Mark S. Markuly, Ph.D., is Dean of the School of Theology and Ministry. He earned a Ph.D. in Education, with an emphasis in learning theory, from St. Louis University. Dr. Markuly received an M.A. in Systematic Theology from Aquinas Institute of Theology. He pursued a Master of Divinity degree at Kenrick Seminary for three years before deciding to complete an M.A. and pursue a doctorate. He also has a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Prior to joining Seattle University, Dean Markuly was associate professor of religion and education and director of the Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM) of Loyola University New Orleans. The Loyola program is an international distance education program providing ministerial and theological education to students in 26 states throughout the U.S., as well as England, Scotland, Canada and Belize. While at Loyola, Dr. Markuly was known for promoting interdisciplinary coursework, including the formation of the first dual degree in practical theology and criminal justice. He spent nine years as a diocesan director of religious education, overseeing the educational efforts of 125 parishes and 43 parochial schools. In addition, Markuly spent four years directing a Catholic campus ministry program in an ecumenical context at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He has lectured nationally and internationally on topics that include issues of faith and culture, religious education assessment, and the application of brain research and learning theories to theological education.
In addition to his teaching and administrative work, Dr. Markuly has served as a consultant to several religious publishing firms, Roman Catholic and Protestant, and has authored several educational and video series, including Win The Prize—a sports and values program for coaches; Enduring Faith—a series exploring the African-American Catholic experience of rising above racism and prejudice in southern Illinois; and "Understanding Our Diversity,” a regional discussion on racism and prejudice between K-12 students and the first African-American Catholic bishop in Illinois’ Diocese of Belleville.
Markuly’s research interests have centered on learning theory as it applies to religious and theological education, and the role of religion and spirituality in American culture. Dean Markuly has published on issues that reach across the religious/secular divide in society, such as the spiritual dimension of student athletics, the tensions existing between Christianity and business leadership in a capitalist-oriented economy, and the cultural dynamics of professionalism that impinge on efforts to professionalize lay ministry. His course text for Loyola University, entitled Faith and Culture, focuses on the dialogue between theology and the social sciences, particularly sociology, anthropology and economics. Dr. Markuly is currently completing a book that explores the relevance of insights from brain research to the formation of religious identity, values and attitudes.
