FACULTY
Kenneth CuffeyPresident, Urbana Theological Seminary, Professor of Biblical Studies (2002–present)
M.Phil. and Ph.D., Drew University (Biblical Studies: Old Testament)
After serving in full-time pastoral ministry (Indiana, New Jersey), Dr. Cuffey came to Champaign-Urbana in 1994 at the founding of the Christian Studies Center, the predecessor to Urbana Theological Seminary. He taught courses in Biblical Studies and Practical Ministry for the Center from 1994 until 2003. At the inauguration of Urbana Theological Seminary, he was named President of the Seminary and Professor of Biblical Studies. He teaches courses in Old and New Testament as well as Hebrew and Greek language and Exegesis. Special research and publication interests include the literary coherence of Old Testament prophetic and wisdom books and biblical theology. As President of the Seminary he provides leadership for the school, overseeing its people and programs, and the fulfillment of its mission. Dr. Cuffey's book The Literary Coherence of the Book of Micah was published by Bloomsbury Press in 2015.
Todd DalyAssociate Professor of Theology & Ethics (2006–present)
Ph.D., University of Edinburgh (Systematic Theology)
Todd's experience as an engineer for Motorola Corporation and his academic pursuits of theology brings a broad background and unique perspective to the Seminary. His involvement with churches has provided him with a breadth of understanding of different styles, ministries, and denominations. Dr. Daly's research has focused within the field of Systematic Theology on concerns of Bioethics, and he was a fellow at the Paul Ramsey Institute of the Center for Bioethics and Culture from 2013-2015 . He has been an associate fellow at the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity since 2014, and regularly participates in the Ethics Committee at Carle Foundation Hospital. Dr. Daly has published several book chapters and articles on human enhancement from a theological perspective. This includes chapters in the following books: Religion and Human Enhancement: Death, Values, and Morality (Palgrave-MacMillian, 2017), Religion and Transhumanism: The Unknown Future of Human Enhancement (Palgrave, 2014), Transhumanism and Transcendence (Georgetown University Press, 2011). Other work on Gender Dysphoria and the concept of human dignity has appeared in the journal Ethics & Medicine . Dr. Daly is finalizing a manuscript on slowing aging from a theological perspective, entitled Chasing Methuselah.
Todd's experience as an engineer for Motorola Corporation and his academic pursuits of theology brings a broad background and unique perspective to the Seminary. His involvement with churches has provided him with a breadth of understanding of different styles, ministries, and denominations. Dr. Daly's research has focused within the field of Systematic Theology on concerns of Bioethics, and he was a fellow at the Paul Ramsey Institute of the Center for Bioethics and Culture from 2013-2015 . He has been an associate fellow at the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity since 2014, and regularly participates in the Ethics Committee at Carle Foundation Hospital. Dr. Daly has published several book chapters and articles on human enhancement from a theological perspective. This includes chapters in the following books: Religion and Human Enhancement: Death, Values, and Morality (Palgrave-MacMillian, 2017), Religion and Transhumanism: The Unknown Future of Human Enhancement (Palgrave, 2014), Transhumanism and Transcendence (Georgetown University Press, 2011). Other work on Gender Dysphoria and the concept of human dignity has appeared in the journal Ethics & Medicine . Dr. Daly is finalizing a manuscript on slowing aging from a theological perspective, entitled Chasing Methuselah.
Melody GreenDean, Assistant Professor of Christianity and Culture (2014–present)
Ph.D., Illinois State University, English Studies with a Specialization in Literature for Children //
Dr. Green joined Urbana Seminary as Dean after a few years of teaching courses here on J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and The Inklings. She has a wide variety of experience teaching at multiple institutions of higher education. Melody's research interests include the intersection of faith and literature, especially focusing on the authors J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and George MacDonald. She has spoken at a wide variety of conferences and published quite a few articles and book chapteres on these and related topics. Dr. Green's most recent publications include "Story: The Doctor's Daughter" in the book Bigger on the Inside: Christianity and Doctor Who , published in 2015, and "George MacDonald and Celtic Christianity" in the 2015 issue of the refereed journal North Wind: A Journal of George MacDonald Studies .
