George C. Heider

BIOGRAPHY

George C. Heider was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in Maryland. Following graduation from high school, he pursued a college and seminary curriculum of preparation for the Lutheran pastorate, culminating in his ordination in 1979.Earlier in that same year he married Carolyn Wolters; the couple have two adult children, Kristen and Matthew.He completed his Ph.D. at Yale University in Old Testament studies in 1984.

After serving for five years as an assistant pastor in Cheshire, CT, during his doctoral work, his academic career began at Concordia College in Seward, NE (Carolyn’s alma mater), where he served on the theology faculty fulltime for two and a half years before his appointment as Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1987.In 1994-1995 he was awarded an American Council on Education Fellowship, which he served at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA.During his fellowship year, he was elected president of Concordia University in River Forest, IL, and he served there for eight years.He was appointed Visiting Professor of Theology at Valparaiso in 2004, and, following three years in that role, was granted tenure as Associate Professor of Theology in 2007.He was promoted to Professor of Theology in 2013.He chaired the department from 2010 to 2017. Among his courses taught were three short-term study-abroad courses in the Holy Land.He retired from active faculty service in 2019 and now holds appointment as a Senior Research Professor of Theology.

EDUCATION

1979-84: Yale University, New Haven, CT (Ph.D., Old Testament)

[M.Phil. (1982) and M.A. (1980) earned in course]

1975-79: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (M.Div.)

1973-75: Concordia Sr. College, Fort Wayne, IN

(B.A. with High Distinction—4.0 CGPA)

1971-73: Concordia College, Bronxville, NY (A.A.)

CONTRIBUTIONS

Academic Professional Experience:

2019-present: Senior Research Professor of Theology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN

2013-2019:Professor of Theology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN

2010-2017:Chair, Department of Theology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN

2007-2013:Associate Professor of Theology (tenured), Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN

2004-2007:Visiting Professor of Theology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN

1995-2003:President, Concordia University, River Forest, IL

1987-1995:Executive Vice President for Academic Services, Concordia College, Seward, NE

1995:Professor of Theology, Concordia College, Seward, NE

1990-1994:Associate Professor of Theology, Concordia College, Seward, NE

1984-1989:Assistant Professor of Theology, Concordia College, Seward, NE

Summers, 1984, 1986-1987, 1993: Guest Instructor, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO

1982-1983:Part-time Acting Instructor, Yale Divinity School, New Haven, CT [Hebrew]

Other Professional Experience:

1984-present:Pulpit supply and worship planning and leadership, including long-term stints at Calvary/Messiah Lutheran Church, Lincoln, NE (1985-1987), St. John Lutheran Church, Seward, NE (1991-1993) and The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Elk Grove Village, IL (2005-2006)

1979-1984:Assistant Pastor, Cheshire Lutheran Church, Cheshire, CT

2007-present:Pastoral Roster, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

1979-2007:Pastoral Roster, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Education:

1979-1984:Yale University, New Haven, CT (Ph.D., Old Testament) [M.Phil. (1982) and M.A. (1980) earned in course]

1975-1979:Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (M.Div.)

1973-1975:Concordia Sr. College, Fort Wayne, IN (B.A. with High Distinction—4.0 CGPA)

1971-1973:Concordia College, Bronxville, NY (A.A.)

Continuing Education in Higher Education Administration:

2012:Council of Independent Colleges workshop for department chairs, Indianapolis, IN

1994-1995:American Council on Education Fellow, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA

1990:Institute for Educational Management, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Courses Taught at Undergraduate Level (* indicates courses taught at Valparaiso):

Freedom and Responsibility (first-year seminar)

*The Human Experience (year-long, first-year interdisciplinary core course)

*The Christian Tradition (including Writing Intensive Course version)

Honors Seminar: Creation and Redemption

Honors Seminar: History of Biblical Interpretation / *Topics in Biblical Studies:History of Biblical Interpretation

*Understanding the Bible

History and Literature of the Old Testament / *Understanding the Old Testament

History and Literature of the New Testament

Biblical Hebrew I, II, and III / *First and Second Semester [Biblical] Hebrew

*Supervised Reading and Research in Hebrew (Independent Study)

*Pentateuch (English)

*Former Prophets (English)

Exodus and Deuteronomy (Hebrew)

Latter Prophets (Hebrew)

