for excellence in their craft by teaching them skills, by instilling in them high artistic standards, and encouraging them to grow in self-confidence in their craft and for their lives.” Dr. Uriah Rinzel serves as an assistant professor of music theory, composition, and songwriting in DBU’s College of Fine Arts. Dr. Rinzel leads and instructs his students with the utmost zeal, viewing music as “a powerful means of spreading the Gospel.” Dr. Rinzel passes this passion down to those he teaches in hopes that one day, they too may use their talents to make the Lord known. When Dr. Rinzel was sixteen, his father bought him his first electric guitar. Naturally, Dr. Rinzel immediately started a rock band with his school friends and also began playing for his church. He says “carrying my violin or guitar on the bus was a natural conversation starter.” When asked by his bus driver what he’d like to do as a career, Dr. Rinzel confidently responded “I want to be a musician.”  Dr. Rinzel’s passion would contain an immense amount of hard work and a strong dose of luck- he says “I knew this from my dad’s experience playing in several rock and fusion bands in the 70’s.” Determined to make his dreams a reality, Dr. Rinzel worked throughout his high school years to learn as much as he could about scales, chords, improvisation, patch-work, and songwriting. He recalls that when he received his first acoustic guitar, he “couldn’t put it down.” Dr. Rinzel had found his calling and it was not something he took lightly.  After high school, Dr. Rinzel began his personal journey of pursuing an extensive music education. He received an Advanced Diploma in Worship and Technical Arts from the Christ for the Nations Institute. While at CFNI, Dr. Rinzel joined the praise band led by Klaus Keuhn. Here he quickly learned how to memorize diverse set lists of worship and gospel songs and developed his improvisation skills even deeper. This is also when Dr. Rinzel really began writing, recording, and producing music. He started his time at DBU as an undergrad and received his Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition in 2012 with hopes of one day teaching collegiate musicians. Following this, Dr. Rinzel attended Southwestern Methodist University where he obtained both his Master of Music in Composition and his Master of Music in Theory Pedagogy. Finally, Dr. Rinzel has recently received his Doctorate in Musical Arts in Composition from Texas Christian University in 2019. Currently, Dr. Rinzel teaches courses mainly in music theory, but also instructs in the areas of applied composition and music business. When Dr. Rinzel was first brought on board at DBU as an adjunct professor, he taught Advanced Songwriting Techniques, an upper level music business course. He says “my favorite part (of his job) is seeing how proud students are at the end of the course when they realize how much work they have accomplished and the skills that they developed.” Dr. Rinzel takes his position at DBU very seriously. He shares his strategy through the courses he teaches is to “equip each student with a modern take on comprehensive musicianship including engagement with the main streams of music study: classical, jazz, and pop; and relating them to the technical side as well: acoustics, signal processing, and digital audio.” He goes on to say “my role as instructor in Christian higher education is to model, challenge, and mentor. My role is to model excellence in artistry, a professional output that engages culture, and character befitting a Christian leader.” He expresses that, though he loves teaching in class, the most fulfilling part of his role takes place during lessons and his office hours. “Being able to encourage, challenge, and help students find their way is a large part of why teaching at DBU isn’t just a job for me, it’s a vocation.”  Outside of the classroom, Dr. Rinzel is hard at work creating unique and exciting music of his own. From his oratorio “Revealed: Visions of Jesus in the End Times” which includes post-tonal methods paired with math metal to his Requiem Mass “Grant Us Rest” containing blends of medieval sacred sounds with folk and minimalism to his rock and pop songs, Dr. Rinzel’s music covers a variety of different styles, genres, and instrumentation. All of Dr. Rinzel’s music, though, is bonded by one main goal: “to engage the relationship between my classical background and training with rock and pop music.”  Dr. Rinzel met his wife, Abby, at Gateway Church where he served in the worship department from 2008-2018. They were married at Hunter’s Glen Baptist Church in Plano in 2015. Together, the Rinzel family has one son, Michael, who is nearly 2 years old. The family now partners with Venture Church in Keller. DBU is grateful for dedicated teachers like Dr. Rinzel whose goal is to provide students with both a Christian education and the tools needed to succeed in their careers. Dr. Rinzel’s personal aim as a professor is one that spreads across DBU’s campus: “to encourage students in their individual strengths, providing timely advice for their career and vocational goals, artistic opportunities, and life beyond higher education.”

