Rachel B. Griffis, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of EnglishBio
Dr. Rachel B. Griffis is originally from West Michigan and she spent 20 years in California, Texas, and Kansas before returning to her home state and joining the English department at Spring Arbor University in 2023. She teaches literature and writing courses, and her scholarly interests include the works of Cormac McCarthy, religion and literature, and Christian teaching and learning. When she is not teaching or studying, she enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Education
- Ph.D. : (English) Baylor University
- M.A. : (English) Chapman University
- B.A. : (English) Azusa Pacific University
Why SAU
Dr. Griffis pursued a career in Christian higher education because she finds the relationship between faith and learning so
compelling. She finds great joy in helping her students develop both intellectually and spiritually.
Recent Research
Dr. Griffis regularly presents her work and has given papers at international conferences in France and Japan. She serves as
reviews editor at International Journal of Christianity and Education. Her work has appeared in Christianity and Literature,
Christian Scholar’s Review, The Mark Twain Journal, The Cormac McCarthy Journal, Nathaniel Hawthorne Review, Literature and
Theology, Studies in American Indian Literatures, and elsewhere. She has a book forthcoming with Baker Academic on reading
practices.