Psalms and Wisdom Literature (Hebrew)

Textual Criticism and Intertestamental Relationships (Hebrew/Greek)

*Chinese Culture and Civilization (taught in Hangzhou, China, study abroad semester)

*Topics in Biblical Studies:The Bible as Oriental Literature (taught in Hangzhou, China,

study abroad semester)

*Topics in Biblical Studies:Ancient Near Eastern Civilization (cross-listed in History and

Classical Civilization Departments)

*Topics in Abrahamic Religions:Encounters in the Holy Land (cross-listed in Honors

College)

*Theology Seminar (for Senior Majors)

Courses Taught Online:

“Prophets Before the Exile”— Educating Leaders for Mission and Ministry (ELMM) program, North/West Lower Michigan Synod, ELCA—November 2022

“Our Faith Ancestors” (Genesis 12-50)—ELMM program—March 2022

The Primeval History (Genesis 1-11) and Overview of the Old Testament Canon—ELMM program—January 2022

“Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament”—ELMM program—September 2020

Old Testament (streaming video lectures recorded for Concordia University Education Network, used by LCMS teacher, DCE, DCO, and deaconess colloquy candidates)

Courses Taught at Graduate/Seminary Level:

Biblical Hebrew (twice)

Ezekiel

Former Prophets

Courses audited at Valparaiso University:

First-year Latin with Prof. Michael Kumpf in 2007-2008

Conversational Chinese (Mandarin) with Prof. MENG Jianyun in Spring 2007

Jesus and the Gospels with Prof. Frederick Niedner in Fall 2006

Publications in Scholarly Field (Old Testament/Hebrew Bible/Christian Bible):

Book:

The Cult of Molek: A Reassessment. Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement Series 43. Sheffield, Eng.: JSOT, 1985 (reprinted 2009).

Book chapter:

“Holy Baptism:Scriptural Foundation.” Pages 750-763 in Confessing the Gospel:A Lutheran Approach to Systematic Theology.Edited by S. H. Nafzger.St. Louis, MO:Concordia, 2017.

Refereed Journal Articles:

“Cleaving and Cloven:Genesis and Gender.”Biblical Research 57 (2012) 39-50.

“The Gospel according to John:The New Testament’s Deutero-Deuteronomy?” Biblica 93/1 (2012) 68-85.

“Atonement and the Gospels.”Journal of Theological Interpretation 2/2 (2008) 259-273.

“A Further Turn on Ezekiel’s Baroque Twist in Ezek 20:25-26.” Journal of Biblical Literature 107 (1988) 721-724.

Dictionary and Encyclopedia Articles:

“Moloch.” Oxford Handbook of Biblical Monsters (accepted, to appear 2023).

“Zephaniah.”Pages 429-431 in vol. 2 of The Oxford Encyclopedia of The Bible and Ethics.Edited by R. L. Brawley.Oxford:Oxford University Press, 2014.

“Marriage and Sex.”Pages 451-7 in IVP Dictionary of the Bible:Psalms, Writings, and Wisdom.Edited by T. Longman and P. Enns.Downers Grove, IL:InterVarsity, 2008.

“Lah̬mu.”Page 502 in Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible.Edited by K. van der Toorn, B. Becking, and P W. van der Horst.2d ed.Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1999.

“Molech.”Pages 581-5 in Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible.Edited by K. van der Toorn, B. Becking, and P W. van der Horst.2d ed.Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1999.

“Tannin.”Pages 834-6 in Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible.Edited by K. van der Toorn, B. Becking, and P W. van der Horst.2d ed.Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1999.

“Molech.” Pages 895-8 in vol. 4 of Anchor Bible Dictionary. Edited by D. N. Freedman.6 vols.NY: Doubleday, 1992.

Lectionary Studies:

“Psalm 30 (Psalm of the Day for Easter 3C, 14 April 2013),” Lectionary Homiletics 24/3 (April/May 2013) 10-11.

“Preaching Helps (Pentecost 16 through Thanksgiving Day, RCL Series A).”Currents in Theology and Mission 38/3 (August 2011) 294-311.

“Living by the Word” (lectionary studies) for 7/5-12/2009 and 1/3-10/2010, The Christian Century 126/13 (6/30/2009) 20-21 and 126/26 (12/29/2009) 18-19, plus online “Blogging toward Sunday” for 1/3/2010 and 1/10/2010.

