Dr. Scott B. Key, professor of philosophy, former campus minister and father of three, has a 24-year history with California Baptist University.
Prior to coming to CBU, Key’s first step of his career was attending the University of New Mexico as a political science major.
Key, like many others, has come to learn not everything goes as planned. Key’s plans changed when he took a philosophy class.
“I was in my junior year when I took a course in modern philosophy,” Key said. “I stumbled upon a book written by Dr. Eric Rust named ‘A Theological Interpretation of History,’ and I found out he was teaching at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky. I wanted to learn from this man (and) the rest is history.”
After earning M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees in ministry and philosophy at Southern Seminary, Key was ordained as a Baptist minister.
His first pastoral job was at Spring Branch Baptist Church outside Vevay, Ind.
After 16 years of ministry, Key joined CBU in 1988 as campus minister. He, like many others, met the love of his life at CBU.
During his 24-year teaching career at CBU, many students have grown fond of Key’s enthusiastic and electrifying teaching style.
“I have known Dr. Key for over 10 years now,” said Mary Davidson, administrative assistant for the College of Allied Health. “I have had the joy of sitting in his classroom on multiple occasions as one of his students. He has challenged me at all times to think deeply.”
Another student’s life changed by Key’s influence is Aubrey Jakob, senior philosophy major.
“Dr. Key has really helped me to see the relevance and importance of philosophy in the Christian life and in the world as a whole,” Jakob said.
Key said he looks forward to the upcoming years of teaching philosophy at CBU.
“I am excited to see what happens next semester,” Key said. “It is going to be a challenging one where God will work his wonders.”
