Dr. Papsdorf grew up in the Wichita area and returned to teach at Newman in 2007. He received an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Dartmouth College, completed his MA in Theology at Boston College, and his PhD in Historical Theology from Fordham University where he studied under Joseph Lienhard, S.J.
Dr. Papsdorf entered the Catholic Church in 2002 while at Fordham and is currently an active parishioner, along with his wife and four children, at St. John's Catholic Church in Clonmel, KS.
Dr. Papsdorf's area of research is Latin patristics, particularly Ambrosiaster and issues surrounding St. Augustine and his work. In addition, Dr. Papsdorf has taught Catholic ethics for many years as well as a range of interdisciplinary courses linking Catholic theology with disciplines including history, literature, anatomy, and mathematics.
Away from research and the classroom, Dr. Papsdorf enjoys hiking and camping in addition to dabbling in gardening and raising a backyard flock of chickens.
A.B. in Philosophy
Dartmouth College
M.A. in Theology
Boston College
Ph.D. in Historical Theology
Fordham University
- Latin patristics
- Ambrosiaster
- St. Augustine
- Ethics of Food and Health
Current research interests are Julian of Eclanum, Augustine, and the intersection of theology with food and health.
Dr. Papsdorf's most recent presentation was: "More than Just a Foil? Julian of Eclanum on Marriage, Sexuality, and Concupisence" given at the 18th International Conference on Patristics Studies, Oxford, England.
For additional presentations and publications, please see the attached CV.
Adult Education Teacher - St. John's Catholic Church, Clonmel, KS
Volunteer Teacher for High School Church History - Saints in the Making Coop - Holy Family Home Educators
Member Academy of Catholic Theology
Faculty Teaching Excellence Award - Newman University 2017