“Preaching Helps (Palm Sunday through Easter 7, RCL Series C).”Currents in Theology and Mission 34/1 (February 2007) 59-81.

“Preaching Helps (Pentecost – Pentecost 9, RCL Series B).”Currents in Theology and Mission 33/2 (April 2006) 179-201.

Book Reviews:

Review of Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler, The Bible with and without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently in The Christian Century 137/25 (12/2/2020) 38-39.

Review of Robert Benne, Keeping the Soul in Christian Higher Education:A History of Roanoke College in Lutheran Forum 53/1 (2019) 47-49.

Review of Philip R. Davies and Diana V. Edelman, eds., The Historian and the Bible:Essays in Honor of Lester L. Grabbe in Review of Biblical Literature, 3/29/2013.

Review of Job Y. Jindo, Biblical Metaphor Reconsidered:A Cognitive Approach to Poetic Prophecy in Jeremiah 1-24 in Catholic Biblical Quarterly 74 (2012) 128-130.

Review of Michael B. Dick, Reading the Old Testament:An Inductive Introduction, in Review of Biblical Literature, 7/24/2009.

Review of Katherine Dell, Opening the Old Testament, in Review of Biblical Literature, 11/08/2008.

Review of Donald Jackson, Prophets, The Saint John’s Bible 5, in Review of Biblical Literature, 06/13/2007.

Review of Tremper Longman III, How to Read Genesis, in Review of Biblical Literature 05/27/2006.

Review of Donald R. Vance, Introduction to Classical Hebrew, in Review of Biblical Literature 03/27/2005.

Review of John Day, Molech:A God of Human Sacrifice in the Old Testament, in Scottish Journal of Theology 48 (1995) 130-131.

Review of John D. W. Watts, Isaiah 1-33, Word Bible Commentary 24, in Concordia Theological Quarterly 51:1 (1987) 61-62.

Review of Robert C. Hoerber, Reading the New Testament for Understanding, in Issues in Christian Education 21/1 (1986) 17-18.

Abstracter of books and articles on Old Testament from The Evangelical Quarterly, Presbyterion, Andrews University Seminary Studies, Indian Journal of Theology, Bibliotheca Sacra, Journal of Semitic Studies, and Journal of Theological Interpretation for Old Testament Abstracts, as assigned(1991-present).

Lectures/Presentations in Scholarly Field:

• Biblical scholars:

“Clothes Make the (Son of) Man:The Role of Garments in Mark’s Gospel”—Society of

Biblical Literature/Midwest Region annual meeting, February 2018.

“Cleaving and Cloven:Genesis and Gender”—Chicago Society of Biblical Literature, April

2013.

“’Cleave’ as Clue to Gender Relationships in Genesis 2—and Ripples Outward from There”—Biblical Lexicography section, Society of Biblical Literature annual meeting, November 2012.

“Enhancing the Value of Class Time via Pre- and Post-class Student Reflection”—Academic Teaching and Biblical Studies section, Society of Biblical Literature annual meeting, November 2012.

“’Cleave’ as Clue to Gender Relationships in Genesis 2”—Hebrew Bible/Old Testament section, Society of Biblical Literature/Midwest Region annual meeting, February 2012.

“From God’s Mouth to Your Ear:Parallels in Canonical Function and Theological Emphasis Between Deuteronomy and the Gospel according to John”—Gospels section, Society of Biblical Literature/Midwest Region annual meeting, February 2009.

“Atonement and the Gospels”—Christian Theology and the Bible section, Society of Biblical Literature annual meeting, November 2007.

• Faculty colleagues:

“Distinguish, Not Divorce:Doing and Teaching Biblical Studies Today,” Professorial Lecture at Valparaiso University—17 April 2014

CORE Workshop on Teaching the Passion Narratives—January 2009

CORE Workshop on Teaching the Genesis Flood Account—August 2007

CORE Workshop on Teaching the Film “Chariots of Fire”—January 2007

CORE Workshop on Teaching the Biblical Creation Accounts in Genesis and Job—August 2006

• Church audiences:

“Creation Beyond Genesis”—adult education series at Westminster Presbyterian Church,

Munster, IN—Spring 2015

“Atonement and the Gospels”—adult education series at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Munster, IN—Winter 2014

Theologian in Residence—Hartwick Seminary Institute of Theology, Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY—Summer 2013

