Meet The Prof

Shelly is a Professor of Education at Voorhees University. She discusses the complexities of student engagement in a world of virtual interactions. She emphasizes the importance of teaching interpersonal skills, coping with grief in educational settings, and the dual realities of the physical and spiritual worlds. Shelly also shares practical advice for young adults and parents, as well as insights for Christian professors navigating their influence on campus.

Read about Shelly: https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/shelly-meyers/

Email Shelly: [email protected]

Book references:
The Six Conversations, by Heather Holleman, https://amzn.to/4dKtHht

The Anxious Generation, by by Jonathan Haidt, https://amzn.to/3YsaNq2

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

Shelly is a Professor of Education at Voorhees University. She shares her unique path to college through a football scholarship, and an embarrassing college moment with WWE superstar Bobby Lashley. Shelly opens up about making unhealthy choices which now informs her work with students, and recounts how she met her husband while "running away" from a toxic relationship to Alaska. She explains how both she and her husband see their work with students as their ministry field.

Read about Shelly:  https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/shelly-meyers/

Email Shelly: [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, Jhon Figueroa, a chemistry professor at the University of South Florida, continues Part 2 of our interview and shares his insights on the intersection of faith and science, the importance of mentoring students, and how to engage in meaningful discussions about belief. He emphasizes the need for kindness in conversations, the significance of prayer in his teaching, and the value of maintaining relationships with students beyond the classroom. Jhon also offers advice for parents sending their children to college, encouraging them to stay involved and supportive.

Email Jhon: [email protected]

Read about Jhon: https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/jhon-figueroa/

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 we sit down with Dr. Jhon Figueroa, professor of chemistry, Safety Coordinator and Undergraduate Lab Manager at the University of South Florida. Dr. Figueroa shares his incredible journey from arriving in the U.S. as a refugee, becoming a chemistry professor, learning to make chemistry relatable, and how becoming a father deepened his understanding of God’s love. Jhon’s story is full of lessons on perseverance, faith, and the power of gratitude.

Email Jhon: [email protected]

Read more about Jhon: https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/jhon-figueroa/

Here are the main takeaways:

1. Perseverance Through Adversity: Jhon’s journey from a refugee with no English proficiency to a PhD holder and chemistry professor demonstrates incredible resilience. He shares how structured discipline and a commitment to learning helped him overcome the barriers in his path.

2. Connecting Science and Faith: Jhon sees the complexity and design in chemistry, particularly in biochemistry, as evidence of God’s existence. He passionately explains how scientific discoveries reinforce his belief in intelligent design.

3. Impact of Fatherhood on Faith: Becoming a father transformed how Jhon understands God's love. His experience watching his child’s first vaccine injection deepened his empathy for God’s sacrifice of Jesus, offering a fresh lens through which he views scripture and faith.

4. Importance of Context in Teaching and Faith: Jhon emphasizes that just as he relates chemistry to students’ real-life experiences, sharing the gospel should begin by showing love and care for others. Context and personal connection are essential both in education and evangelism.

5. Gratitude as a Catalyst for Faith: Jhon’s turning point toward Christianity came when he realized he wasn’t thankful for life’s blessings. Hearing a preacher express gratitude for simple things led him to seek God and reevaluate his faith.

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

Karen Petersen, the President of Hendrix College, shares the importance of joy, questioning, and community support in navigating college life. Petersen also offers valuable advice for students and parents, highlighting the significance of prayer and the need for open conversations about faith and doubt.

Takeaways
Students can impact others through genuine joy.
Education can enhance understanding of God and scripture.
Students should be open to exploring different career paths.
Professors can represent Christ through kindness and grace.
Growth in faith requires intentional effort and maturity.

Email Dr. Petersen: [email protected]

Watch Her Extended Personal Testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-UEXPl1YGQ

Read about her on MeetTheProf.com: https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/karen-petersen/

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. Karen Petersen is the president of Hendrix College. We discuss Dr. Petersen's embarrassing moment at her college graduation, her difficult childhood, and her transformation through encountering God's grace. She shares how her faith has influenced her leadership and the role of community in her spiritual growth. She talks about the importance of servant leadership and she encourages leaders to bring their whole selves to their roles and not separate their faith from their work. She shares her perspective on being a public believer and the pushback she has received, but emphasizes that it is small compared to what God has done in her life.

