Doctor of Philosophy, Systematic Theology & Ethics, University of Pretoria, SA
Doctor of Philosophy, Literary Studies & Intellectual History, Uni of Texas, Dallas, TX
Master of Theology, New Testament, Southwestern Seminary, Fort Worth, TX
Master of Divinity, Biblical & Theological Studies, Southern Seminary, Louisville, KY
Master of Arts, French Language & Literature, University of Louisville, KY
Bachelor of Arts, Baptist College of Florida, Graceville, FL
Dr. Celucien Joseph brings exceptional scholarly depth to Missional University as Professor of Africana Studies and Race and Religion Specialist. With dual doctoral degrees in Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics from the University of Pretoria (2017) and Literary Studies from The University of Texas at Dallas (2012), Dr. Joseph represents a unique intersection of theological scholarship and literary critical analysis.
Dr. Joseph's research focuses on the complex relationships between race, religion, and transnational consciousness, with particular expertise in Haitian intellectual history, African religions in the diaspora, and Black theological traditions. His dissertation work examined both the theological ideas of Jean-Bertrand Aristide and the concept of "The Haitian Turn" in Black Atlantic consciousness, demonstrating his commitment to understanding how Caribbean and African diasporic thought shapes contemporary religious and cultural discourse.
As a prolific scholar, Dr. Joseph has authored seven single-authored books, including Aristide: A Political and Theological Introduction to His Life and Thought (Fortress Press, 2023) and Theologizing in Black: Africana Theological Anthropology and Ethics (Pickwick Publications, 2020). He has also edited multiple volumes on the influence of Vodou on African Christianity and Haitian intellectual traditions, establishing himself as a leading voice in interreligious studies and Caribbean thought.
Dr. Joseph's academic leadership extends beyond traditional scholarship through his founding and presidency of the Center for Faith, Reason, & Dialogue, and his editorial work with The Journal of Pan African Studies. His service to the Haitian Studies Association, including roles as Vice President and Board Member, reflects his commitment to advancing Caribbean intellectual traditions within the broader academy.
At Missional University, Dr. Joseph teaches courses that bridge theological reflection with the study of race, offering students sophisticated frameworks for understanding selfhood in Black transnational consciousness, the rhetoric of Black suffering and redemption, and the theological dimensions of race and ethnicity in American contexts.