Old Testament introduction—Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Diakonia adult education course (5 3-hour sessions)—Winter 2010, Fall 2010, and Fall 2012

“Reflections on ‘Lutheran Identity’:A Stimulus for Discussion among the Board of Directors of Wheat Ridge Ministries”—February 2009

“Lent as Journey to the Christian Exodus”—St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Dolton, IL, March 2006

“Fidelity in the Midst of Surprise:The Heart of the Heart of the Hero”—Professional Educators’ Conference, Florida-Georgia District LCMS, September 2003

“Preaching from the Old Testament”—Indiana District LCMS Southern Pastoral Conference, May 1999

“The Pastor as Sexual Being in the Light of Law and Gospel”—Nebraska District LCMS Pastoral Conference, October 1993

“The End Times”—Texas District LCMS Missionary Pastors’ Conference, August 1991

“The Minister as Teacher”—Mid-South District LCMS Pastoral Conference, May 1991

“Issues in Preaching from the Old Testament”—Denver Tri-circuit LCMS Pastoral Conference, April 1989

“Sermonic Studies for Advent”—Nebraska District LCMS Pastoral Conference, October 1988

“The Book of Ruth”—Nebraska District LCMS Pastoral Conference, October 1985

“Like the Sound of Many Waters:Ezekiel’s Words for a Time of Upheaval”—New England District, Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Pastoral Conference, May 1982

Publications in Public Theology:

“Can I Get a Witness? Here I Stand: Invited Reflections on the 2023 Crossings Community

Conference at Our Lady of the Snows Conference Center, Belleville, Illinois” Thursday Theology by Crossings, 2/23/2023 at: https://crossings.org/can-i-get-a-witness-here-i-stand/.

“Who’s Fooling Whom?: Reflections on David Bentley Hart’s Atheist Delusions: The

Christian Revolution and Its Fashionable Enemies” Thursday Theology by Crossings,

12/8/2022 at: https://crossings.org/a-review-of-david-bentley-harts-atheist-delusions/.

“Law/Gospel and the Life of the Mind” Thursday Theology by Crossings, 5/5/2022 at: https://crossings.org/law-gospel-and-the-life-of-the-mind/.

“’What If?’ as Tool for Law/Gospel Distinction” Thursday Theology by Crossings, 11/18/2021 at: https://crossings.org/what-if-as-a-tool-for-law-gospel-discernment/.

“Love in the Time of COVID-19” The Cresset (accepted for publication).

Personal blog at https://gcheider.wordpress.com (3/28/2020-

present).

“What the ‘Hell’ in the Apostles’ Creed?”The Cresset 83/2 (Advent/Christmas 2019) 47-50.

“In Memoriam, Alma Mater.”The Cresset 82/5 (Trinity 2019) 42-45.

“Reflections on Half a Century of Being Lutheran.”The Cresset 79/3 (Lent 2016) 46-48.

“Distinguish, Not Divorce:One Christian Exegete’s Take on His Task.”The Cresset 78/2

(Advent-Christmas 2014) 20-30.

“Hosea Goes to the Opera.”The Cresset 77/6 (Trinity 2014) 48-50.

“What Do You Mean By This Service?”The Cresset 77/3 (Lent 2013) 43-44.

“What Makes Good Friday Good:Telling the Whole Story.”The Cresset 75/5 (Trinity 2012) 53-55.

“What’s the supreme question in Hosanna-Tabor v. EEOC?”, The Immanent Frame:Secularism, religion, and the public sphere.Invited column posted on 27 October 2011 at: http://tif.ssrc.org/2011/10/27/the-supreme-question-in-hosanna-tabor-v-eeoc/.

“Praying through the Church Year.”Pages 144-169 in Valparaiso University Prayer Book.150^th Anniversary Celebration Edition.Edited by W. Karpenko.Valparaiso, IN:Valparaiso University, 2008.

“Altared States.”The Cresset 71/2 (Advent/Christmas 2007) 41-42.

“Aha!The Word is for Me!”Pages 8-9 in College Faith:150 Christian Leaders and Educators Share Faith Stories from Their Student Days.Edited by R. A. Knott.Berrien Springs, MI:Andrews University Press, 2002.