Mike McQueenAssistant Professor of Intercultural Studies (2012-Present)
D.Min., Reformed Theological Seminary and Highland Theological College (Missions)
Mike McQueen joined the Seminary’s core faculty as Assistant Professor, though he has a long history with the Seminary as both a Lecturer and in administrative roles. His research interests reflect his years of ministry experience working in cross-cultural settings, particularly with Chinese students and other internationals on the campus of the University of Illinois since 1987.
His research for his doctorate focused especially on leadership development in the Chinese Christian community. He has also served in pastoral ministries in Colorado, California, and New York, as well as in a missionary capacity in England.
He has done advanced study in Religion and in Chinese language at Jewish Theological Seminary (New York), UCLA, and the University of Illinois.
Peter SpychallaAssistant Professor of New Testament & Spiritual Formation (2012-Present)
Ph.D., Wheaton College Graduate School (Biblical Theology: New Testament)
D.Min., Lincoln Christian Seminary (Spiritual Formation)
Peter Spychalla has taught courses in Greek and New Testament at the Seminary since 2004. His doctoral dissertation focused on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Additional research interests include Exegetical Methodology, the General Epistles, and Spiritual Formation.
Peter has served in local church ministry roles of instructor, retreat leader, lay pastor, deacon, elder, and Pastor of Spiritual Development. He has been an information technology professional in the business marketplace for the past twenty years.
Joe ThomasVice President, Public Outreach Assistant Professor of History of Christianity (2009-Present)
Ph.D., Trinity International University (Christian History and Historical Theology) //
Dr. Joe Thomas, is Assistant Professor of History of Christianity at Urbana Theological Seminary. Dr. Thomas has extensive teaching experience in the field of history and religion. His scholarly interest is in the role of reconciliation and peace in the history of the church. Dr. Thomas’ book "Perfect Harmony: Interracial Churches in Early Holiness-Pentacostalism, 1880-1909" was published in 2014. He also co-wrote the play, "Friends Indeed: The Improbable Friendship between Ben Franklin and George Whitefield." He is currently working on the book "Peace Dividend" which explores the outburst of reconciliation movements during the 1990s. Joe is founder and President of Life Together House. Life Together House creates intersections between the Gospel and a World Wide Awake. Joe previously worked on the Torchlighters animated series as an historian in residence for the Christian History Institute.
ADJUNCTS & LECTURERS
Randy BoltinghouseAdjunct Instructor in Pastoral Ministry, Senior Pastor of Windsor Road Christian Church in Champaign, IL
D.Min., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Brett SmithLecturer in Practical Ministry
Ph.D., Northwestern University
Brett has been University Baptist's Pastor since December of 2000, and the Baptist Housing Ministry's Director since February of 2007. Prior to that, he was an Associate Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Champaign, and Director of the United Campus Ministry of the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. A native of Rantoul, Illinois, and an alumnus of the University of Illinois (B.S., Finance), he earned theology degrees at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Northwestern University (Ph.D.). Along with his pastoral, teaching and administrative ministry for UBC-BHM, Brett studies the intersection of Christianity with American higher education. He's the author of Labor's Millennium: Christianity, Industrial Education, and the Founding of the University of Illinois (Wipf & Stock, 2010), and has published articles and reviews in American Baptist Quarterly,The Christian Century, Church History, and Fides et Historia. He is a Lecturer in Practical Ministry for the Urbana Theological Seminary, a Trustee of Judson University, and a former President of the Religious Workers Association at the University of Illinois. He passes the remainder of his time enjoying the company of his wife and two sons.
Judith WebbLecturer in Worship
D.M.A., University of Illinois (Music)
Judy Webb has been the Minister of Worship and Music at a local church for the past 20 years. Prior to her time as Minister of Music, she taught in the public schools and spent time as a short-term missionary in Liberia, West Africa. Her doctoral degree focused on the history of sacred music. She brings together her depth of knowledge and years of practical experience in training students to understand, design, and lead worship.
