Faculty

Professor of History and Theology

Degrees Earned

• University of California, Irvine, CA, Ph.D. 2012
• Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, M.Div. 2001
• Washington University, St. Louis, MO, M.A. 2001
• University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, B.A. 1996

Research Interests

• Greek and Latin literature; epic; Augustan poetry, especially Ovid; history of literature; ancient history of Greece and Rome; mythology; New Testament

Teaching Interests

• Greek and Latin language and readings; ancient history; mythology; social history; Bible; New Testament readings

Daniel Deen

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Curriculum Vitae

Education

• Florida State University, PhD. 2011
• California State University Long Beach, MA 2006
• Concordia University, Irvine, BA 2001

Research

Area of Specialization

• Philosophy of Science

Areas of Competence

• Philosophy of Biology Epistemology
• Science and Religion
• Logic and Critical Thinking

Teaching Experience

• Florida State University: Instructor - Ethical Issues and Life Choices (Summer 2009)
• Rio Hondo Community College: Instructor - Introduction to Philosophy (Summer 2006; Spring 2006)
• Orange Lutheran High School: Instructor—Full Responsibility - Intertestamental Period and Old Testament Books, Sophomore Level (2001/2002)

Publications

Encyclopedia Article

• "Darwin and the Levels of Selection" with Brian Hollis and Christopher Zarpentine, in The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Darwin and Evolutionary Thought. Edited by Michael Ruse. Cambridge University Press (forthcoming)

Book Review

• Darwin's Gift to Science and Religion by Francisco Ayala, in History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences, 2008, 30: 272-273.

Presentations

• "The Unusual Relationship between Intelligent Design and Evolution; or Are Intelligent Design and Evolutionary Theory Kissing Cousins?" International Society for the History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Biology: Brisbane, AUS; July 2009.
• "Why Science and Spirituality Need Each Other: Toward a Theory of Dialogue" Zygon Student Symposium on Science and Religion: Chicago, IL; May 2009.
• "Keeping It in the Family: An Exploration of the Relationship Between Intelligent Design and Evolution" Darwin's Legacy: Evolution's Impact on Science and Culture, UNCW; March 2009.
• "Preliminary Remarks Towards a Complementary Model of Causation" Western Social Sciences Association: Denver, CO; April 2008.
• "Modern Reflections on the Mind/Brain Problem" Western Social Sciences Association: Phoenix, AZ; April 2006.
• "The Mind/Body Problem Revisited: A New Look at the Ontological Problem" with Paul Tang. Western Social Sciences Association: Albuquerque, NM April 2005.
• "A Goodmanian Interpretation of the Verifiability Criterion: Paradox and Resurrection" Western Social Sciences Association: Salt Lake City, UT April 2004.

Awards and Honors

Fellowship

• Integrated Training in Biology and Science (ITBaS), funded by the National Science Foundation through a grant from the History and Philosophy of Science, Engineering, and Technology Program (2009/2010).

Travel Awards

• Student Travel Grants (2009, 2008)

Honors

• Friends of Philosophy Scholarship for graduate studies in Philosophy (2004, 2003). Awarded by the Department of Philosophy, California State University, Long Beach.
• Phi Kappa Phi

Associate Professor of Biochemistry
Chair - Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics and Engineering

Dr. Lindsay Kane-Barnese (Ph.D.) graduated from Concordia University Irvine with B.A. in Biology and a B.A. in Chemistry. She obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Kane-Barnese’s doctoral work and current research interests involve a protein involved in some cases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. She teaches a variety of classes, ranging from introductory to advanced biology and chemistry courses. Dr. Kane-Barnese also advises students in research pertaining to ALS or other biochemistry or molecular biology related research. She enjoys working with students to learn complex biological and chemical topics in their classes and research and helping them explore the intersection of faith and science in their chosen field.

