Mark Waters, Ph.D., is professor of religion and servant leadership in McMurry’s Department of Religion and Philosophy and director of the Center for International Education.
Dr. Waters joined McMurry in 2007 as assistant professor from Just People, a non-profit support service organization in Abilene, where he was executive director. The first half of his career was dedicated to service as pastor for Baptist churches in Kentucky and Texas.
Dr. Waters teaches introductory and advanced courses that help students understand world religions and prepare for the Christian ministry. He loves “seeing the lightbulb come on” as students gain new insights and broaden their perspectives about the human family. He values the freedom McMurry affords to share ideas in an open-minded, caring community.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Waters is an inspired researcher and writer, exploring topics that include religious pluralism, theologies of religion, practical theology and servant leadership. He’s the author of numerous publications, papers and presentations and is currently developing a chapter on “Interfaith Cooperation and the Entrepreneurial Enterprise.”
Dr. Waters has served as faculty sponsor for many student organizations and as a member of dozens of university committees. He’s the recipient of numerous awards, including Outstanding Sponsor for a Student Organization in 2019 and 2012, Heartbeat of the Campus Award in 2017, the Gordon R. and Lola J. Bennett Award for outstanding teaching, service and leadership in 2015, and Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year in 2014.
Dr. Waters earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in homiletics and theology and a Master of Divinity degree in pastoral care and counseling from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and psychology from Texas Tech University.
An avid runner and walker, Dr. Waters enjoys spending time with his daughters, Krista and Becca, and their families. He’s an accomplished world traveler who has helped McMurray students spread their wings on trips to Australia, Canada, England, Haiti, India, Israel/Palestine, Italy, South Korea and Zimbabwe.