Gateways for...

Dr. Gregg Blanton

Dr. Gregg Blanton has served on the faculty of Montreat College since 1997 and co-chairs the Department of Social Sciences. Dr. Blanton earned a BS from Evangel College, took a M.Ed. at Converse College, completed a M.Ed. at Clemson University, and earned an Ed. D in Counselor Education from Texas A & M University – Commerce. In addition to teaching at Montreat College, Dr. Blanton maintains a private practice providing marriage, family and individual therapy, as well as supervision of other counselors.  Dr. Blanton has been a practicing psychotherapist for more than ten years, working in a variety of institutional settings.  He has published numerous articles in the Journal of Christianity and Psychology, Pastoral Psychology, The Family Journal, and Innovations in Clinical Practice.  Outside his work at the college, Dr. Blanton enjoys hiking, movies, and swimming.

gblanton@montreat.edu 
  

Dr. William R. Forstchen

Dr. Forstchen is currently developing his doctoral dissertation, "The 28th USCT, Indiana's African Americans Go To War, 1863-'65" for publication. He is also the author of 28 novels and more than three dozen short stories in the areas of speculative fiction and science fiction. Among his writings are the books of the best-selling science fiction series "The Lost Regiment" (published by Roc Books -- Penguin USA) and 1948, which was co-written by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. Dr. Forstchen earned his BA from Rider College, and completed his MA and PhD at Purdue University.
 
Dr. Forstchen was awarded a 1998 Pew Grant to conduct archaeological research on Mongol encampment sites in Russia's Saratov region; he addressed Washington, D.C.'s Society for Military History in 1995; a decade earlier, he was a finalist in Maine's Teacher Astronaut program.

bforstchen@montreat.edu 

Dr. Mark McCarthy

 Professor Mark McCarthy arrived at Montreat College in 2004 after years of touring the Upper Midwest and accumulating degrees at several noted universities.  Dr. McCarthy earned a BA from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, took a BA and MA in Russia and Russian Literature at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, and completed his studies by receiving an MA and a Ph.D. in European History from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

Now Head of the History Department Head at Montreat College, McCarthy strives to create an atmosphere in class that is, as he says, “open and full of discussion and new ideas.”  Perhaps that endless pursuit of ideas explains why he cannot declare a favorite class to teach: “I love teaching Modern European history, Russian history and World Civilizations.  I like World Civ. because I get to work with students I do not normally see.  Russian history because so much is there and it is so different from what we are used to.  Modern European history chronicles so much change which takes place in one hundred years; in a century, a continent goes from the world of horses and gas lights up to electricity and the internal combustion chamber.  It all fascinates me.”

Teaching at Montreat College encourages the integration of faith and academics.  “That integration,” McCarthy explains, “means everything.  It makes logical sense that we should try and understand how our faith impacts our study of the past.”

Asked why he chose this field of study, McCarthy smiles.  “Both my parents were history teachers, so I guess in some ways you could make the argument that I was predestined, or at least greatly encouraged to be a historian from a very early age.  Instead of normal bed time children’s stories, I was told about Paul Revere, Johnny Termain and strange debates between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists and hints of Reformed theology that James Madison might have learned about as a student at Princeton.  So, on the whole I really I do love history because it tells us where we have been and hints to where we might be headed in the future.”

In addition to moving to western North Carolina, McCarthy also married in 2004.  Mark and wife Merrill live in Montreat and are the proud owners of a mutt named Genny who answers to Roo-Roo.

mmccarthy@montreat.edu   
 

Dr. Patrick Connelly 

Dr. Patrick Connelly arrived at Montreat College in 2007. Dr. Connelly earned a BA in History from the University of South Carolina, an MA in Theological Studies and M.Div from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, and an MA in History from Emory University. Professor Connelly earned his Ph.D. Emory University in American cultural and intellectual history. His dissertation explores the intersection between the American reception of Friedrich Nietzsche’s thought and the decline of Protestant cultural authority.  

Professor Connelly believes that William Faulkner had it right when he said, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” History is not merely about the past, Connelly notes, but about the present and future: “We don’t live our lives in a vacuum, so history provides the narratives that explain our present and inform our future.” Professor Connelly enjoys challenging students in World Civilization and American history classes to see the value of historical understanding regardless of major or career track. He also appreciates the challenge our current cultural context provides to historical understanding. “I read an article recently about how our technological and social media environment has left our culture awash in a sea of ‘nowness.’ We are so present-minded, whether about important or trivial things, that we neglect the vital stories and insights of the past.”

Professor Connelly appreciates the teaching environment of Montreat College. “I really like the smaller class sizes, the opportunities for discussion, and the ability to puts names and faces together more quickly.”  He also believes that the mission statement and values of Montreat College deepen and enrich the study of history. Outside the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his wife and twin boys, listening to U2, and following Gamecock football, Cubs baseball, and Arsenal soccer.

pconnelly@montreat.edu

Dr. Brad Faircloth

bfaircloth@montreat.edu

828-669-8012 ext. 3313

Dr. Karen Struble (Adjunct Professor of Psychology)

Dr. Karen Struble has taught psychology at Montreat College for the past two years. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and an M.A. in theology, both from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Dr. Struble’s professional background includes over ten years of clinical experience, providing psychotherapy and psychological assessment for children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings, such as hospitals, counseling centers, and group homes for children. In addition, she has taught community parenting classes and has served as a featured speaker for various church groups and professional conferences. 

kstruble@montreat.edu