Taylor University hired a new professor to join the biblical studies department.
Dennis Bray traveled from Scotland to take on the role of assistant professor of theology. Bray will teach three courses for the 2025 fall semester.
He studied European history and education at the University of California, Irvine. He taught high school for a few years after graduation.
God led Bray back to school to earn more degrees. At Biola University, he sought a degree in philosophy of religion and ethics and a degree in systematic theology, he said. He felt drawn to the school after walking into Biola’s bookstore and reading some of the theology and philosophy novels.
After he finished school at Biola, Bray applied for his dream school in Scotland, UK. That dream became reality when the University of St. Andrews mailed his acceptance letter.
Bray spent his time earning his doctorate in theology living on the coast of the North Sea.
After eight years in the United Kingdom, Bray and his family felt that it was time to come back to America.
“We love America,” he said. “And even though America has changed so much in eight years, we wanted to come back and be a positive force, even in a little way, and do some good.”
Bray and his wife, Charisma Bray, have two boys. Ames St. John is six years old, and Peri Calum is nine years old.
Bray learned of a job opening at Taylor through an old office mate, Koert Verhagen, who is an assistant professor of philosophy and religion at Taylor University. He applied and was later accepted.
“When I got here for the first time, everybody was so kind, genuinely kind,” he said. “They were gracious and welcoming and just warm.”
Charisma said her first reaction was to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. Bray and Charisma said they deeply respect Taylor and its mission and couldn’t wait to join the community.
Charisma also took a job at Taylor as English’s hall director.
Bray thanks and praises God for using the relationships and connections he made over the years to provide opportunities throughout his life.
“God is always taking care of me,” Bray said. “He is using what little I bring to him and blessing it so abundantly.”
It is evident that God orchestrated encounters into Bray’s life to provide a place where he could communicate truth, encourage believers and draw people into contemplating the beauty and goodness of God, Charisma said.
Bray and his family now live in a town much like the one where he grew up in California. Bray is thankful for the chance to learn from his students as he makes Upland, Indiana his new home, he said.
He prays for wisdom on how to engage students in learning without over doing it or under doing it.
Bray’s main goal is to best serve his students.
