Dr. Kent T. Saunders

In seeking to teach at an institution such as Anderson University, Kent was “looking for a place where I can share my whole self. I do not need to compartmentalize my academic knowledge and keep it separate from my faith. My faith is an important part of who I am and who I want to be.”

When he was young, Kent always wanted to be a teacher. “Now that I am older, I have seen the impact of teaching in a broader sense. Former students of mine are now young adults and are making a positive impact on the world and society.”

He makes a conscious effort to integrate his Christian faith into his classes. “Some classes begin by reading and discussing scripture passages. In some classes, students have the opportunity to write a biblical integration essay and read it to the class. Through faith-integration exercises I hope to create an environment that enables students to share their perspective and make their own connections between their faith and the course content.”

Kent T. Saunders is a distinguished Professor of Economics and Finance at Anderson University, where he has been a faculty member since 2014 and was granted tenure in 2020. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Professor Saunders has served on the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee since 2022 and was the Faculty Advisor for the CFA Institute Research Challenge from 2019 to 2021.

Professor Saunders’ impressive career is marked by numerous accolades and recognitions. He was awarded the Pollard Faith and Business Research Fellowship in 2024 for his research on “The Virtue of Profit in Financial Economics,” presented by the Center for Faithful Business at Seattle Pacific University. He also served as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar during the 2021-2022 academic year at the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova in Chisinau, focusing on Financial Management and Investment Foundations. His contributions to the field have been further acknowledged with the Johnson Award (2017) and the Chewning Award (2012) from the Christian Business Faculty Association, as well as the Anderson University Distinguished Scholar Award (2007), supported by the Lilly Endowment.

Professor Saunders is passionate about teaching and brings a dynamic approach to the classroom. He has experience teaching a wide range of courses in Finance, Economics, and Statistics, both online and in traditional settings. His teaching philosophy emphasizes interactive and practical learning, using simulations, group activities, and diverse media to make financial economics accessible and engaging. He integrates his Christian faith into his teaching, providing students with opportunities to explore the connections between their faith and course content through discussions and assignments.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Saunders is dedicated to student development and engagement. He actively participates in student events, offers personal support through office consultations, and fosters a sense of community by inviting students to his home for group meals. His goal is to help students develop a nuanced understanding of the world and equip them with the tools to make informed decisions that positively impact society.

Professor Saunders’ commitment to both his students and his field exemplifies his dedication to fostering academic and personal growth.