������Ů

������٠is pleased to welcome Dr. Ben Hartley as Professor of Methodist Studies and Mission, beginning July 1, 2026.

A historian, biographer, and ordained United Methodist deacon, Dr. Hartley brings a passion for deep discussions and exploring the many surprising stories that shape the global Christian movement.

Dr. Hartley’s scholarship centers on the global history of Christianity, Methodist Studies, and the history of Christian Mission. Throughout his career, he has combined archival research, oral histories, and interdisciplinary exploration to uncover overlooked voices and reexamine long-held assumptions about the church’s past and future.

Influenced by years teaching in honors education settings, he values classrooms where students wrestle deeply with ideas, texts, and one another’s perspectives. “The greatest compliment I receive from students is when they tell me what they hope to explore after my class is completed,” Hartley shared. “I want students to leave my class being convinced and enthusiastic explorers.”

Dr. Hartley is a cum laude graduate of Wheaton College (IL) and Michigan State University (MI). He is also a two-time graduate of Boston University earning a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Theology. Hartley’s doctoral dissertation is entitled: Holiness Evangelical Urban Mission and Identity in Boston, 1860-1910.”

The ������٠community looks forward to the enthusiasm and global perspective Dr. Hartley will bring to the classroom and broader learning community.