Dr. Curtis McClain, professor of Bible at Missouri Baptist University for 37 years, retired at the end of the spring 2025 semester, leaving a legacy of strong Biblical teaching and Christ-like caring for students and colleagues alike.
As one of MBU’s longest-standing faculty members, McClain led the School of Humanities and Theology for a quarter century, ending an inspirational era.
Dr. John Han, associate dean of the School of Humanities and Theology, reflected back on a quarter century of knowing his friend and colleague.
“Dr. McClain recruited me in the spring of 1999 as I was beginning my full-time teaching career, and from the start he was both a mentor and a friend,” Han said in an email.
“He was always supportive and encouraging, and his passion for Jesus Christ shaped his teaching in ways that deeply impacted countless students. Over the years, our professional relationship grew into a friendship that I know will endure for the rest of our lives. I will always miss his presence at MBU.”
McClain is renowned for both his intentionality in building relationships with his students and his devotion in pushing them 
to new heights academically.
Ashton Seniker, who graduated in May with a degree in Christian ministry, noticed these qualities in McClain while studying under him.
“You can tell in our interactions with him that he cares for us. He wants to see us grow into future ministers of the Gospel. He does it in a fun way too,” said Seniker.
Due to his strong convictions about the sufficiency of God’s word, McClain has always made Scripture the focus of his teaching.
“[I appreciate] the reliance he has on Scripture. … He’s like, ‘The Scripture is what’s gonna teach you.’ I knew that coming in, but Doc took it to another level,” said Peter Lee, who graduated in May with a degree in Christian ministry. “He always has Scripture journals [in his classes].”
Focusing on discipleship in the classroom, McClain always directed every conversation to the message of the Gospel.
“I don’t just lecture about the topic, I preach about it,” said McClain. “ I want students to be up close and personal with Christ.”
Dr. Andy Chambers, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at MBU, has been a long-time friend and colleague of McClain.
“I’ve known Dr. McClain for … at least 30 years. A long time,” said Chambers. “One of the ways he’s impacted this institution is his … understanding that the Gospel, the truth of Scripture, must be at the center of our understanding of the world and of reality, and he always points people to Christ. No matter what the subject is, that’s where the answer is.”
Dr. Matthew Easter, director of Christian studies and associate professor of Bible, has been learning under McClain for around 13 years, recently taking on many of his responsibilities.
“Pretty much everything I know about how to be a leader and a professor I’ve learned from him,” said Easter.
His friend and colleague returned the compliment.
“We’ve worked hand and glove,” said McClain. “He loves this school, and I’m glad he does.”
Serving at the university for nearly four decades, McClain has been a force of change and has continued steadfast in his commitment to the spiritual formation of both his students and his coworkers.
“Dr. McClain is one of these men who is always working behind the scenes in a way that you might not always see how he’s pouring into students’ lives,” said Chambers. “I have seen the fruit of his day-by-day pouring into students borne over decades. He has always been someone who I’ve been able to go to through the years for wise counsel and encouragement.”
As McClain attended his final commencement ceremony last May, he reflected on the passing of time, pride in his students, and the changing of seasons.
“I spend the first half of graduation so proud of my students … but then about whenever they start crossing the stage I become a little remorseful … but I love to see them move on for the Lord,” said McClain, who finds himself moving on for the Lord as well.
Dr. Allin Means, associate dean in the School of Communications and journalism professor, has sat next to McClain at graduation for the past 14 years.
“He has led our line into the arena for commencement, just as he has led so many students into their professional lives serving Christ. It’s a wonderful picture,” said Means. “Every time Curtis and I bumped into each other on campus, we would have a deep conversation, and I would always walk away feeling smarter and better. He has that effect on his colleagues. I’m going to miss that.”
McClain is humble when he relates his experiences over the years, and he always attributes his successes to God.
“When the tool gets lucky enough to be played by the Master, play on. It’s all for God’s glory and by His work.”
McClain’s work has left a meaningful impact on the school that will last for many years to come.
“The Lord used it in spite of the fact that it’s not as good as it should have or could have been,” said McClain. “Anything good in my life has to be a reflection of what my Lord is.”
McClain first came to teach at MBU in the fall of 1988, and he has taught over 48 classes since then.
In that time, he has witnessed the growth of the campus from three buildings to 11, as MBU moved from a College to a University, and he has helped hire two of his closest friends and colleagues (Chambers and Easter), all while guiding countless students in their faith journey.
Over the course of his teaching, whether dealing with students or others, McClain has pushed through challenging situations.
“A lot of times the Lord brings conflict, and if you resolve it Biblically, you create stronger bonds,” said McClain. “It’s not a matter of what we like, it’s a matter of what the Lord teaches.”
McClain, who will continue teaching as an adjunct, will always be appreciated for the time, love and dedication he gave to MBU.
“I could keep going on about Dr. McClain … he has been such a blessing to me, and it has been a privilege to work with him all the years that I’ve been here,” Chambers said. “I’ve learned so much, and his legacy will carry on.”
