Professor of Religion Education and Coordinator for Vocation Development
Brite Divinity School, Fort Worth, Texas
Dr. Russell W. Dalton is a Professor of Religious Education and the Coordinator for Vocation Development at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University, in Fort Worth, Texas. He joined Brite in 2004, bringing extensive experience in religious education and ministry.
Prior to his tenure at Brite, Dr. Dalton served as the G. Ernest Thomas Professor of Christianity and Communication at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where he also directed the Master of Arts in Religious Communication program.
An ordained minister in the American Baptist Churches USA, Dr. Dalton has served congregations in Massachusetts, Michigan, and Connecticut before pursuing his doctoral studies. His academic credentials include a B.A. from Central Michigan University, an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from Harvard Divinity School, and an Ed.D. from Union Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education.
Dr. Dalton’s scholarly work focuses on religious education, children’s literature, and the intersection of faith and popular culture. He is the author of several books, including Children’s Bibles in America: A Reception History of the Story of Noah in U.S. Children’s Bibles, Marvelous Myths: Marvel Superheroes and Everyday Faith, Faith Journey through Fantasy Lands: A Christian Dialogue with Harry Potter, Star Wars, and The Lord of the Rings, and Video, Kids, and Christian Education.
At Brite, Dr. Dalton teaches courses such as Religious Education in Ministry, Preparing to Do Justice: Religious Education for Advocacy and Action, Youth Ministry in Context, Faith and Film, and Children and the Bible. His excellence in teaching has been recognized with the Louise Clark Brittan Endowed Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award.
Beyond his academic and teaching roles, Dr. Dalton is actively involved in professional organizations, serving as an officer and member of the steering committee of the Religious Education Association, contributing to the advancement of the field of religious education.
