Ellis Purdie

Dr. Ellis Purdie serves as Associate Professor of English in the School of Christian Studies and Humanities at East Texas Baptist University, where he integrates literary studies with Christian theological inquiry to help students discern their God-given vocations through reading and writing.

His educational foundation includes:

• Bachelor's studies at Mississippi College, where he discovered the intersection of literature and Christian faith through authors like Flannery O'Connor and Wendell Berry
• Advanced degrees in Creative Writing from The University of Southern Mississippi

Dr. Purdie's scholarly focus centers on Christian literary tradition, examining how writers such as Gerard Manley Hopkins and Marilynne Robinson embody theological concepts through narrative. His pedagogical approach treats reading and writing as spiritual disciplines for vocational discernment, emphasizing 1 John 4:19-21's mandate to connect love of God with love of community.

He actively mentors students in exploring their intellectual gifts within a faith framework, while maintaining his own creative writing practice. Outside academia, Dr. Purdie engages with film studies, animal care, and theological discussions—hosting young adults with his ordained-minister wife Minda in their home. Their family includes son Tobias Preston.