Education

Ph.D. - University of California, Los Angeles, 2010

Associate Professor of History and Political Thought

Degrees Earned

• University of St Andrews, PhD, 2016
• University of St Andrews, MLitt, 2010
• Concordia University Irvine, BA, 2009

Research Interests

• Early Modern Warfare, Strategy, Austrian History, British History, War of the Spanish Succession, Fiscal-Military State

Teaching Interests

• Military History, European History, International Relations

Professor Emeritus of Chemical Physics

Biography

Dr. Kenney is an award winning teacher and scholar noted for his contributions to both chemical education and to chemistry / chemical physics research. He is known for his passionate, enthusiastic, energetic, and innovative hands-on teaching style, for the depth and rigor of his classes, for his involvement of students in high-level scientific research, and for his ability to transform the lives of his students and inspire them to achieve their professional and personal goals. “There’s nothing more spectacular than getting a privileged view of God’s creative genius, either at the microscopic scale or the cosmological scale,” states Kenney.

Education

• University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Ph.D. 1979

Professor of Psychology and Department Chair

Dr. John Lu completed his doctorate at UC Irvine in Social Psychology (emphasis in Health Psychology). He began working at Concordia Irvine in 2004. His research interests are in the mind-body relationship. Most recently he has been examining happiness and optimal performance. Dr. Lu teaches courses in Statistics, Cognition, Social Psychology, and Health Psychology. His greatest enjoyment in teaching is watching students grow academically and personally as they are challenged to foster their gifts.

Degrees Earned

• University of California, Irvine, Ph.D. 2007

Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Department Chair

Biography

Professor Julie Melberg joined the Concordia mathematics faculty in 2010, after teaching high school mathematics for several years. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio; her Master of Arts in Mathematics degree from California State Fullerton and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from Curtin University. Professor Melberg enjoys teaching mathematics at Concordia University Irvine, teaching Core Mathematics classes as well as courses for the Mathematics major. Her teaching and research focus on inquiry-based learning and encouraging students to develop life-long thinking skills.

Education

• California State University, Fullerton, M.A. 2000

Professor of English
Lead Faculty Around-the-World Semester

Biography

Dr. Norton teaches courses in Shakespearean drama, 18^th-century British literature, and American literature. He also teaches in the English core curriculum. Although primarily a Shakespearean, Norton’s academic interests are wide, and he enjoys uncovering and analyzing the life in Shakespeare and other literature in his classes and in his writing. Norton’s articles have appeared in Shakespeare, Early Modern Literary Studies, and Continuum Renaissance Drama. His most recent book (2018), Killing Physicians: Shakespeare's Blind Heroes and Reformation Saints (New Reformation Press), explores the influence of Reformation theology on Shakespeare's tragedies and late plays.

Norton is one of the leaders and developers of the Around-the-World Semester. He and his family- wife Erica, sons Jack and Sheffield, and daughter Naomi- launched and helped lead ATW teams in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Through his work with the ATW semester, Norton has helped to design the Global Cultural Studies Minor and the International Studies Major.

Some of Dr. Norton’s fondest memories at Concordia are from his years as head coach of the men's and women's tennis teams, 2005-2010.

Education

• Ph.D. - English, Sheffield Hallam University
• M.A. - California State University, Fullerton
• B.A. - Point Loma Nazarene University

Teaching

• Shakespeare
• American Literature
• Seminar in English
• Core English
• Writing and Research
• Literary Theory
• Modern and Contemporary Drama
• Modern and Contemporary Novel
• Creative Nonfiction

Read Dr. Norton's Blog

Professor of Anthropology

Jack M. Schultz, Ph.D. (University of Oklahoma), has multiple publications in the anthropology of religion; most notable is his book The Seminole Baptists of Oklahoma: Maintaining a Traditional Community (University of Oklahoma Press, 1999). As a practicing anthropologist, he continues to research the interplay of religion and culture.

Dr. Schultz has conducted ethnographic research among a variety of peoples including the Seminoles, Creek, Pawnee, Lakota, and Navajo nations. He has also investigated religion in Eastern Europe and Japan. In addition to his interest in religion and culture, Dr. Schultz also investigates material culture and native technologies.

