University of Nottingham

Graduate Student, Theology and Religious Studies

MA in Systematic and Philosophical Theology

School of Humanities

About

- (In Progress) M.A., Systematic and Philosophical Theology, University of Nottingham
- M.B.A., Marketing and Management, University of San Francisco (2007)
- B.S., Business Administration, Finance, San Jose State University (1996)

I am studying for a MA in Systematic and Philosophical Theology from the University of Nottingham.  I have not yet finalized on a dissertation topic but plan to pursue the idea of a theology of calling (as in the Latin word vocatio). The theology of calling can be used as a metaethic for economic or business ethics as well as a motivation for all aspects of calling in life (father or mother, citizen, profession, etc). 

Academic Background:
I took a detour from theological studies (was studying at Reformed Theological Seminary) to complete a MBA (emphasis in management and marketing) at the University of San Francisco (USF). At USF, Dr. Lester Myers introduced me to the concepts of business ethics, virtue ethics, and management as a calling or vocation and I have been researching these areas ever since (both in applied areas such as environmental sustainability or CSR and in more theoretical concepts).  Previously, I studied business finance at San Jose State University. 

Current Calling / Vocation:
My current calling/vocation is at Cisco Systems, a computer networking company in the Silicon Valley. I have held several program management and management positions at Cisco, have traveled internationally extensively (22 countries to date and I still plan to visit more), and my current role at Cisco is as Senior Manager leading the Global Supplier Management Optics team.  Previously I led the supplier environmental (i.e.. sustainability and social responsibility) team reducing and in some cases eliminating harmful substances from Cisco products.

My Other Calling:
I am also the father of 3 great kids and enjoy spending time with my wonderful wife and kids daily.

Religious Background:
Currently, I am a member of the Reformed Church in America (part of the Presbyterian/Reformed tradition). Previous religious background: Grew Up Episcopalian, involved in the Charismatic movement during High-school, and joined a Non-Denominational Evangelical Church after getting married, attended a Catholic graduate school, and now starting the study of theology at a Post-Anglican school in the UK.

Motivation:
I hope to answer the call that Max Stackhouse proposed recently in a talk to the American Theological Society: "While there is no shortage of theologians who are contemptuous of modern business, what theologians can we name who have attempted constructively to engage these professionals and their vocations as they work under our new global conditions? I have sought them out and they are few?" - Theology Today Max Stackhouse, “Framing the Global Ethos,” 66, no. 4 (January 2010): 423.

My favorite quote is from the Theologian Abraham Kuyper: "No, you men who honor the fathers: first seek to have for yourself the life your fathers had and then hold fast what you have. Then articulate that life in your own language as they did in theirs. Struggle as they did to pump that life into the arteries of the life of our church and society. Then not being a dead form but a living fellowship will unite you with them, faith will be a power in your own life, and your building project will reach complete success.”