Meet The Prof

What happens when a college professor breaks into tears… at Disney World? Or gets spiritually called out by a student? We sit down with Jeff Colbert, Political Science professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Jeff shares his love for Disney World, how his own freshman year changed everything. He tells how as a professor, his life was transformed by an anonymous note from a student. And he gives practical examples of integrating his Christian faith into his classroom with an atmosphere of respect. 

Read more about Jeff Colbert online:
https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/jeff-colbert/

Email Jeff Colbert at:
[email protected]

Resources from Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry:

• Find 500+ Christian professors at https://meettheprof.com/
• Faculty Commons – https://www.facultycommons.org/
• A Grander Story – https://a.co/d/8VoYXSV

Watch MTP on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MeetTheProfOfficial/videos

You can support Meet The Prof through Shane Hartley's work with Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry, at this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://give.cru.org/0424344⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Meet The Prof, Shane Hartley continues with part 2 of his interview with Dr. Jonathan Pettigrew, a professor in the School of Human Communication at Arizona State University. They go deep discussing how Dr. Pettigrew integrates his Christian faith into his academic career, mentors students in their spiritual journeys, and addresses worldview presuppositions within the academic environment.

Read more about Jonathan Pettigrew online: https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/jonathan-pettigrew/

Contact: [email protected]

Books mentioned: 

Professing Christ, Christian Tradition and Faith-learning Integration in Public Universities  https://a.co/d/dgIU8k6

Family Communication and the Christian Faith: An Introduction and Exploration  https://a.co/d/6t2kvQa

Imagine Heaven   https://a.co/d/jbQKHeE

Main Takeaways:

• Presuppositions shape our theories and interpretations (only 33% of professors believe in God with no doubts)
• 23% of professors are atheist while only 7% of general population are atheist
• His two-fold approach to campus ministry
  • Personal: mentoring students, home dinners, spiritual conversations
  • Theoretical: building biblical frameworks into theories
• “Double working” to honor Christ—academic job and gospel ministry
• Winsomely weaving Scripture into conversations
• Trusting the Holy Spirit for long-term impact

Keywords: Christian professors, integrating faith and academia, mentoring students spiritually, worldview presuppositions, faculty evangelism, academic service in church, faith-based community involvement, theoretical frameworks, spiritual guidance in education, Christian worldview in teaching.

Resources from Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry:

• Find 500+ Christian professors at https://meettheprof.com/
• Faculty Commons – https://www.facultycommons.org/
• A Grander Story – https://a.co/d/8VoYXSV

Watch MTP on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MeetTheProfOfficial/videos

You can support Meet The Prof through Shane Hartley's work with Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry, at this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://give.cru.org/0424344⁠⁠⁠

Jonathan Pettigrew is a professor in the School of Human Communication at Arizona State University. In part 1 of our interview, he shares how his journey from campus minister to professor shaped his understanding of student discipleship, faith-learning integration, and ministry through academia. He offers deep reflections on spiritual formation, parenting, and how Christian professors can pursue scholarship as an act of worship.

Read more about Jonathan Pettigrew on Meet The Prof:
https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/jonathan-pettigrew/

Main Takeaways:

• Professors can influence hundreds, while ministers can often go deeper with a few.
• Faith-learning integration means connecting Christian worldview with academic discipline.
• The Holy Spirit guides how Christian faculty reflect faith in teaching and research.
• Life’s trials—like parenting during a PhD—can become spiritually formative.
• Teaching is a form of discipleship, and learning can be a form of worship.

CHAPTERS
 00:01 – Introduction & Arizona Weather
 03:00 – What Professors Can Learn from Campus Ministers
 06:49 – Embarrassing & Funny Professor Moments
 09:02 – Jonathan’s Journey to Faith
 10:30 – Growth as a Summer Youth Minister
 14:16 – Decision to Pursue a PhD
 16:11 – Spiritual Formation During PhD & Early Marriage
 21:17 – What Is Faith-Learning Integration?
 23:49 – Stories and Strategies from Professing Christ
 26:03 – Holy Spirit’s Role in Scholarly Faith Integration
 29:26 – Why Learning Is God’s Idea
 30:02 – Closing Reflections & Preview of Part 2

Keywords:
 Jonathan Pettigrew, Arizona State University, faith-learning integration, Professing Christ, Christian faculty, campus ministry, spiritual growth, youth ministry, PhD journey, academic calling, Holy Spirit, parenting, discipleship, communication, Christian worldview, student impact, Christian professor, Meet The Prof, higher education faith, Christ-centered learning, scholarship and faith, Bible study, teaching as worship.