Read about Karen on MeetTheProf.com: https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/karen-petersen/

Watch Karen's Extended Personal Testimony through the Open Arms ministry at MTSU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-UEXPl1YGQ

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, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Dr. Bill Fisk, Professor Emeritus in Teacher Education at Clemson University, who has seen God’s hand at work in his life and career. Bill candidly discusses his struggle with perfectionism and how God used a near-divorce experience to lead him to Christ. Reflecting on the influence of a college soccer teammate, Bill highlights how living a life that "smells sweet" as a Christian can have a lasting impact, even if the results aren’t immediate. 

Bill offers practical advice for educators who see their work as a ministry, encouraging them to know their rights and be bold yet loving in expressing their faith. He shares the story of how he overcame his fear of openly sharing his faith with students, offering a powerful lesson on the importance of obedience to God, even when it feels risky.

Whether you're a college student, professor, or anyone looking to integrate faith into everyday life, this episode provides both encouragement and practical wisdom. 

email Bill: [email protected]

read more about Bill: https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/bill-fisk/

Book mentioned: Evidence That Demands a Verdict, by Josh McDowell

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, we sit down with Dr. Marcus Kilpatrick, a Professor of Exercise Science at the University of South Florida. Dr. Kilpatrick shares his unique journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a respected academic and mentor. We explore his research, his passion for student engagement, and the importance of vulnerability in building meaningful relationships on campus, and how to live out one's faith in a secular environment. From his days at Florida State University to leading a Bible study for students and faculty at USF, Dr. Kilpatrick’s story is one of dedication, humility, and faith.

Email: [email protected]

Read about Marcus: https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/marcus-kilpatrick/

Here are some takeaways:
1. College Students:
   - Faith in Daily Life: Integrate your faith into everyday conversations naturally. If Christ is central to your life, it should come up just as naturally as any other passion or interest.

2. College Professors:
  - Faith in Academia: Professors can honor God through the excellence of their work and by creating spaces where faith can be discussed and explored. Don’t be afraid to share your faith when appropriate, as it can positively influence students.
 
3. Parents of College Students:
  - Supportive Environment: Pray for your child to find mentors, like professors who share their faith, and peers who will support them in their walk with Christ.

Titles Mentioned: (with Amazon Links Affiliate Program)

A Grander Story, by Heather Holleman and Rick Hove   https://amzn.to/46NSgbv
 
Sent, by Heather Holleman   https://amzn.to/4fS82Gf

The Princess Bride   https://amzn.to/4dsLJFt

Nacho Libre   https://amzn.to/3YKGPzn

Monty Python and the Holy Grail  https://amzn.to/3Z7yDcL

Life of Brian   https://amzn.to/3M7oTau

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 inspiring episode of Meet the Prof, we sit down with Rob Niewoehner, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the United States Naval Academy. With nearly 50 years of experience as a Navy aviator and test pilot, Rob shares his incredible journey from flying F-14 Tomcats to mentoring the next generation of leaders. He discusses coming to Christ, the challenges and rewards of moving from a military career to academia, and the profound impact of mentoring students.

Contact Rob Niewoehner at: [email protected]

Check out Rob’s profile on Meet the Prof: https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/rob-niewoehner/

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

Doug is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire.

You can email Doug at: [email protected]
Read more about Doug on MeetTheProf.com: https://meettheprof.com/view/professors/entry/doug-matthews/

Some take-aways from this passionate interview:

1. Faith and Science: Doug addresses the common perception that faith and science are incompatible, emphasizing that this is a false dichotomy.

2. Jesus and Scientific Research: Doug's faith in Christ has positively impacted his career as a scientist, allowing him to ask better questions and approach his work with greater passion and curiosity.

3. Spiritual Darkness on Campuses: Doug describes college campuses as spiritually dark and advises parents to equip their children for the spiritual battles they will face in college.

4. Advice for Christian Professors: He encourages Christian professors to excel in their professional roles while openly sharing their faith, suggesting practical steps.

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