Terence Kleven

Terence Kleven is the Jacob and Gela Schnucker Sessler Chair in Philosophy and Religion and Professor of Religion at Central College since 1996. He holds affiliations across the Department of Anthropology, History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies.

• Education: B.A. from University of Calgary, M.A. and Ph.D. from McMaster University.

His research focuses on Old Testament studies, classical Greek and Arabic political philosophy (especially Alfarabi's integration of Greek rationalism with Islamic thought), Middle Eastern politics, and Muslim-Christian relations. He advocates for revitalizing liberal arts through classical alternatives to modern scientific skepticism.

His scientific awards include two Fulbright grants, NEH fellowship, Yad/Hanadiv Barecha Fellowship, and Iowa Professor of the Year. He has conducted research at institutions in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Israel.

Kleven combines academia with part-time pastoral work and is a certified USA Hockey coach. He teaches classical Arabic and Hebrew, leads study abroad programs in the Middle East, and has previously taught at University of Newfoundland, Queen’s College, Anna Maria College, and Near East School of Theology.