Alumnus Returns to DBU as Music Professor: Dr. Uriah Rinzel

Dr. Uriah Rinzel recently joined the full-time faculty as Assistant Professor of music theory, composition, and songwriting in the College of Fine Arts.

Students studying

Helping Students See Who They Want to Be

MEDHE Program Director, Tish Hearne, discusses the importance of diversity within the school curriculum and how it is needed in order to reflect the historical contributions made by communities of color.

Symposium

God on the Brain: DBU Faculty Panel Discusses Intersection of Faith, Psychology, and Biology

At a recent Friday Symposium, DBU professors engaged in an interdisciplinary conversation on issues related to faith and contemporary neuroscience.

DBU's New Director of the MBA - Dr. Jonathan Wilson

DBU's New Director of the MBA - Dr. Jonathan Wilson

From Zimbabwe to Texas, Dr. Wilson brings a wealth of global experience and business insight to the MBA program, positioning the University for a great future ahead in one of DBU's most sought after degrees.

MLK Day

DBU Honors the Legacy of Dr. King through Service and Unity Walk

DBU faculty, staff, and students, celebrated the 5th annual MLK Unity Walk on University Hill.

Blanton Feaster

Equipping Discipleship Leaders and Student Ministers - Dr. Blanton Feaster

With a heart for the local church and training its future leaders, learn more about one of DBU's newest professors serving in the Graduate School of Ministry.

Masters Higher Ed Tish Hearne

DBU's M.Ed. in Higher Education Online Program Recognized

Dallas Baptist University was recently recognized among the top affordable Master’s in Higher Education online programs by Best Colleges Online. Mrs. Tish Hearne serves as the Program Director.

BSM Director Eric Bean

DBU's Baptist Student Ministry Director: Eric Bean

The pandemic has made Eric’s role as BSM Director unique and challenging, but it has not stopped his intent to actively engage students to become catalysts for changing the world.

Mark Hale

Associate Provost Dr. Mark Hale Reflects on Navigating DBU through the Pandemic

Dr. Mark Hale and a team of other campus leaders employed existing structures and innovated new methods to guide DBU through the pandemic.

Crisis Classes

Special Topics Courses Equip Students to Lead in Crises

The words crises, pandemic, shutdowns, frustration, unemployment, and more have been at the top of world-wide news. In response, DBU provided a series of special topics courses that empowered students to develop a biblically informed approach towards COVID-19 and other crises leaders may face.

Commissional Corner

The Commissional Corner: Ministry Reimagined

This year we experienced the reality of virtual ministry. Although there are still a few kinks to work out, we are thankful for all of the good that God has done in the midst of COVID-19. We asked MAGL professor Dr. Mark Alexander how this particular season has impacted ministry inside and outside of his classroom.

Jim Hutchinson

Painting an Unbidden Narrative

Jim Hutchinson's career in art has included illustrating maps for Abeka books as a college student to refining his art in New York to now serving at DBU.

Bob Brooks

Dr. Bob Brooks: Glorifying Christ through the Musical Arts

The church's musical influence was what planted the seeds of an incredible and unexpected artistic career for Dr. Brooks.

Todd

Prepared to Answer Faith's Hardest Questions

Along his vocational path, Dr. von Helms has encountered honest but common questions posed to the Christian faith by culture and recognized that young believers from evangelical backgrounds, much like he was, are not often prepared to handle them.

Library

The DBU Library is Here to Help

Library Director Scott Jeffries shares how the Library has been helping DBU Patriots during this time of online classes.

Dr. Jared Brandt

Dr. Jared Brandt Shares his Outlook on Faith and Education

We had a chance to chat with Dr. Brandt about his philosophy of education, the way he integrates faith into his academic discipline, and what he loves about being called by God to teach and mentor students at DBU.

Theology

Theology: Christ as Our Anchor

Dr. Jim Lemons, Director of the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program at DBU, encourages Patriots with truth from Hebrews 6: Christ is our anchor.

Dr. Matos

Trust: Key to Dealing with a Life Interrupted

Dr. Joseph Matos, professor of Biblical Studies at DBU, encourages Patriots to their trust in God, who is always present and continues to show himself faithful.

Dr. Daehnert

Spiritual Formation and Christian Ministry

Dr. Jan Daehnert has many years of experience ministering in and working for local churches. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Ministry and as Director of Ministry Guidance in the College of Christian Faith at DBU. Recently, we had a chance to ask Dr. Daehnert about a popular course he teaches every semester to undergrads entitled “Spiritual Formation and Christian Ministry.”

