Dr. Reuben Rubio: Seeking the Lord in Christian Higher Education

Reuben Rubio spent two decades in higher education before feeling God push him toward Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU). While he appreciated aspects of the first of his previous institutions, the secular nature of the school and some faculty members’ disdain for religion created a divide that led him to question his place there. Eventually, he became open to moving to a Christian institution where he enjoyed his colleagues and students as well as openly bringing his faith to the office and classroom but felt in the latter part of his time there that Christian higher education should have more to offer than his experience.

In 2016, Dr. Rubio applied for an administrative position in education at IWU, hoping it would bolster his faith in Christian higher education. The dean, a former colleague, was particularly enthusiastic about his application, especially with an upcoming program accreditation on the horizon. In fact, the dean had hoped for Dr. Rubio’s help even before he applied.

“You’re essentially doing research on your own programs in order for them to be re-approved so you can continue to offer them, and you have to keep up to date on the tools and the philosophy. Your knowledge can’t stay static.”

Joining the Faculty

After the successful completion of the accreditation process, Dr. Rubio transitioned into a faculty position. Though he retained several administrative responsibilities, the shift allowed him to teach research methods courses, which aligned more closely with his passion. He particularly enjoys the diversity of his students, from their backgrounds and perspectives to their varied careers across the education sector.

“You know, we’ve had so many good students here,” Dr. Rubio said. “I’ve mostly worked with graduate education students—so teachers, principals, superintendents, and anyone else who might be involved in higher education—and by and large, my experiences with them have been really good. With doctoral students, you have to understand the research process well and also be able to guide people, because not everything is going to be in your wheelhouse of expertise. That’s where you also have to rely on the other committee members who have more knowledge in that area. The heart of teaching and learning is that you go through it together.”

Teaching Abroad

Dr. Rubio once had the opportunity to teach in Spanish in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Though he needed a translator for technical and academic terms, his Spanish proficiency allowed him to engage deeply with students. Occasionally, when a translation was unclear, students—many of whom spoke at least some English—helped find the right words together.

The program was hosted in a church studio, where classes were recorded and streamed to small groups across Latin America. Though enrollment averaged about 30 students, retention was high, with most completing the program.

Similar programs in Haiti and Indonesia also saw success, but in 2020, they shifted online and later ended. Despite this, Dr. Rubio reflects on the experience as a highlight of his career and would love to teach abroad again if given the opportunity.

New Opportunities

Since joining IWU, Dr. Rubio has participated in three accreditation visits, all of which have gone well. He takes pride in his contributions, seeing each successful accreditation as a team victory. One of his most meaningful achievements has been helping establish IWU’s Doctoral Program in Education.

At his previous institution, doctoral programs were often discussed but never launched. Initially, he encountered similar delays at IWU. However, once accreditation was secured, efforts to create a doctoral program in education moved forward. By 2020, Dr. Rubio became chair of IWU’s doctoral education program, an accomplishment he sees as a significant milestone.

During the 2023-2024 school year, Dr. Rubio also had the opportunity to teach hybrid engineering courses on IWU’s Marion campus. With a BS in Nuclear Engineering from the University of New Mexico, an MS in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a PhD in Education from the University of Michigan, he was particularly qualified to take on the responsibility. Despite commuting from Michigan once a week and juggling these classes with his other responsibilities, Dr. Rubio embraced the challenge, leveraging his background in nuclear engineering to guide students.

A Passion for Community and Collaboration

Dr. Rubio has consistently enjoyed meeting and working with faculty and staff across the university.

“Everybody I meet is just different shades of wonderful,” Dr. Rubio said about his colleagues. “They’re all very bright people, very committed to Christ, very knowledgeable about their areas, and very willing to roll up their sleeves and go to work.”

In 2021, he stepped into the role of interim vice president for diversity and intercultural integration before Dr. Karen Dowling took over the position. While it wasn’t a full-time role he could maintain, he enjoyed the opportunity to connect with the Marion campus, organize programs, and lead events focused on diversity and inclusion. He continues to work closely with Dr. Dowling and her team today.

Faith, Higher Education, and Following God's Plan

Although higher education has changed dramatically over the years, Dr. Rubio believes it is crucial to remain focused on what truly matters.

“You just have to ask, ‘Am I pleasing God, my boss, my colleagues, and my students?’”

He acknowledges that IWU isn’t perfect, but he has seen God at work through the university and felt His presence in its mission. He appreciates the spiritual depth of IWU, from leading chapel for National and Global to participating in prayer groups, book studies, and worship.

“That’s what I was looking for in Christian higher ed—where you don’t just talk about the Lord but actually seek Him, include Him, and look for Him,” Dr. Rubio shared. “Prayer and inspiration from the Word are just as important as the technical or strategic parts of the job.”

Looking Ahead

Dr. Rubio is grateful for the opportunities IWU has given him to contribute to meaningful programs and serve in various roles. In addition to his normal responsibilities, he is currently leading an award-winning research project that examines research methods in the business community.

“God’s placed me in a lot of roles in my life, and it’s fun because I really like doing different things. There are classes I’ve taught for years, and I still enjoy the challenges and perspectives each new student brings, but having new experiences is something I look forward to. I just go where God leads.”