Faculty Spotlight - Dr. Joseph Kelley

Dr. Joseph Kelley is Associate Professor in Religious and Theological Studies, Director of the Center for the Study of Jewish-Christian-Muslim Relations, and instructor of Honors Christianity in Context. Since arriving at Merrimack in 1974, Kelley has held different positions on campus in addition to teaching religious and theological studies, including Provost, Vice President for Mission, Vice President for Student Life, and Director of Campus Ministry. Outside of his work at Merrimack College, Dr. Kelley is a clinical psychologist, musician, and author of several scholarly articles and books including Saint Augustine of Hippo: Selections from Confessions and Other Essential Writings-Annotated and Explained, which he utilized in teaching his first Honors section of Christianity in Context during the Fall 2014 semester.

Dr. Kelley says that he finds teaching Honors students very rewarding as they are highly motivated, intellectually curious, and exceptionally stylish, citing Michael Santoro’s (‘18) bow tie as his favorite memory from the past semester. St. Augustine thought in questions and this practice is extremely encouraged in Dr. Kelley’s classroom. When asked what advice he would give to his students, he encourages them to read and write as much as possible. He believes that everyone could benefit from studying religious and theological studies as it “helps you understand the deeper aspirations of humanity, and so positions you well to explore human behavior and history. It also helps you along the journey of self-awareness and the discovery or creation of meaning.” Outside learning the tenets of Christianity, Dr. Kelley’s class teaches the importance of self-reflection and how questions fuel the learning process both in and outside of the classroom.

The Honors Program is grateful that Dr. Kelley has become a regular Honors faculty member. Because of faculty like him, we are able to provide Honors students with courses that stimulate critical thinking, personal growth and reflection, and contribute to the transformative experience.