The College of St. Scholastica

Theology and Religious Studies Faculty

Dr. Steve Ostovich
Steven T. Ostovich, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Theology and Religious Studies
Office: Tower 3750
Phone: 218-723-6131
Email: sostovic@css.edu

In 1986 Steven T. Ostovich earned a Ph.D. in philosophical theology from Marquette University, a M.A. in biblical theory from Marquette University in 1976, and an AB in philosophy and theology from Marquette University in 1973. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Muenster, Germany from 1978-1979.

His areas of scholarly interest and publication include German critical theory, political theology, Holocaust Studies, and philosophy of time and history. Recent books include Missing God? Cultural Amnesia and Political Theology co-edited with John Downey and Juergen Manemann (LIT Verlag, 2006) and The Courage of Faith: Some Philosophical Meditations (Liturgical Press, 2009). He recently finished co-authoring (with Drew Bergerson, Clancy Martin, and Scott Baker) a book on twentieth century German history and historical responsibility entitled The Happy Burden of History or The German Sisyphus. Currently he is working on a book with the preliminary title of Time Interrupted: Eschatology and Political Theology.

At CSS Dr. Ostovich teaches general philosophy courses titled Philosophy of Person, Political Philosophy, and Philosophy of Religion. His goal as a teacher is to help students learn to think and read critically.

Dr. Gary Boelhower
Gary J. Boelhower, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Theology and Religious Studies
Office: Tower Hall 3413
Phone: 218-723-6024
Email: gboelhow@css.edu

Gary J. Boelhower (Ph.D., Marquette University, 1986) is Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at The College of St. Scholastica where he has previously served as Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Dean of Graduate and Extended Studies and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. Before coming to St. Scholastica in 2003, he taught at Marian University where he also served as Virginia Duncan Distinguished Professor of Spirituality and Leadership, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Lifelong Learning and Chair of Arts and Humanities. He founded the Center for Spirituality and Leadership at Marian University. He consults with a broad range of organizations on workplace culture, values integration, mission and planning, and has facilitated executive development programs on dialogue, appreciative inquiry, values and leadership. He has delivered more than 500 professional presentations throughout the United States and at international conferences in Spain, Italy, France, and Canada. Professor Boelhower's research and writing focus on spirituality and leadership, spirituality and decision-making, responses to religious pluralism, and process theology.

Dr. Bill Campbell


William Sanger Campbell, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies
Ph.D.: Princeton Theological Seminary
Email: bcampbel@css.edu
Office: Tower Hall 3138
Phone: 218-723-6043
Webpage Link
Courses: Introduction to the Bible; Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures; Introduction to the New Testament; Paul's Letters; Gospel of John; Prophets; Biblical Studies Seminar; The Person and Mission of Jesus; Introduction to Catholicism
Professional interests: Gospel of Mark; Gospel of Luke; Acts of the Apostles; Letters of Paul; Interpretive methods
Personal interests: Basketball, Tennis, Walking, Reading (non-fiction), Television, Movies, Sports, Politics

Dr. Denise Starkey

A. Denise Starkey, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Theology and Religious Studies
Office: Tower Hall 4106B
Phone: 218-723-6124
Email:dstarkey@css.edu

Denise Starkey (Ph.D., Loyola University Chicago) is Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at The College of St. Scholastica. She is the author of The Shame that Lingers: A Survivor-Centered Critique of Catholic Sin-Talk (2009). She has given papers at numerous conferences in the United States, Rome and Montreal. She is currently working on articles for the new multimedia Encyclopedia of Women in Today's World (Sage). She is a member of the American Academy of Religion, the College Theology Society and the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality. She teaches courses in theology and religious studies, women's and gender studies, and feminist philosophy. Before coming to St. Scholastica in 2007, she was a teaching fellow at Loyola University Chicago where she earned a doctorate in Constructive Theology with the award of cum distinctus. Prior to academic life, she worked in communications and social justice. Professor Starkey's research and writing focus on feminist, liberation and political theologies, Christian ethics and social justice; feminist theory, philosophy and ethics, and religion and psychology. 

Sister Mary Josephine Torborg

Mary Josephine Torborg, O.S.B., Ph.D

Associate Professor, Department of Theology and Religious Studies
Office:  Tower Hall 4130
Phone:  218-723-6659
Email:  mtorborg @css.edu

Mary Josephine Torborg, O.S.B., (Ph.D Duquesne University, 1987) is Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the College of St. Scholastica.  She initiated the Spirituality Conference Series at the College of St. Scholastica and has given numerous retreats and presentations. She teaches the following courses:  Introduction to Spirituality, Benedictine Tradition, Spirituality and Aging, Women's Spirituality and Literature, Women Mystics, Spirituality and Prayer and Spiritual Living for the 21st Century (A WebCt  online course) 

Dr. Torborg's research and writing focus on spirituality, women's spirituality, spirituality of aging, and the Benedictine Tradition.  Her goal as a teacher is to help students discover their spiritual potential through theological reflection and enable them to find meaning and purpose in life.  Prior to her academic work at the College of St. Scholastica, she served as dietitian at St. Mary's Medical Center with a focus on oncology and diabetes.  Presently she serves on the Board of Trustees of St. Mary's Duluth Clinic Health System.

Personal Interests are:  Candle making, organ playing, gardening, reading, crafts and preparing liturgical environments.