Zackary

Redeeming the "Extra" Time

While for many of us school and work continue virtually, we still have an intimidating amount of time on our hands. Resident Director of Spence, Lauren Zackary, shares with Patriots how this time can be redeemed.

Alexanders

The Commissional Corner: Meet our Faculty

Drs. Mark and Karen Alexander are full-time faculty members here at DBU. They have both taught classes for our MAGL program. This semester alone, Dr. Mark Alexander is teaching Introduction to Missiology, Chronological Bible Storying and CT: Urban Church Planting. Dr. Karen Alexander is teaching Literature of East Asia.

KayLyn Hopper Category

Becoming a Cross Cultural Witness

Through each course, she teaches and each speaking engagement she is a part of, Professor Kaylyn Hopper is able to demonstrate how Christians can share their faith cross-culturally and preach the gospel to all nations.

Christine Jones

Faithful in Every Footnote

Faithful in every footnote is the phrase that was scripted above Dr. Christine Jones's desk as a doctoral student. While she worked on her dissertation, those words would morph into her personal outlook on education.

Theology

Meet the M.A. in Theological Studies Program Director

We're hoping to better inform you about what's happening in the program as well as our Graduate School of Ministry. To kick things off, meet your MATS Program Director.

Dr. Mary Nelson - Category List Thumbnail

Crossing Paths, Crossing Stories

For every anxious or drifting student who walks into Dr. Mary Nelson's office, ready to withdraw from their programs at any moment’s notice, she sees an image her younger self knew all too well.

Shermain

Faculty Profile: Shermain Reed

The Lord has given Shermain many experiences that have prepared her for her current role at DBU as the Director of Financial Aid.

Dr. Norma Hedin, Provost,  with new faculty members

New Faculty Join the DBU Family

This fall ten faculty members will join the DBU family coming alongside current faculty and staff as they teach and mentor in various fields – equipping students for their respective callings.

Carter Willis

Welcome Home

As the summer gives way to the start of a new fall semester, DBU asked faculty member Carter Willis to lend advice to incoming Patriots.

A women is standing with a few books.

Faculty Friday: Dr. Jodi Grimes

Dr. Jodi Grimes passionately serves in a variety of roles on campus. As an English professor, an academic advisor, and a co-sponsor for programs like Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, and DOXA Literary Circle, she invests both time and energy into each area of service.

A DBU Faculty Member is handing a box to young boy.

DBU Faculty Member Delivers Gifts with Operation Christmas Child

Every Christmas season, the colorful shoeboxes line our churches, our schools, and our homes. For more than three decades, the work of Operation Christmas Child has become an integral part of our national consciousness, and on the DBU campus, it is no different.

A picture of Dr. Kathleen Watts smiling.

Faculty Profile: Dr. Kathleen Watts

Dr. Kathleen Watts, an adjunct professor for the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program, has served at DBU since the fall of 2013 and has been a part of Christian education since 1981.

Two ladies standing together holding a plaque.

Why I Love Being a Teacher

Valentine’s Day serves as an annual challenge to intentionally care for those around us. Developing a servant’s heart and awareness for the needs of our surrounding community is difficult. Yet, teachers approach this task on a daily basis. Every day, teachers around the world spend hours in the classroom demonstrating love and a commitment to the development of upcoming generations.

Dr. Ross O'Brien fellowships with students at a table at Chick-fil-a on campus

The Great Commission for the Rest of Us

Pastors and mission organization spokespersons often quote Jesus’ final words to his disciples in Matthew 28 as a challenge to those called by God to serve him in a foreign land as vocational missionaries. A person’s final words before departing carry significant weight and Jesus’ final words to his disciples are no different.

A panel discusses culture on the stage of the Vertias event

Engaging Culture on the Hill

The world is flooded with thoughts and opinions about everything imaginable, from political debates and racial tension to current diet trends and vaccinations. Why, then, should believers engage in conversations about culture? How does a university like DBU do this without just becoming another voice in the sea of many?

Books stacked on a table next to DBU Coffeehouse coffee

From the Bookshelves of DBU Leadership

Have you ever wondered what our DBU leadership team is reading in their spare time? Take a peek into their current reading lists with a few of their favorite book picks!