Publications in Higher Education Administration/Christian Higher Education:

“A Final Word” (President/Publisher’s Column for Lutheran Education, journal of the faculty of Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois):35 columns, published 1995-2003:

“The Opposite of Faith: ? and !”Lutheran Education 138/4 (2003) 320.

“What’s Lutheran about Lutheran Education?”Lutheran Education 138/3 (2003) 240. “Leadership 101.”Lutheran Education 138/2 (2002) 160.

“Who Will Teach Our Kids?”Lutheran Education 138/1 (2002) 80.

“In But Not Of—But In For Sure.”Lutheran Education 137/4 (2002) 315.

“‘Choice’ as Seed of Heresy.”Lutheran Education 137/3 (2002) 240.

“What in God’s Name:Lessons from 11 September 2001.”Lutheran Education 137/2 (2001) 159-160.

“Encouraging Random Acts of Kindness.”Lutheran Education 137/1 (2001) 80.

“Testing, Testing, 1-2-3.”Lutheran Education 136/4 (2001) 311-312.

“Who Will Teach the Next Generation?”Lutheran Education 136/3 (2001) 240.

“Unless You Change and Become Like Children.”Lutheran Education 136/2 (2000) 160.

“Lord, Teach Us to Number our Moments.”Lutheran Education 136/1 (2000) 80.

“We Have So Much to Learn.”Lutheran Education 135/5 (2000) 296.

“To Coin a Phrase.”Lutheran Education 135/4 (2000) 240.

“Come the Millennium [II].”Lutheran Education 135/3 (2000) 180.

“Come the Millennium [I].”Lutheran Education 135/2 (1999) 120.

“Seizing the Moments, One at a Time.”Lutheran Education 135/1 (1999) 60.

“Teaching the Trinity.”Lutheran Education 134/5 (1999) 297.

“Simple Gifts.”Lutheran Education 134/4 (1999) 239.

“Thanksgiving as History and Opportunity.”Lutheran Education 134/2 (1998) 120.

“Boosting the Odds of ‘Aha!’”Lutheran Education 134/1 (1998).

“Seeing Red.”Lutheran Education 133/5 (1998) 295-296.

“‘Lutheran’ as Adjective.”Lutheran Education 133/4 (1998) 240.

“Gilding the Gospel?”Lutheran Education 133/3 (1998) 180.

“Hablar el evangelio en español.”Lutheran Education133/2 (1997) 120.

“May I Ask You a Question?”Lutheran Education 133/1 (1997) 60.

“Light From a Box?”Lutheran Education 132/5 (1997) 294-295.

“Immanuel—All Year Long.”Lutheran Education 132/4 (1997) 240.

“Teaching as Patriotism.”Lutheran Education 132/3 (1997) 180.

“Time to Spare?Time to Share?”Lutheran Education 132/2 (1996) 120.

“Called to Labor.”Lutheran Education 132/1 (1996) 59.

“In Remembrance.”Lutheran Education 131/5 (1996) 295-296.

“Easter Made Personal.”Lutheran Education 131/4 (1996) 239-240.

“A Teachable Season.”Lutheran Education 131/3 (1996) 179-180.

“Throw ‘em Where They Ain’t (Yet).”Lutheran Education 131/2 (1995) 120.

President’s column for Forester Magazine, 1995-2003 (alumni/friends publication of Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois):16 columns, published 1996-2002:

“Founders’ Day, Indeed.”Forester Magazine (Winter, 2002).

“A Whole New World—Here, Too.”Forester Magazine (Fall, 2002).

“Concordia as Vocational School?”Forester Magazine (Spring, 2002).

“What Makes a Good Leader?”Forester Magazine (Winter, 2001).

“Time in Line.”Forester Magazine (Fall, 2001).

“As You Go, Wherever You Go.”Forester Magazine (Summer, 2000).

“The Blessings of Being in Urban Ministry.”Forester Magazine (Winter, 2000).

“The Changing of the Guard.”Forester Magazine (Summer, 1999).

“New statement of mission and vision tells what we’re all about.”Forester Magazine (Winter, 1999).

“Watching New Wings.”The Forester 23/3 (Spring, 1998).

“Concordia as Chrysalis.”The Forester 23/1 (Fall, 1997).

“When I Run, I Feel His Pleasure.”The Forester 22/4 (Summer, 1997).

“Too Religious?”The Forester 22/3 (Spring, 1997).

