David von Schlichten, Ph.D.

Professor of Religious Studies, Coordinator of the Gender and Women's Studies Program

Liberal Arts, Religious Studies/Theology, Women's Studies

Dave was born in Easton, Pa and graduated from Bangor High School in Bangor, PA. He majored in English and religion at Drew University. From May 24, 1997 to November 13, 2020, Dave was a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Dave has a doctorate in ministry, a Ph.D. in English (Literature and Criticism), and an M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction (from Seton Hill). Dave is married to Kim and has two adult step-children, Michael and Katie, and a granddaughter, Mle. He has over 200 publishing credits in various genres. He loves animals, especially cats. Dave is athletically inept, although he did complete the Pittsburgh marathon in 2010. Oh, and he can juggle.

Education

M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction, Seton Hill University, 2019
Ph.D. in English Literature and Criticism, IUP, 2012
D.Min., Lutheran Theological Seminary Philadelphia, 2003
M.Div., Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, 1997, divisional honors in homiletics
M.A. in English (summa cum laude), Kutztown University, 1993
B.A. in English and religion (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), Drew University, 1991

Publications

Dave has over 200 publications in various genres, including the following books:

Quarantine: How Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Helped Me During the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2021. 124 pp.

The Bible Out of the Pew: An Empowering Guide for the Spiritual but Not Religious. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2019. 159 pp.

Words Fitly Spoken: Biblical Guidance for More Powerful Preaching. Lima: CSS Publishers, 2008. 106 pp.

Awards

Sister Lois Sculco Award, 2025

Griffin Spirit Award, 2021

Nominee, Women and Girls Foundation’s recognition of men who have contributed to the advancement of women, 2012

Membership, 1885 Club (honor society for graduates of Bangor High School (in PA) who have achieved significant distinction vocationally/in the community), 2013

Organizations

Coordinator of the Gender and Women's Studies Program

Presentations

I was asked by the undergraduate Class of 2022 to give the commencement address, which I did on May 7, 2022. The students gave me a standing ovation. I was deeply honored.

Achievements

Former columnist for GoodPreacher.com
Former editor for "Lectionary Homiletics"
Served as pastor of Saint James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Youngstown, PA 1997-2014