A girl scrolls through webpages on her smartphone

Click Nation

Miley isn’t the only one coming in like a wrecking ball. Today, we live and move in an internet world where one savage destroys another snowflake, the ghost of Hitler looms in the other person’s position, animals play instruments, and the most amazing thing you will ever see comes at you three times a day, every day.

Lee Bratcher, Program Director, Master of Arts in International Studies; Assistant Professor of Political Science; Program Coordinator, PPE Program (Cook School of Leadership).

Faculty Profile - Lee Bratcher

Meet Lee Bratcher! He is the Director of DBU’s Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) program, which is designed to equip leaders for service in a broad array of multicultural contexts, including for-profit business, non-profit/non-governmental organizations, diplomacy, and government.

Coach Flickner walks his team through a play during a time-out

Game-Changers: Coach Flickner

Athletics is an intense environment. Competition can run high as coaches seek to push every last ounce of effort out of an athlete, and athletes seek to push themselves beyond the limit. In such a high-stress, and oftentimes self-focused, environment, how can a Christian maintain their witness and still thrive?

A Bible rests on the dining table with the sunrise peeking through the window

Grounded, Surrounded, and Astounded

Sixteen years ago, I stood in your shoes. It was the summer awaiting my first semester at DBU. I ran the full gamut of emotions—excited about exercising my own independence, anxious regarding making new friends, fearful about whether or not I could pass my classes (and pay my bills!), overwhelmed in the layout of the campus and location of buildings, and the list goes on.

Dr. Mike Williams lectures a group of students

Why Study History?

Why do I love history? Why do I find it necessary within modern education?

Chief Brown addresses the graduating class of 2018 from the chapel podium

DBU Honors Leading Pastor in India, Former Dallas Police Chief During May Commencement Service

Dallas Baptist University celebrated its 698 graduates during its May Commencement services, held on Thursday, May 10 and Friday, May 11, in the Patty and Bo Pilgrim Chapel on DBU’s campus.

Sarah Edwards, a staff member, holds up a photo of her favorite memory from a travel study with DBU

Highlights from the #ShareDBU Campaign

During the month of April, we called upon our faculty, staff, alumni, and students to help us #ShareDBU! More specifically, we asked for our DBU community to share their favorite moments or memories from their time as a Patriot on social media.

Tempress Asagba, Dean of Students

Dr. Tempress Asagba, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Reflects on Time at DBU

Dr. Tempress Asagba first came to DBU as a freshman in the fall of 2004. When asked to share about her favorite moments, she focused almost entirely on the impact of mentoring on DBU’s campus.

Dr. and Mrs. Gary Cook (center) along with their sons (far left) Mark Cook and his wife Shannon and (far right) Dr. David Cook and his wife, Nicole.

DBU Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Chancellor Dr. Gary Cook

On Friday, April 6, Dallas Baptist University celebrated the 30 years of service at DBU by Dr. Gary Cook. For the past three decades, Dr. Cook has transformed DBU from a school whose doors were about to close to a university with worldwide impact.

Dr. Wes Moore sits in front of a Steinway piano on the chapel stage

Faculty Profile - Dr. Wes Moore

Meet Dr. Wes Moore! He is the Associate Dean for the College of Fine Arts. He also serves as the Chair of the Department of Music, as well as an Assistant Professor of Voice. The Department of Music seeks to educate students in order that they might engage the global music industry through transformational musical performance, scholarship, and service.

shareDBU

ShareDBU

In today’s culture, social media has become the outlet through which individuals are sharing their ideas, theirs values, and their stories. And we believe that your story is worth sharing, not only because it’s important to your friends and to your family, but because it has the ability to reflect how the power of Christ can transform our lives.

Dr. Christina Chen, Professor of Statistics and Chinese in the DBU College of Business

Faculty Profile - Dr. Christina Chen

Meet Dr. Christina Chen! She is a Professor of Statistics and Chinese in DBU’s College of Business (COB). The COB seeks to prepare students with both the tangible and intangible skills necessary for the global business environment. As a professor in the COB, Dr. Chen seeks to equip students through business and language courses.

Dr. Brent Thomason, Program Director of the M.A. in Global Leadership

Faculty Profile - Dr. Brent Thomason

Meet Dr. Brent Thomason, Director of the Master of Arts in Global Leadership program. The MAGL program aims to equip servant leaders to model Christ-like leadership in international and cross-cultural contexts. As the director of this program, Dr. Thomason trains students to be biblically and globally minded.

