Benjamin D. Akers, S.T.L.
Associate Professor of Theology | Assistant Dean
Augustine Institute ( AugustineInstitute.org )
Born and raised in the great commonwealth of Virginia, I received a liberal arts education at Christendom College with a theology major and philosophy minor (B.A. 1998) followed by the attainment of a Master of Arts in Theological Studies with a concentration in Sacred Scripture from their graduate school (M.A. 2005).
Working as a FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) missionary at the University of Denver and the University of Colorado, Boulder (2001-2004) heightened my desire to participate in the New Evangelization through teaching. In order to further my education, I went to study in Rome, Italy where I completed a Licentiate degree in Sacred Theology (S.T.L. 2009) from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). I am currently working on my doctoral dissertation from the same institution.
During my time in Italy, I directed the Christendom College Rome Program for where I was entrusted with the students’ intellectual formation, the development of their spiritual lives and their engagement with the Italian culture. My experience living and studying in Europe, in the heart of the Catholic Church, has encouraged me to teach theology in a way that integrates history, art, literature and spirituality.
On returning to Denver, I directed the Denver Catholic Biblical School and Catechetical School in the Archdiocese of Denver. In addition to these duties, I regularly served as an adjunct instructor at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary and St. Francis School of Theology.
In my life, I have enjoyed the experience of teaching and encountering students in a range from grade school to graduate school. And, I am now enjoying, with my wife Heather, the blessing of three wonderful daughters.