Mark Chronister

History Department

I received my B.A (1986). and M.A. (1990) from the University of Dayton in Theological Studies. Dayton is a Catholic university run by the Marianist religious order. After teaching theology for two years I returned to Dayton to attain a teaching certification in history and economics.

Students often ask me why I teach economics and history if I studied theology. I respond by saying, "One led to the other." I was particularly drawn to the social teachings of the church concerning economic justice and asking questions as to why there is such economic disparity in the United States as well as the world. The study of history and economics allowed me to look more concretely at such questions. More recently, my reading has centered around the topic of religion in the public square, secularization, and the ongoing debate surrounding the establishment clause.

Like many Mid-Westerners I had grown tired of long dismal winters and humid summers. So, I decided to take the advice of 19th century newspaper editor Horrace Greeley and, “Go West Young Man.” I spent two years teaching on the Navajo reservation in northeast Arizona. While I thoroughly enjoyed Arizona and the Navajos I made the decision to return to Catholic schools. In essence Catholic education affirms that faith and reason are complementary to each other. It has been said that faith without reason is dangerous but reason without faith is boring. Catholic education allows and encourages the exploration of both.

Contact Me:
It is best to contact me at mchronister@marisths.org.​
​