“Campus Changes.”The Forester 22/2 (Winter, 1996-97).

“More Beautiful the Second Time Around.” The Forester 22/1 (Fall, 1996).

“Moral Leadership and This Christian University.”Inaugural address in The Forester 21/3 (Spring, 1996).

“Athens and Jerusalem.”Lutheran Education 137/4 (2002) 271-274.

“Challenges Facing Christian Higher Education at Century’s End.”Lutheran Education 134/3 (1999) 123-128.

Response to Richard T. Hughes, “How the Lutheran Worldview Can Sustain the Life of the Mind,” Proceedings and Papers of the 83^rd Annual Meeting of the Lutheran Educational Conference of North America (1997) 18-19.

“LCMS Higher Education in 1995 through the eyes of a 1975 College Graduate.”Lutheran Education 131/1 (1995) 28-31.

Lectures/Presentations in Higher Education Administration/Christian Higher Education:

“Dealing with Conflict in Organizational Leadership”—Western Regional Pastoral Conference, Northern Illinois District LCMS, October 2003

“The College-Related Church:A Place of Learning and Leadership”—Great Lakes Congregational Leadership Conference for Expanding and Changing Ministries, March 2003

“The Formation of Educators in the Concordia University System”—Council of District Presidents [Bishops] LCMS, September 1997

“Leadership Models and Practice”—Lutheran Education Association Administrators, April 1997

Selected Institutional Achievements in Senior Academic Administration:

–while President at Concordia University in River Forest, IL—

Academic Achievements:

• Revision of general education and honors programs
• Charter institution in Academic Quality Improvement Project (innovative, project-based regional accreditation) of North Central Association
• Reaccreditation of teacher education programs (twice) (NCATE); initial accreditation of counseling (CACREP) and music (NASM) programs
• Addition of first academic doctoral programs at a Lutheran university outside of Europe
• Appointment of approximately half of the fulltime faculty
• Avg. ACT of incoming students increased by 3 points (to 23+)
• Rating in “top tier” of midwestern regional universities by U. S. News & World Report
• Implementation of faculty-developed system of post-tenure review

Advancement Achievements:

• Revision of mission/vision statement of University; design and implementation of new logo
• Endowment quadrupled ($2.6M to $10+M)
• Largest campaign in university history successfully completed ($40+M), including largest single gift in university history ($15M)

Facilities Achievements:

• Nearly $50M invested in campus improvements, following revised campus master plan, including:
  • new education/early childhood building
  • new track and football/soccer complex, including track built in partnership with two local high schools
  • new parking garage
  • renovated residence halls
  • renovated dining hall (funded by vendor)

Technology Achievements:

• Laptop computers and instruction for all fulltime faculty
• Campus network rewired for voice, data, and video
• Compressed video classroom installed
• New administrative software system implemented (SCT Banner 2000)

Governance Achievements:

• Policy-based governance implemented by Board of Regents
• University Foundation Board of Directors upgraded and both Board of Regents and Foundation Board engaged in university advancement for first time

–while Executive Vice President for Academic Services at Concordia College in Seward, NE–

• Reduction of standard faculty teaching load by 20% (from five to four classes per semester)
• Implementation of faculty-developed performance assessment system, including self-assessment, peer assessment, and student assessment components
• Implementation of twice-yearly faculty development workshops
• Implementation of revised academic administrative structure (used subsequently in transition to university status)
• Implementation of faculty-approved plan to curb grade inflation
• Selection of 42% of fulltime faculty as of 1995
• Expanded international study opportunities
• Reaccreditation of teacher education programs (twice)
• Computer terminals on all fulltime faculty desks

International Teaching, Study, and Business Experiences:

2014, 2016, & 2018:Instructor, short-term study-abroad course, “Encounters in the Holy Land,” Valparaiso University

2011-2014:Director, Cambridge New Faculty Seminar, Valparaiso University Study Centre, Cambridge, England

2012:Theological resource person for pastoral study tour to Palestine and Israel

2009:Resident Director of Valparaiso University overseas study center at Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China (fall semester)

2007:Teaching of English for junior and senior high school English teachers in Shuyang County, Jiangsu Province, China

2006:Consultation at Universitas Pelita Harapan in Lippo Karawaci (Jakarta), Indonesia

