Prof. Steven R. Smith
Chair of Religion and Philosophy/ Assistant Professor
M.Div. Luther-Northwestern Seminary (1990)
B.A. University of Minnesota— Duluth (1986)
Major: History
Minor: Philosophy
Office & Contact Information:
Salveson 218
(641) 585-8253
smiths@waldorf.edu
Teaching Experience:
Waldorf College
Adjunct Instructor of Religion and Philosophy (1996-2006)
Waldorf College
Chair of Religion & Philosophy/Assistant Professor (2006-Present)
Pastoral Experience
Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Virginia, Minnesota (1990-1993)
Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, Joice, Iowa (1995-2001)
Silver Lake Lutheran Church, Northwood, Iowa (1995-2002)
Areas of Interest and Specialty
Professor Smith great academic passion is bringing the theology of Martin Luther to bear upon our modern life and world. He firmly believes Luther’s thought is extraordinarily poignant and useful for our time. Connected to this passion is Professor Smith’s commitment to helping students examine themselves in order to hear their many callings in life and to answer those calls deliberately and well.
Course Assignments:
PHL 111 – Critical Inquiry
REL 103 – Introduction to Biblical Literature
REL 205 – Contemporary Ethical Issues
REL 211 – Decisions, Ethics, and Faith in Contemporary Life
REL/MUS 330 Music and Worship in the Lutheran Tradition
REL 435 – Religion and Career Values
Institutional Responsibilities:
Vision Task Force (2006-Present)
Exploratory Advising Task Force (2006-Present)
Vocation & Service Committee (2006-Present)
Harassment Committee (2001-2006)
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Task Force (2002-2003)
Awards:
Professor of the Year, Alpha Chi, (2003-2004)
Board of Regents Outstanding Faculty Award (2007)
Life Beyond the College
Professor Smith is married to his wife Wendy. They have two daughters Megan and Erin. The Smith household is also blessed with a pug named Otis who may at time be found sleeping in Professor Smith’s office or roaming the halls of the college.
Professor Smith also teaches in the Lay School of Ministry for the Western Iowa Synod, of the ELCA. In this program he has taught an introduction to the Bible and he is currently teaching basic Lutheran theology.
Playing hockey and being a violinist are other things Professor Smith is known for.