Dr. Adelita Baker, Program Director of the M.Ed. in Bilingual Education and M.Ed. in Reading and English as a Second Language programs

Faculty Profile - Dr. Adelita Baker

Meet Dr. Adelita Baker who teaches in the College of Education at Dallas Baptist University. DBU’s College of Education has gained national attention the past several years, as it has been recognized as being in the top 1% of elementary teacher preparation programs in the nation.

Dr. Daehnert encourages one of his students before chapel

A Challenge for 2018

The first day of classes this Spring semester, I had a student walk up to me and say the nicest thing to me—very encouraging for sure. I used to think that only a certain gracious personality (or someone with the “gift of encouragement”) could be encouraging, but I have decided it takes intentionality—to encourage on purpose.

Dr. Justin Gandy in front of a whiteboard displaying management tactics

Faculty Profile - Dr. Justin Gandy

Meet Dr. Justin Gandy, Associate Professor of Management and Faculty Sponsor of The Regiment, who teaches Management, Management Communication, Organizational Behavior, Social Entrepreneurship, Business Leadership, and Developing a Christian Mind.

The book, Luther on Leadership, displayed in the library

DBU Faculty Release Luther on Leadership

The fall of 2017 saw a unique excitement and dialogue around Martin Luther and his legacy with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Seven DBU faculty members and one alumnus joined together to enter into the conversation with a new publication entitled Luther on Leadership.

Dr. Nick Pitts addresses the audience from the podium in the Great Hall

Nick Pitts speaks at DBU as part of T.B. Maston Lecture Series

Dallas Baptist University’s Executive Director of the Institute for Global Engagement, Dr. Nick Pitts, spoke on campus as a part of the T.B. Maston Lecture Series.

Dr. Michelle Henry (left) as the new Chair of the English Department. Outgoing Chair Dr. Mary Nelson (right) - Dallas, Texas

DBU Makes New Academic Appointments

Dallas, TX – DBU is proud to announce the installation of Dr. Michelle Henry (left) as the new Chair of the English Department. Outgoing Chair Dr. Mary Nelson (right) has been named the new Program Director for the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies within the Cook School of Leadership. The moves will bolster both areas of the University through the diligence, expertise, and creativity of both Dr. Henry and Dr. Nelson.

A group stands in a vibrant yellow field of flowers in Asia

God is at Work

God At Work In My Life. I come from a missions family. My mom and dad both served overseas and worked closely with missionaries when they returned, so a significant portion of my life was spent in this missions context.

Dr. Mike Williams teaching - Dallas, TX

Dr. Mike Williams Steps Down after 10 Years as Editor of Texas Baptist History

Dr. Mike Williams, Professor of History at DBU, recently announced that he is stepping down as editor of Texas Baptist History, the journal of the Texas Baptist Historical Society.

Dr. Mark Bloom teaching students - Dallas, Texas

Dr. Mark Bloom Named DBU Faculty Member of the Year

Dr. Bloom joined the DBU family in August of 2012 after more than 18 previous years in higher education. During his time at DBU thus far, Dr. Bloom has instructed students in a variety of courses in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Education, as well as has served on the Educator Preparation Board since the fall of 2015.

Dr.Wright is standing on stage shaking hands with a man.

DBU Inaugurates New President Dr. Adam C. Wright

Dallas, TX – On Friday, September 9, DBU inaugurated its sixth President, Dr. Adam C. Wright during a special Inauguration Convocation held in the Patty and Bo Pilgrim Chapel on the DBU campus.

Dr. Wright is standing in front of trees, smiling.

Dr. Adam C. Wright Elected as President of DBU

Dallas, TX – The Dallas Baptist University Board of Trustees selected Dr. Adam C. Wright of Dallas, Texas, as president on Thursday, May 19.

Mitch Bennett stands with family and friends.

DBU Awards Honorary Doctorate to Mitch Bennett

Dallas, TX – Dallas Baptist University awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree to Mitch Bennett during the University’s Spring Commencement ceremony, held on May 13, 2016.

Marsha Pool | 1941-2015

DBU Mourns the Loss of Beloved Professor Marsha Pool

Dallas, TX – DBU mourns the loss of beloved professor, Marsha Pool. Professor Pool served at DBU as the school’s first Master Teacher and Professor of Mathematics. She passed away on November 3 from complications following a head injury that occurred on Sunday. She was 74 years old.