Albert A. Bell, Jr., has been at Hope since 1978, first in an appointment shared between Classics and History, and, since 1994, as Professor of History and chairperson of the department. He holds a Ph. D. from UNC-Chapel Hill, as well as an M. A. from Duke and an M. Div. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has published numerous articles and reviews in scholarly journals in America and Europe and is the author of three books: Daughter of Lazarus (a historical novel), Resources in Ancient Philosophy (co-authored with Prof. James B. Allis of Hope's Philosophy Department), and Exploring the New Testament World. His teaching specialities include the Roman Empire, New Testament backgrounds, and women in antiquity. He teaches IDS 171 and other courses relating to the ancient world. He also writes mystery novels.