“It was homecoming a couple of year ago. I was walking home, right by the tennis courts, and I heard my name being called. I turned around and way down the lane of Memorial a fellow was running toward me. He had been my student 20 years before and I had not seen him once since then. I called him by name without hesitation. He ran up and gave me a huge hug. He told me he was a pastor now and how thankful he was for teaching him the Bible. I wept, and so did he.”
For anyone who knows Dr. Curtis, no one would be surprised that he remembered a student’s name from 20 years ago, or by the deep impact he had on this student, and so many others. Curtis is known for his profound memory, deep knowledge of the Bible and biblical languages, genuine care for his students, and a deep passion for the mission of education.
At 16 years old, Curtis was a scientific deist, interested in Charles Darwin and determined to prove the Bible wrong. He set off to read all of the New Testament so that he could reject it.
His younger sister attended a Bible study that she invited Curtis to. At the time he had no interest, but something else drew his attention.
“She told me they had guitars, and the Beatles were a hot thing. I was interested in music, but had never seen a guitar up close, at the time most people didn’t have them. So I went the first time to hear the guitar, and when I walked into the living room it was a tidal wave of divine love. I kept going back every week.”
This led Curtis on a journey that would eventually end in him becoming a believer. Through the relationships he developed at the Bible study, and his own personal study and deep knowledge of the scriptures, he came to the realization that he did, in fact, believe.
“Swiftly after that I discerned a call to ministry, an abrupt change from my previous career aspirations in science as a researcher. I loved math and science, and still do. I decided to learn Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek since I was going into ministry. I then realized I need academic training and found myself as a student at Geneva based on a recommendation from my mother’s pastor.”
Curtis describes his first year as a student here as agonizing as he wrestled with deep theological questions that challenged his own beliefs and practices.
One of the largest things Curtis wrestled with as a young believer was assurance of faith. With tears in his eyes, Curtis shared a breakthrough moment.
“The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable. It is the work of heaven, cannot be revoked, nothing on earth can destroy it, not even you. December 4, 1972, on the second floor of Memorial Hall in room 204, around midnight, I realized a lot of what I had known was untrue. I was stuck thinking I was saved by my own will, therefore I could get rid of it. How much sin until I lose what I have. This great cathedral of glass around me shattered. What I knew in that moment was that so much of what I had called true was false. I could that night as the beginning of becoming a theologian.”
Life after Geneva has been Curtis living out this call on his life, filling his time with study, prayer, Christian fellowship, and devoting his life to sharing his knowledge and God’s word with others.
Curtis has taught at Geneva College for 33 years, and in the time has taught around 15,000 students. When Curtis came to Geneva to teach, he was already familiar with the College from being a student here for his undergraduate degree. At the time, he was pastoring a church in North Carolina. Leaving his congregation was not easy.
In his 33 years, Curtis has received many invitations to teach elsewhere, but has time and time again decided that Geneva was home for him. Curtis shares that he never gets tired of teaching, even the introductory courses he has taught 30-50 times, like BIB 112 and BIB 113. His most cherished courses, however, are Hebrew courses.
“I especially love teaching Hebrew. Just after 2 semesters my students know more than most seminary students. Most of my graduates go to seminary and become Hebrew research assistants. Some become Bible translators, PhDs, or Hebrew teachers. It is rewarding to know I have graduates all over the world in various types of ministry and academic work.”
While Curtis’ full time teaching has come to an end, he in no way is stopping his work. He will contain due at Geneva part time, teach Hebrew at Trinity School, is currently working on a book proposal, working on publishing another poetry book, and is writing musical pieces for Genevans. Curtis also is looking forward to spending more time enjoying God’s creation walking, bird watching, traveling, and spending time with his wife, kids, and granddaughter.
Geneva College is honored to grant Byron Curtis, PhD the status of emeritus faculty.
-Kelsey Ingold '18
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