Books mentioned in podcast: 

Professing Christ: Christian Tradition and Faith-learning Integration in Public Universities, https://www.amazon.com/Professing-Christ-Faith-learning-Integration-Universities/dp/0999146335

Family Communication and the Christian Faith: An Introduction and Exploration https://www.amazon.com/Family-Communication-Christian-Faith-Introduction/dp/1959685007

Resources from Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry:

• Find 500+ Christian professors at https://meettheprof.com/
• Faculty Commons – https://www.facultycommons.org/
• A Grander Story – https://a.co/d/8VoYXSV

Watch MTP on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MeetTheProfOfficial/videos

You can support Meet The Prof through Shane Hartley's work with Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry, at this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://give.cru.org/0424344⁠⁠⁠

Dr. Ashlee Balena is a senior lecturer of Spanish at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. In this episode, she shares powerful stories of following God's promptings in everyday life, from small acts of kindness to moments of deep spiritual impact. She also discusses her approach to classroom engagement, including her strong stance on technology use, and reflects on the blessings that come from stepping out in faith.

Read more about Ashlee Balena online:   https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/ashlee-balena/

Ashlee Balena’s Campus Email: [email protected]

Main Takeaways:

• Small steps of obedience to God can lead to profound blessings and opportunities.
• Removing technology from the classroom fosters deeper student engagement and personal interaction.
• Building connections with students, even in online courses, is possible through intentional communication.
• Following God's nudges, even when uncomfortable, can open doors to ministering to others.
• Trusting in God’s provision is key when making sacrifices for others.

Resources from Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry:

• Find 500+ Christian professors at https://meettheprof.com/
• Faculty Commons – https://www.facultycommons.org/
• A Grander Story – https://a.co/d/8VoYXSV

Watch MTP on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MeetTheProfOfficial/videos

You can support Meet The Prof through Shane Hartley's work with Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry, at this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://give.cru.org/0424344⁠⁠⁠

Dr. Ashlee Balena, Senior Lecturer of Spanish at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, shares how she integrates her Christian faith into her role as a professor. We discuss her journey back to Christ, practical ways she signals to students that she is a safe space for Christ-centered conversations, and bold steps of obedience that have led to incredible opportunities for sharing Christ on campus.

​You can view Dr. Ashlee Balena's profile on Meet The Prof at:​
https://meettheprof.com/view/professo...

Email Dr. Balena: [email protected]

Main Takeaways:

Ashlee has frequently shared about her Christian faith on campus without facing negative repercussions.

Her personal items (cross necklace, ring, laptop sticker) and syllabus biography signal to students that she is open to Christ-centered conversations.

She has prayed with students in need, approached strangers on campus to offer prayer, and followed small Holy Spirit nudges that led to lasting impacts.

Her personal testimony highlights the shift from spiritual searching to a real relationship with Jesus.

#ChristianProfessor #SharingJesus #FaithOnCampus #ChristCenteredConversations #MinistryInAcademia #BoldFaith #ObedienceToGod #MeetTheProf #StudentMentorship #MissionMinded #GospelInTheWorkplace 

Resources from Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry:

• Find 500+ Christian professors at https://meettheprof.com/
• Faculty Commons – https://www.facultycommons.org/
• A Grander Story – https://a.co/d/8VoYXSV

Watch MTP on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MeetTheProfOfficial/videos

You can support Meet The Prof through Shane Hartley's work with Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry, at this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://give.cru.org/0424344⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Meet The Prof, Shane Hartley continues his conversation with Dr. Janet Reed, Professor of Nursing at Kent State University. Janet shares how she navigates teaching topics that could conflict with her faith, her research on generative AI and virtual reality in healthcare, and how faith underpins her academic work. She also provides practical advice for professors managing heavy workloads, mentoring students, and making a spiritual impact on campus.

Read more about Janet Reed: https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/janet-reed/

Email Dr. Janet Reed: [email protected]

Main Takeaways

• Christian professors can teach controversial topics while maintaining their faith by collaborating with colleagues and seeking mentorship.
• Generative AI and virtual reality have practical applications in healthcare, such as improving well-being among older adults.
• Faith can guide research and teaching by focusing on benefiting individuals and society.
• Setting boundaries with workload and practicing daily “closing” rituals can help prevent burnout.
• Professors can make a spiritual impact by starting with relationships in their immediate circles and being intentional about prayer.
• Online instructors should prioritize instructor presence through video content and personalized feedback.
• Mentoring students requires compassion, prayer, and maintaining healthy boundaries.
• College students should seek mentors, stay the course despite challenges, and take care of their mental and emotional health.

Resources from Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry:

• Find 500+ Christian professors at https://meettheprof.com/
• Faculty Commons – https://www.facultycommons.org/
• A Grander Story – https://a.co/d/8VoYXSV

Watch MTP on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MeetTheProfOfficial/videos

You can support Meet The Prof through Shane Hartley's work with Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry, at this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://give.cru.org/0424344⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Meet The Prof, Shane interviews Dr. Janet Reed, an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Kent State University. Janet shares how she integrates her faith into her work as a nursing professor, from helping create a Christian faculty and staff group on campus to naturally engaging students in spiritual conversations. She also discusses how being attentive to opportunities can open doors to faith discussions, how she overcame struggles with perfectionism, and how technology like virtual reality is shaping nursing education.

