Mary Hess joined the Luther Seminary faculty in July of 2000. Hess received her B.A. degree in American Studies in 1985 from Yale University in New Haven, Conn. She received her M.T.S. degree in 1992 from Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. In 1998, she received her Ph.D. in religion and education from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Mass. During the 2016-2017 year she held the Patrick and Barbara Keenan Visiting Chair in Religious Education at the University of St. Michael’s College, in the University of Toronto.

Hess’ most recent professional experience includes serving on the editorial board of the premier journal in her field, Religious Education (1999-present), directing workshops through the Wabash Center, and leading circle practices in the Twin Cities. She is a member of the Religious Education Association, the International Seminar on Religious Education and Values, and the Catholic Theological Society of America.

Her most recent publications include the books: Becoming a White Anti-racist: A Practical Guide for Educators, Leaders, and Activists, co-written with Dr. Stephen Brookfield (Stylus, 2021); Teaching Reflectively in Theological Contexts: Promises and Contradictions (Melbourne, FL: Krieger, 2008); and Engaging Technology in Theological Education: All That We Can’t Leave Behind, (New York: Rowman Littlefield 2005). She maintains her own website at meh.religioused.org, and has written her weblog, Tensegrities, since 2003.