Williams Baptist University has announced that alum Dr. Michael Fox has joined the faculty as an associate professor of Christian Ministries. He will begin teaching classes in the fall 2024 semester.
Before joining the WBU faculty, Dr. Fox served as an associate professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Southwestern Christian University from 2016 to 2023. This past year, he was the principal of Boulevard Christian School in Muskogee, Okla.
“We are grateful that the Lord led Dr. Michael Fox back to Williams Baptist University,” said WBU President Dr. Stan Norman. “Dr. Fox brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for Christian education. His return to WBU exemplifies our commitment to nurturing and investing in our alumni, and we are confident that his expertise will significantly enrich our academic community and inspire our students.”
Dr. Fox earned his bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries with an emphasis in Biblical and Theological Studies from WBU in 2004. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2008 and his Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible and the Literature of Early Judaism from Texas Christian University in 2014.
He has also authored two books, A Message from the Great King: Reading Malachi in Light of Ancient Persian Royal Messenger Texts from the Time of Xerxes and Reverberations of the Exodus in Scripture. Additionally, he has contributed to numerous articles, chapters, and academic publications.
“I am deeply honored to return to Williams Baptist University, an institution that has profoundly shaped my personal and professional journey,” said Dr. Fox. “Joining the faculty as an associate professor of Christian Ministries is a privilege, and I am eager to contribute to the vibrant academic and spiritual community at WBU. I look forward to engaging with our students and faculty, fostering an environment of growth, and advancing the mission of integrating faith and learning.”
In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Fox has received numerous awards, including being named Southwestern Christian University’s Professor of the Year four times.
“Dr. Fox’s return to WBU is a testament to the transformative power of Christian higher education,” said Dr. Rhyne Putman, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of Worldview Formation. “His deep understanding of Scripture, combined with his experience in both academic and pastoral roles, will be invaluable to our students. We are excited to see how God will use him to shape the next generation of Christian leaders.”
During his time as a student at WBU, Dr. Fox served as the pastor of Old Walnut Ridge Baptist Church and volunteered as a chaplain for Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He has also served as pastor of Concord Baptist Church (Bates City, MO) and is passionate about teaching Sunday school and leading men’s Bible studies.
Dr. Fox and his wife, Rachel, who is also a WBU alum, have two sons.
Williams Baptist University is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge, Ark.
