Faculty
The faculty for the MARS program are highly experienced and well published. Between them, they have published more than 20 books, and many articles in professional journals as well as popular Christian and philosophical periodicals. They regularly present papers at National Professional conferences including the Society of Biblical Literature, the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society.
Dr. Ted Dorman, Professor
Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary, 1983
M.Div., Fuller Seminary, 1973
B.A., Lewis & Clark College, 1969
Phone: 765 9985228
Community Involvement:
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Muncie, IN
Hobbies
- Reading
- Guitar
- Traveling
- Skiing
- Jogging
Dr. Michael Harbin, Professor, Department Chair
Th.D., Dallas Theological Seminary, 1988
Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary, 1980
M.A., California State University, 1993
B.S., U.S. Naval Academy, 1969
Phone: 765 9984972
Professional Activities:
- Faculty Director for Irish Studies Program, Spring 2002, Fall 2004, Spring 2005
- Recently published by Zondervan, The Promise and The Blessing
Community Involvement:
- Elder, Upland Community Church (Fellowship of Evangelical Churches)
- Awarded Honorary Black Belt by Chung Moo Doe Society of Dallas for Community Service (1991)
Hobbies
- Gardening (Master Gardener)
- Ireland
- Woodworking
- Writing
- Running
- Dallas Cowboys fan since 1968 (yes I suffered through the 1-15 season)
Dr. Bill Heth, Professor
Th.D., Dallas Theological Seminary, 1986
Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary, 1982
B.A., University of Michigan, 1974
Phone: 765 9985327
Community Involvement:
- Upland Community Church
- College Age Sunday school class (teacher)
- Taylor Thursday Morning Men's Bible Study (leader)
- Provide training for students in personal evangelism
- Ordained at South Garland Bible Church, Garland, Texas (Aug. 16, 1987)
Hobbies
- Restored a '68 VW Beetle with my son
- Old and new car body repair - welding and bodywork
- Taking pictures like crazy with my digital camera
- Being a fan of my students at Taylor athletic events
- Sleeping out on our screened-in porch in thunderstorms
Dr. Sheri L. Klouda, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies
Ph.D., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2002
M.A., The Criswell College, 1998
B.A., The Criswell College, 1997
Phone: 765 9984786
Dr. Bob Lay, Professor
Ed.D., Theological Seminary/Presbyterian School of Christian Education, 1991
M.A.T.S., Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, 1988
M.Ed., University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 1982
B.A., University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 1978
Phone: 765 9985149
Research Interests:
- American religious history, Midwestern and Indiana focus
- Progressive-era Methodism and varieties of Wesleyan holiness
- Husband and wife reformers of the Progressive Era
Professional Activities:
- Zondervan Library Archives and Special Collections: part-time archivist and collection development
Community Involvement:
- Center Chapel United Methodist Church: lay speaker, teacher, worship planner
- Discipleship and mentoring
Dr. Ed Meadors, Associate Professor
Ph.D., The University of Aberdeen, 1993
M.A., Wheaton College Graduate School, 1988
B.A., Wheaton College, 1986
Phone: 765 9984928
Community Involvement:
- Usher and Sunday school teacher at Upland Community Church
Hobbies
- All Sports
- Gardening/ Love trees
- Little League Coach
- Bird Watching
Go to resume.
Dr. Richard Smith, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Cambridge (King's College), 2001
Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary, 1996
B.S.A., University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, 1988
Phone: 765 9985251
Research Interests:
- Poetic and Wisdom Literature
- The Deuteronomistic History
- The Latter Prophets
- Old Testament Ethics
- Hebrew Narrative Technique
- Textual Criticism
Hobbies
- Fishing, hunting, hiking, camping
- Shooting and marksmanship
- Music, reading and cooking
Dr. Jim Spiegel, Professor
Ph.D., Michigan State University, 1993
M.A., University of Southern Mississippi, 1988
B.S., Belhaven College, 1985
Phone: 765 9985278
Professional Activities
- Executive Board Member, Evangelical Philosophical Society
- Member of the Society of Christian Philosophers
- Frequent speaker and radio interview guest regarding issues in ethics, apologetics and popular culture
Books
-
The Love of Wisdom: A Christian Introduction to Philosophy, co-authored with Steve Cowan (Broadman and Holman, 2009)
-
Gum, Geckos, and God: A Family's Adventure in Space, Time, and Faith (Zondervan Press, 2008)
-
Faith, Film, and Philosophy: Christian Reflections on Contemporary Film, co-edited with Doug Geivett (InterVarsity Press, 2007)
-
The Benefits of Providence: A New Look at Divine Sovereignty (Crossway Books, 2005)
-
How to be Good in a World Gone Bad: Living a Life of Christian Virtue (Kregel Press, 2004)
-
Hypocrisy: Moral Fraud and Other Vices (Baker Books, 1999)
Community Involvement
- Member of New Life Presbyterian Church, Yorktown, Ind.
Hobbies
- Songwriting
- Music recording
- Racquetball
Click here to go to his personal web page.
Click here to go to his blog.