2005:Participant, Valparaiso University New Faculty Seminar, Cambridge, England

2003:Led alumni study tour to Italy and Switzerland

2002:Led alumni study tour to Turkey and Greece, “Footsteps of Saint Paul”

2000:Led alumni study tour to Israel and Oberammergau, Germany

1999:Meetings with leadership of Japan Lutheran Church and two Lutheran High Schools in Japan

1994 & 1996:Participant in study tours to Britain

1994:Participant in study tour to higher education institutions in Mexico

1973:Participant in “Art and Music in Western Europe” (interim term course taken at

Concordia Senior College)

Honors and Grants Received:

2017 & 2018:Valparaiso University Alumni Association Distinguished Teaching Award

nominee

2010 &2013:Valparaiso University Alumni Association Faculty Development Award

2008 & 2010:Valparaiso University Committee to Enhance Teaching and Learning

Travel Grant

2002:Distinguished Alumnus Award, Concordia College, Bronxville, NY

1981-1982: H. Stuart Harrison Fellowship for Excellence in Religious Studies, Yale University Graduate School

1979-1981, 1982-1983: Graduate Fellowships, Yale University Graduate School

Professional Service:

External reviewer for candidate for full professor at Drake University (2020)

Member, Editorial Board, Biblical Review (journal of the Chicago Society of Biblical Research) (2017-present)

Chair, Search Committee for John R. Eckrich University Chair in Religion and the Healing Arts, Valparaiso University (2017-2018)

Member, Provost’s Task Force on Seminary Articulation Agreements, Valparaiso University (2016-2018)

Member, 2017 Anniversary Events Committee (commemorating the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation), Valparaiso University (2013-2017)

President, Chicago Society of Biblical Research (2013-2014)

Member, Lutheran Positioning Statement Committee, Office of the Provost, Valparaiso University (2011-2012)

Chair, Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Section, Society of Biblical Literature/Midwest Region (2010-2017)

Member, Task Force on Public Relations, Lutheran Deaconess Association, Valparaiso, IN (2004-2019)

Presiding Minister and Homilist, Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso University (2004-2018)

Member, Search Committee for Executive Director of Campus Ministries, Valparaiso University (2010-2011)

Site Coordinator, Society of Biblical Literature/Midwest Region annual meeting (2010)

Member, Selection Committee, Library Award for Undergraduate Research, Valparaiso University (2008)

Member, Promotion and Tenure Committee, College of Arts and Sciences, Valparaiso University (2007-2009)

Mentor, Lilly Fellows Program, Valparaiso University (2007-2009)

Member, First-Year Core Syllabus Committee for 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 (2006, 2007, 2008)

Member, President’s Task Force on the Center for Church Vocations, Valparaiso University (2005-2006)

Member and author of the dedicatory rite, Planning Committee for the Dedication of the Garden and Labyrinth at the Center for Diaconal Ministries, Valparaiso, IN (2005)

Chair, President’s Task Force on a Campus Columbarium, Valparaiso University (2005)

Board of Directors, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (2003)

Board of Directors, Lutheran Educational Conference of North America (Secretary, 2003)

Executive Committee, Federation of Illinois Independent Colleges and Universities (1996-1998)

Editorials Editor, Issues in Christian Education, journal of the faculty of Concordia College, Seward, NE (1986-1995)

Professional Society Memberships (current):

Catholic Biblical Association (Full/Active status granted 1990)

Chicago Society of Biblical Research

Society of Biblical Literature

Community Service:

Stewardship Core Team, Feast of Victory Lutheran Church (Acme, MI), 2019-2022

Feast of Victory Lutheran Church (Acme, MI) Adult Choir, 2018-2020

Valparaiso Homeless Men’s Shelter Volunteer, 2016-2018

Valparaiso Open Arms Homeless Women’s Shelter Volunteer, 2011-2015

Trinity Players, Trinity Lutheran Church (Valparaiso, IN), 2011

Trinity Lutheran Church (Valparaiso, IN) Adult Choir, 2006-2017

Chaplain, National Boy Scout Jamboree, Fort A. P. Hill, VA, 2001

Des Plaines Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, Executive Board, 1997-2004

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans (formerly Lutheran Brotherhood) Chicagoland Advisory Board, 1997-2003

Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest, 1996-2003 (Board of Directors and chair, Vocational Service Committee, 2001-2003)

Chaplain, Eagle Scout National Jamboree, Washington, DC, 1976