Distance Teaching: New Professor Teaches at GFU--From 2,000 Miles Away

Reported by: Bryn Heikes    

Dan Morrison joined the George Fox University (GFU) community this semester as assistant professor of New Testament. Morrison also served as assistant professor of New Testament at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri for three years. Additionally, Morrison is a U.S. Navy Chaplain and has been director of Cordas C. Burnett Center for biblical preaching at Evangel University. No matter his job title, Morrison feels called to work with college students. 

Morrison’s passion for teaching is rooted in his love for education and students. He cherishes the privilege of watching college students develop and grow, and he welcomes the challenge of helping people take their knowledge and apply it to their lives. 

Teaching from the New Testament also brings challenges, primarily when it comes to illustrating how the Bible relates to people in contemporary society. “This is especially true in today’s turbulent times,” said Morrison. He attributes his pull towards theology to his own desire to study the Bible. 

As a current Missouri resident, Morrison teaches remotely. He strives to make his classes as interactive as they would be in person, as well as juggling new aspects like ensuring the lighting is right and wrestling with technology. 

Despite occasional technical difficulties, Morrison said his experience working for GFU has been wonderful thus far. Although he lives almost two thousand miles away, Morrison has already felt accepted into the university’s community. This community is partially what drew Morrison to GFU, as well as the University’s Be Known promise. Additionally, he admires how GFU educates students to become lights in this world. 

Looking forward, Morrison is excited to visit campus in the spring, and eventually move to the Pacific Northwest.