Dr. Trisha Broy is on her way to joining Union’s Religion Program — as soon as she finishes digging up Iron Age jars in the Middle East this summer.
Having previously taught as an adjunct professor in the Theological Seminary at Andrews University, Broy has a passion for inspiring her students. “I love working with students to gain a greater understanding of the Old Testament, the world in which the stories took place, and ultimately of God Himself,” she said. “I believe my primary job as a religion professor is to help each student grow and develop into the person that God created them to be.”
Outside of the classroom, Broy’s other passion lies in archeology of the Old Testament world. “I spend every summer digging at the Iron Age site, Khirbat Safra, in central Jordan,” she said. “My most recent research focused on the largest storage jars of the post-Exodus period in Jordan, along with their form development and cultural connections. Currently, I am working on Egyptian interactions east of the Jordan River during the period corresponding to the time of the Judges.”
When she’s not teaching or digging for long-lost relics of the past, Broy loves to hike and enjoy the adventure of getting “lost” in nature. “I find the semi-solitude and natural atmosphere deeply rejuvenating,” she said. “I also enjoy reading, traveling, puzzles, and games. With four kids, my husband, Joe, and I are never bored and don’t sit still often. We thoroughly enjoy spending time together with our family and friends — doing whatever we can all do together. We’re always up for an adventure!”
“Most of all, I’m hoping to inspire a passion for God in the hearts of my students,” Broy continued. “If I can be a part of helping just one person fall in love with Jesus, then my time here will be a success.”
If you want to geek out over her research, you can find her 715-page doctoral dissertation completed just last year on the Andrews University website: Enduring Traditions: The Collared Pithos of Transjordan.
by Evan Majors, a junior communication major