Read more about Janet Reed online: Meet The Prof Profile

Email: [email protected]

Main Takeaways

• Living Out Your Faith Matters – Janet emphasizes that students often recognize Christian faculty not just by what they say but by how they love and serve.
• Spiritual Conversations Can Happen Naturally – Asking students thoughtful questions and being available in everyday situations can lead to meaningful discussions.
• Faculty Groups Start Small but Can Grow – Her Christian faculty group started with just a couple of professors and has now grown to over 90 members.
• Being Attentive and Willing to Slow Down Opens Opportunities – Taking a moment to listen and engage can make all the difference in ministering to students and colleagues.
• Faith and Identity Over Perfectionism – Janet shares how she learned to find her identity in Christ rather than academic achievement.

Resources from Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry:

• Find 500+ Christian professors at https://meettheprof.com/
• Faculty Commons – https://www.facultycommons.org/
• A Grander Story – https://a.co/d/8VoYXSV

Watch MTP on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MeetTheProfOfficial/videos

You can support Meet The Prof through Shane Hartley's work with Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry, at this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://give.cru.org/0424344⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Meet The Prof, Shane continues his conversation with Derek Crews, a Professor of Management at Texas Woman’s University. Derek shares how his approach to student relationships has changed over the years as he transitioned from in-person to primarily online teaching. He explains how he intentionally prays for his students and subtly integrates his faith in ways that spark spiritual conversations. From personal prayer lists to inviting students into his home for the holidays, Derek offers practical examples of how Christian professors can influence students for Christ in both virtual and in-person settings.

Read more about Derek Crews online:
 Meet The Prof Profile

Email:
[email protected]

Main Takeaways:

• Christian professors can make an impact even in online teaching by praying for students by name.
• Small gestures, such as responding to students with empathy, can lead to deep spiritual conversations.
• Faculty members can display their faith in their office through religious symbols and literature.
• Inviting students into personal life events, like family gatherings, can create opportunities for mentorship.
• Professors have more legal freedom than they may realize when it comes to faith expressions in the workplace.

Resources from Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry:

• Find 500+ Christian professors at https://meettheprof.com/
• Faculty Commons – https://www.facultycommons.org/
• A Grander Story – https://a.co/d/8VoYXSV

Watch MTP on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MeetTheProfOfficial/videos

You can support Meet The Prof through Shane Hartley's work with Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry, at this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://give.cru.org/0424344⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Meet the Prof, Shane interviews Dr. Derek Crews, a Professor of Management at Texas Woman's University. Dr. Crews emphasizes the importance of serving Christ in every profession and the need for Christian faculty to support one another in their calling as a professor. He discusses his experience teaching at a predominantly female university, the importance of mentorship, and how his personal challenges—including the loss of his father—have shaped his approach to teaching. 

Read more about Dr. Derek Crews online:
Meet The Prof - Derek Crews

Campus Email Address:
[email protected]

Main Takeaways:

• Every Christian is in ministry, regardless of profession. Dr. Crews explains that serving Christ isn’t limited to pastors or missionaries—professors, businesspeople, and workers in any field have a mission.
• Teaching at a predominantly female university brings unique opportunities. He shares how his students are highly motivated, and in some cases, he has filled the role of a positive male mentor.
• Personal faith is strengthened through challenges. Facing doubts in grad school and dealing with personal hardships deepened his faith rather than weakening it.
• Seeing work as ministry changes how we serve others. Whether through teaching, sharing Christ verbally, mentoring, or simply listening, Dr. Crews believes that faith should guide how we treat others in our daily work.

Resources from Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry:

• Find 500+ Christian professors at https://meettheprof.com/
• Faculty Commons – https://www.facultycommons.org/
• A Grander Story – https://a.co/d/8VoYXSV

Watch MTP on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MeetTheProfOfficial/videos

You can support Meet The Prof through Shane Hartley's work with Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry, at this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://give.cru.org/0424344⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Shane Hartley chats with NC State professor Steve Hall about overcoming fear, sharing faith in the classroom, and mentoring students. Steve offers helpful advice to other professors to avoid burnout and live out their faith on campus.

Read more about Steve Hall online:

https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/steven-hall/

Professor Hall's Campus Email Address:

[email protected]

Christian faculty, staff, and grad students, you’re invited to the A Common Call conference on Feb. 7 & 8, 2025 in Raleigh, NC. Check out this website for details and registration:
https://cfsn-ncsu.org/conf-info/


00:00-01:17 – Student question & intro
01:18-02:58 – Overcoming fear of sharing faith in class
02:58-05:59 – Faith’s impact on students & classroom interactions
06:04-07:44 – Faculty publicly identifying as Christians
08:26-11:23 – Managing a heavy workload as a Christian professor
11:23-13:27 – How to mentor students spiritually
15:05-17:07 – Connecting with students in online classes
17:16-19:56 – Final encouragement: Be bold, find community, walk wisely

Resources from Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry:

• Find 500+ Christian professors at https://meettheprof.com/
• Faculty Commons – https://www.facultycommons.org/
• A Grander Story – https://a.co/d/8VoYXSV

Watch MTP on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MeetTheProfOfficial/videos

You can support Meet The Prof through Shane Hartley's work with Faculty Commons, a Cru ministry, at this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://give.cru.org/0424344⁠⁠⁠