As an anthropology instructor, Dr. Schultz is intentional in assisting his students to see the hidden forces of culture in their own lives, as well as in the lives of others they interact with. As globalization continues to shrink our world by putting us face-to-face with people of other traditions anthropology offers some important tools and perspectives which allow the participant to navigate their engagements with others more empathetically.

Dr. Schultz teaches a variety of classes on campus including Introduction of Cultural Anthropology, Religion in Society, Culture and Self, and Native Peoples of North America among others. He also teaches in the Christ College Cross-Cultural Ministry Center and both of our Synod’s Seminaries.

Degrees Earned

• Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology - 1995. University of Oklahoma. Specialized fields are anthropology of religion, American Indians (Southeastern and Plains), and anthropological theory.
• Master of Arts, Anthropology - 1989. University of Oklahoma.
• Bachelor of Arts - 1980. Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois. Concentrations in psychology and education.
• Associate of Arts (with honors) - 1977. St. John's College, Winfield, Kansas. Concentration in education.

Professional Experience

• July, 2003 to present: Professor of Anthropology Concordia University, Irvine, California.
• July, 2009; July 2011: Guest Instructor Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana
• March, 2008 to July, 2008: Gastprofessor, Kulturwissenschaften Leuphana Universität, Lüneburg, Germany.
• July, 1999 to July, 2003: Associate Professor of Anthropology Concordia University, Irvine, California.
• July, 1998 to July, 1999: Assistant Professor of Anthropology Concordia University, Irvine, California.
• August, 1996 to July, 1998: Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology Oklahoma State University, Sociology Department.
• August, 1995 to June, 1996: Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology University of Oklahoma, Anthropology Department.
• June, 1993 to August, 1995: Adjunct Instructor University of Oklahoma, Anthropology Department.
• July, 1993: Seminar Leader: Ethnic Diversity and Ministry Seminar, Argyle, Texas, presented by the Human Diversity Institute, Inc., Bedford, Texas.
• August, 1989 to May, 1993: Graduate Teaching Assistant: Instructor University of Oklahoma, Anthropology Department.
• March, 1990 to April, 1991: Visiting Curator Creek Nation Council House Museum, Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
• September, 1989 to September, 1990: Staff Archaeologist Oklahoma Archaeological Survey, Norman.
• June, 1989 to August, 1990: Adjunct Instructor University of Oklahoma, Anthropology Department.
• June, 1989 to September, 1989: Research Assistant Oklahoma Archaeological Survey, Norman.
• August, 1988 to December, 1988: Laboratory Assistant Courson Archaeological Lab, Norman, Oklahoma.
• June, 1987 to August, 1987: Living History Interpreter/Collections Expert Pawnee Bill State Park and Museum, Pawnee, Oklahoma.

Fieldwork Experience

• 1990-1999: Seminole and Creek Communities
• 1989-1990: Comanche Community
• 1987: Pawnee Community
• 1976: Navajo Community

