May Young

Department Chair and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies

I Serve in...

Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Studies & Philosophy Department

Education

• PhD, Theological Studies: Old Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
• MDiv, Masters of Divinity, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
• BA, History of Art and Architecture, University of Illinois

Career Accomplishments

Awards

• Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award at Taylor University, 2021
• Genie Lau Memorial Award 2014, which is awarded to a TEDS student who has a record of excellence in biblical studies with a commitment to service in the church.
• Merit Scholar, Departmental of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 2007-2009.

Professional Editorial Work/Board and Fellows Membership

• Board Member of Institute for Biblical Research (IBR), Director of Unscripted Session, June 2021-present
• Editorial Board Member, Sacred Roots, Fall 2018–present
• Fellow for Every Voice 
• Editorial Board Member, Trinity Journal, Fall 2010–Spring 2012

Upcoming Work

• Lamentations Commentary for the Pillar Old Testament Commentary Series. Wm. B. Eerdmans, Forthcoming 2029

Previous Work/Publications

• “YHWH” Bible Odyssey, 2023
• Nine Bible book Introduction for Abide Bible Project (Nov 2018)
• “Response to Being Good Pharisees: The Joy of Inauthentic Community” published in Christian Higher Education, Volume 17, 2018
• Book Review: The Message of Lamentations: The Bible Speaks Today, by Christopher J. H. Wright. www.booksataglance.com Dec 2015
• Book Review: Lamentations: The Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary, by Robin A. Parry. Trinity Journal 32 (Spring 2011): 98-100.
• Lexham Bible Dictionary. Contributing entries on “Timnath Heres,” “Wadi Amud,” “Tell Qiri,” “Eynan,” and “Ubeidyia.”

Podcasts/ Interviews/Other Highlights

• Served as a judge for The 2024 Christianity Today Book Awards—For the Category of Biblical Studies.
• Interview by James Spencer for Thinking Christian Podcast on the topic of lament  (February 2024)
• Interview by Cyndi Parker for Context Matters on the book of Lamentations
• Interview by Amanda Adams for Pour the Good on Provberbs 3:5-6 (July 2023)
• Interviewed for the upcoming documentary on the Ark of the Covenant  

About

Teaching the Old Testament and theology continues to be a privilege! Since my earlier years in high school, God had put a desire in my heart to learn more about Scripture and His work in the world. This passion continued to grow as I attended college and served in different churches and campus ministries. After graduating from college, I worked as a research consultant in the corporate world for over a decade. I began my master's studies while working and quit my full time job when I felt the Lord call me to pursue my doctorate. God’s call to Taylor was clear after I graduated from my PhD studies. Currently, I have the joy of teaching students about the Old Testament, Historic Christian Belief, and Biblical Hebrew Grammar.

I love teaching at Taylor because I wholeheartedly support the mission to develop servant-leaders marked with a passion to minister Christ’s redemptive love, grace, and truth to a world in need. I believe my calling is to help integrate biblical faith and learning within the hearts of my students. Each and every one of my students are so amazing and I am truly blessed by how the Lord has led them to Taylor and how He continues to mature and grow them. It is truly a joy and privilege to see growth and development taking place in and outside of the classroom. Getting to know my students on a more personal level and sharing meals/coffee and conversations have been some of my most precious memories!