Mark Heffley, PhD
- Assistant Professor of Theology
- Assistant Professor of Catholic Studies
About Me
Before pursuing doctoral studies, I was a middle and high school theology teacher for a number of years. Teaching is my first love. My time in the classroom has greatly influenced my research interests, leading me to focus on the area of fundamental theology. Questions around faith and reason, religious epistemology, biblical hermeneutics, and the interplay between philosophy and theology are what get me excited. I'm also an enthusiastic runner, lifter, movie watcher, coffee drinker, husband, and father to five wonderful children.
Why I’m At MaryI'm at Mary because this university is truly passionate about its mission to be a Catholic, Benedictine community of prayerful scholars. During my interview visit a few things struck me: the hospitality I received from students, faculty, and staff, the caliber of student discussions, and the beauty of the campus. I continue to be struck by these daily.
Expertise
My area of focus is in fundamental theology. More specifically, I have done work on John Henry Newman's account of faith, Robert Sokolowski's phenomenological theology, and biblical hermeneutics.
Education
PhD: Ave Maria University, 2024
MA: Franciscan University, 2013