Publications

• In Press: “Relations Of Resistance And Accommodation: Negotiating Christian And Native Identities.” Proceedings from White-Indian Relations: Moving into the 21st Century. Leuphana Universitaet, Lueneburg, Germany.
• 2011: “Science and Theology: Two Ways of Knowing” Issues in Christian Education. Vol. 44, No. 2 Spring 2011.
• 2009: “Culture and the Christian,” in Modern Reformation, Volume 18, No. 1 (January/February 2009).
• 2008: Book Review: The Choctaws of Oklahoma: from Tribe to Nation, 1855-1970. Clara Sue Kidwell. (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2007). Journal of American History, Volume 95, No. 1 (June 2008).
• 2008: Book Review: The Preservation of Native American Practices in the United Methodist Church: A Case Study in Recent Protestant Missions, Leonard Ortiz (Lewiston, New York: Edwin Mellen Press). For Edwin Mellen Press.
• 2006: Antropolgické pochopenie viery a kultúry. Niekol’ko myšslieknok pre krest’anov (An Anthropologist’s Understanding of Faith and Culture: Some Thoughts for Christians). Theological Papers, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
• 2005: Young, Unassimilated Hispanic Offenders: Absolutist vs. Relativist Cultural Assumptions. Sexuality and Culture. Co-authored with Roberto Flores de Apodaca, Amy N. Anderson and Martin D. McLennan.
• 2002: Introduction to Anthropology for Missionaries. Pathways Missionary Training, Module C-5. Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. St. Louis, Missouri.
• 2000: Book Review: Where the Two Roads Meet. The Journal of American History, September 2000:741. Indiana University, Bloomington.
• 1999: The Seminole Baptist Churches of Oklahoma: Maintaining a Traditional Community. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman [released also in paperback fall 2008].
• 1999: How Do I Observe Behavior, Analyze Data, and Use Cultural Consultants to Increase My Understanding of the Culture in Which I Live? Pathways Missionary Training, Module 10. Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. St. Louis, Missouri.
• 1998: What Can I Do to Ease My Culture Shock and Care for Myself Emotionally? Pathways Missionary Training, Module 2. Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. St. Louis, Missouri.
• 1996: Church: Seminole/Creek and Grave shed/camp houses in Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World. Cambridge University Press.
• 1992: The Use-wear Generated by Processing Bison Hides. Plains Anthropologist 37(141): 333-351
• 1990: Video Script: Making Bows and Arrows. The Comanche Nation of Oklahoma.

Manuscripts Refereed

• 2007: “Intermediate Creek: Mvskoke Emponvkv Hokkolat” Pamela Innes, Linda Alexander, Bertha Tilkens. University of Oklahoma Press. Norman.
• 2006: “Intermediate Creek: Mvskoke Hokkolat” by Pamela Innes, Linda Alexander, and Bertha Tilkens. University of Oklahoma Press. Norman.
• 2004: “Mvskoke Emponvkv: A Muskogee Textbook” by Pamela Innes, Linda Alexander, and Bertha Tilkens. University of Oklahoma Press. Norman.
• 2004: “Enduring Faith: Native Christianity Since 1800” by C. Blue Clark, Handbook of North American Indians, Volume 14, Southeast. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

Expert Consultation

• 2009: Round Table Moderator. Two Books, One Truth? Science and Theology Conference. Concordia University, Irvine.
• 2008: Interview: Sieben Jahre unter Indianern, Lüneburg Landeszeitung, 6. Mai 2008.
• 2004: Discovery Channel’s television program Unsolved Histories: Aztec Temple.
• 2002: 3,000 Years of Life at Turtle Rock Exhibit. Concordia University, Irvine.
• 1990: Women’s Work Exhibit. Plains Indian Artifact Replication. Omniplex Science Museum Oklahoma.
• 1989: Oklahoma’s First General Store Exhibit. Plains Indian Artifact Replication. Stovall Museum, University of Oklahoma.
• 1987: Southeast Indian Artifact Repair and Replication. Pawnee Bill State Park and Museum of Oklahoma.

