Dr. Song-Mi “Suzie” Park

Assistant Professor of Old Testament

 

Start date: July 1, 2011

Denomination: Non-denominational

Education: BA in Religious Studies and Middle East History, Amherst College; MA and MDiv from Harvard Divinity School; PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilization from Harvard University

Previous teaching position: Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, Biblical Studies Department

Hometown: Born in Pusan, South Korea, then moved to Richardson, Texas when I was about 8 years old, and finally moved to Buena Park, California where I went to high school.

Family: I have one younger brother, and a mom and dad who all live in California.

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How did you get started in theological education?

I accidentally took a class in Bible as an undergraduate and was hooked. I could not believe how shocking the Bible was!

What drew you to a teaching position at Austin Seminary?

I was drawn to APTS because I’ve always been interested in the points of intersection between the academic study of the Bible and its practical application—a central concern of seminary pursuits. Once I visited Austin Seminary, I found the friendly and vibrant atmosphere of the school tremendously appealing!
 
What would you be doing if you weren’t an Old Testament professor?

A book restorer or restaurant critic.

What do you look forward to most at Austin Seminary?

I am looking forward to interacting with students and faculty. I am also very excited about my classes since I love introducing students to the academic study of the Old Testament!
 
What is your area of interest?

In general, I am interested in literary approaches to the Bible. In particular, I am concerned with how biblical literature reflects historical, ideological and theological struggles, especially as they relate to the politics of identity.
 
What is a favorite place you've visited?

My favorite place was Rome, which was beautiful, historically fascinating, and full of restaurants with fantastic food.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?

Baking cookies, cakes and other sugary, buttery goods; reading; watching stupid movies and cooking shows; eating new foods; taking walks in pretty, natural settings

Dr. Gregory Cuéllar

Adjunct Professor (Fall 2011)/
Assistant Professor of Old Testament (2012)

Start date: Adjunct professor, Fall 2011. Full time in January 2012
Denomination: Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, Kingsville; MDiv with a concentration in Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; PhD in Biblical Interpretation from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University

Previous teaching position: Adjunct professor at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, visiting professor of Old Testament at Seminario Metodista Juan Wesley in Monterrey, Mexico, adjunct professor of Hebrew Bible at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University

Hometown: Cuero, Texas

Family: Wife--Nohemi Cuéllar, 4 daughters--Junia, Halailah, Rayah, Aliyah

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How did you get started in theological education?

While in college, I served two summers as a student missionary to Cuba and the Dominican Republic. This experience was formative in my decision to enter theological education and ministry.

What drew you to a teaching position at Austin Seminary?

Drawing me to Austin Seminary was its history and location. I appreciate Austin Seminary’s enduring sense of frontierism in the area of theological education. As one with deep Texas roots, I value Austin Seminary’s Southwestern location. Strategically located near the U.S.-Mexico border, Austin Seminary offers great possibilities for globally relevant critical biblical scholarship.

What would you be doing if you weren’t an Old Testament professor?

If I was not an Old Testament professor, I would be pastoring at a Latino/a immigrant church somewhere in the urban United States.

What do you look forward to most at Austin Seminary?

I am looking forward to passionate students who are committed to engaging and understanding the biblical text from multiple perspectives. I am also looking forward to working with my colleagues to explore new ways of teaching and learning the Old Testament.

What is your area of interest?

My teaching and research interests are biblical poetry and postcolonial theory. Additional areas of interest also include minority biblical criticism, cultural studies, diaspora studies, and archival theory.

What is a favorite place that you've visited?

In all my travels, one in particular stands out as my favorite travel experience. The place was the 14th-century synagogue of Nuestra Senora del Tránsito (Our Lady of the Transit) in Toledo, Spain. Impressive were the Hebrew texts from the Book of Psalms woven into the interior decorative scheme. In this sacred space, I could sense the presence of a once-thriving Jewish community studying Torah.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Apart from being with family, I like to garden and hunt for inexpensive 19th-century books at estate sales. Over the years, I have put together a nice size collection of 19th-century books on the Spanish American War.