Presented Papers

• 2009: Keynote Address. Science And Theology: Embracing The Tension. Two Books, One Truth? Science and Theology Conference. Concordia University, Irvine.
• 2009: Relations Of Resistance And Accommodation: Negotiating Christian And Native Identities. White-Indian Relations: Moving in to the 21st Century. Leuphana Universitaet. Lueneburg, Germany.
• 2008: Religion in America. Leuphana Universitaet, Lueneburg, Germany.
• 2007: In This Enchanted Forest, the Giant Is Not Sleeping, It Is Believing: Social Implications of the Lutheran Doctrine of Vocation. Society for the Anthropology of Religion, American Anthropological Association. Phoenix, Arizona.
• 2007: “What is this thing called Culture?” and, “Lessons from the Field: An Anthropologist’s Understanding of Faith and Culture. Some Thoughts for Christians.” Heart for the Harvest: 2007 Mission Training Conference, The Pacific Southwest District. Irvine, California
• 2004: An Anthropologist’s Understanding of Faith and Culture: Some Thoughts for Christians. Tuesday Lecture Series, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
• 2004: A Sociological Theory of Religion: Religion, World Building, and World-Maintenance. Missiology Workshop, Petrzalka, Slovakia.
• 2003: Mutual Conversion: The Seminole Baptists of Oklahoma. Society for the Anthropology of Religion, American Anthropological Association. Providence, Rhode Island.
• 2003: Lessons From the Field: An Anthropologist’s Understanding of Culture and Faith. Some Thoughts for Christians. Immanuel Lutheran Church, Orange, California.
• 2002: The Seminole Baptists: Culture and Faith. Peace Lutheran Adult Learners. Yorba Linda, California.
• 2001: Culture and Faith. Missionary Teachers’ Conference. Prague, Czech Republic.
• 2000: The Tradition and Culture of Christian Ritual. Christianity in Focus Series. Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. Lake Forest, California.
• 1999: The Interplay of Culture and Faith: A Response to Multiculturalism. Christianity in Focus Series. Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. Lake Forest, California.
• 1998: The Cultural, Multicultural, and the Agricultural. Family Weekend Distinguished Faculty Lecture. Concordia University.
• 1997: Last Lecture. Invited Series, United Ministry In Higher Education, Oklahoma State University.
• 1997: The Seminole Baptists of Oklahoma. Invited Lecture, Bloomsburg University, Pennsylvania.
• 1996: The Seminole Baptists of Oklahoma. Invited Lecture, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh.
• 1991: Aboriginal Roots Of Contemporary Practice in Seminole Baptist Churches. American Society for Ethnohistory Conference. Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• 1990: The Use-wear Generated by Processing Bison Hides. Plains Anthropology Conference. Oklahoma City.
• 1989: Some Inferences Based on Experimental Archaeology. Oklahoma City Chapter of the Oklahoma Anthropological Society.

Service

• 2008-present: Faculty Advisor, Anthropology Club: Concordia University.
• 2003-present: Faculty Advisor, Amnesty International: Concordia University.
• 2003-present: Faculty Advisor, Native American Student Organization: Concordia University
• 2000-present: Editorial Committee, Concordia Academic Press: St. Louis.
• 2000-present: Advisory Board and Research Committee: Mission Research Center, Irvine.
• 1999-2000: Acting Director of Director of Christian Education Program: Concordia University.
• 1999-2000: Pro tem Diversity (Affirmative Action) Coordinator: Concordia University.
• 1998-1999: Sociocultural Responsiveness Target Team Chair: Concordia University.
• 1998-1999: Assessment Committee Member, Sociocultural Responsiveness: Concordia University.
• 1998-2000: Human Subject Research Committee Chair: Concordia University.
• 1997-1998: State Regent's Faculty Transfer Curriculum Committee, Chairman, Anthropology.
• 1996-1998: Undergraduate Committee, Department of Sociology: Oklahoma State University.
• 1996-1998: Preliminary Examination Committee, Methods, Department of Sociology: Oklahoma State University.
• 1996-1997: State Regent's Faculty Transfer Curriculum Committee, Anthropology. Oklahoma State University.
• 1985-1986: Evangelism Board, North Wisconsin District, LC-MS.
• 1984-1986: Executive Board Member, Community Youth Action, Inc., Appleton, Wisconsin.

Professional Association

• 1993-present: Advisory Board Member: Human Diversity Institute, Inc., Bedford, Texas.
• 1999-present: American Anthropological Association, Religion Section, Member.

Honors and Awards

• Professor of the Year Award, 2008-2009. Concordia University.
• Gastdozentur aus Studienbeiträgen (Projektkategorie 14): Study contributions awarded by Leuphana Universitaet, May, 2008.
• Retention Award, December, 1998. Concordia University.
• Retention Award Nominations, January, 1999; December, 1999; February, 2000; September 2000. Concordia University.
• Takvcvre Punfvyate Sepuyetsckat, 1994. University of Oklahoma Creek Language III Students.
• Plains Anthropological Society Student Paper Award, January, 1991.

Special Studies

• Pathways Writer’s Workshop, March 2-3, 1998, LCMS International Center, St. Louis, MO.
• Advanced Listening Skills Training, February, 1984, L.E.A.D. Labs, Renoldsburg, Ohio.

Personal

Born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Married to Christine A. Crow. Three children: Joshua Daniel; Anna Rebekah; Abigail Jordin.

References

• Morris Foster, Professor, Anthropology Department, University of Oklahoma, 455 W. Lindsey, Norman, Oklahoma 73019. (405) 325-2492 e-mail: [email protected]
• Patricia Bell, Department of Sociology, Chair, Oklahoma State University, 006 Classroom Building, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078. (405) 744-6105 e-mail: [email protected]
• Peter Senkbeil, Associate Provost, Concordia University, 1530 Concordia East, Irvine, California 92612. (949) 854-8002 e-mail: [email protected]

Professor of English
Director of General Education

 

Biography

Kerri (Thomsen) Tom holds a PhD in English from the University of Massachusetts (1994). Her primary interest is the English Renaissance, and she has published articles on Shakespeare, Spenser, and Milton. More recently, she contributed a chapter to The Idea and Practice of a Christian University: A Lutheran Approach, entitled, “Mirror, Imagination, and Creation: A Lutheran Approach to Literature” (CPH, 2015).

Education

• Ph.D. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, English literature, May 1994.
• M.A. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, English literature, February 1993.
• B.A. University of California, Santa Cruz, Honors in Literature / Creative Writing and College Honors, June 1986.

Courses Taught

• CENG 201: World Literature to the Renaissance
• ENG 341: American Literature I
• ENG 361: English Literature I
• ENG 391: Children’s Literature
• ENG 451: Senior Seminar in English
• ENG 461: Major English Writers
• ENG 466: Shakespeare
• WRT 333: Topics in Literature and Writing

Professor of Theatre

Education

• Indiana University, Bloomington, MFA in Directing,
• University of Louisville, B.A. in English and Theatre Arts, 
• University of Birmingham's summer Shakespeare course in Stratford-upon-Avon, England

Professional Experience

• Adjunct Instructor, Concordia University, River Forest, IL 1992-1998
• Co-Artistic Director, Circle Theatre, Forest Park, IL 1998-2000
• Artistic Director, Theatre of Western Springs, Western Springs, IL 1998-2004
• Producing Artistic Director, New American Theater, Rockford, IL 2004-2006
• Concordia University since 2007

Biography

Tony has directed over 80 productions for professional, community, and university stages. Concordia directing credits include: Metamorphoses, Hamlet, Reckless, Pride and Prejudice, A Midsummer Night's Dream and his own adaptation of the book Ten Days in a Madhouse. He is a 2011 recipient of the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival Excellence in Education Award.

Previously, Tony was co-artistic director of Circle Theatre, a Chicago non-Equity professional theatre and artistic director of the Theatre of Western Springs, a large community theatre. Chicago-area credits include: Anna Karenina, The Tempest, Tartuffe, and American Buffalo. Later, he was producing artistic director of New American Theater (Equity SPT 7) where his credits included: Around the World in 80 Days, Bad Dates, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Locally, he has directed for the Chance Theater.

Tony served as producing artistic director of Concordia's professional theatre Looseleaf Theatre Co. (Equity, Guest Artist) where he has directed Twelfth Night, As You Like It, The Comedy of Errors, The Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, and Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Tony's teaching has also involved travel. He was a visiting professor (in 2014) and then full-time professor (2016) on Concordia's Around the World semester - teaching and serving in 10 countries over 20 weeks. In 2018 he served as a visiting professor of acting for the Huace Film Academy at the Zhejiang University of Media and Communications in Hangzhou, China.

Tony and his family attend St. John's Lutheran Church in Orange.

Curriculum Vitae

See Prof. Vezner on Youtube