With a lifelong passion for theological inquiry and historical scholarship, Elsie Anne Tshimunyi McKee has built an influential academic career rooted in reformation studies and the history of Christian worship. Her long association with Princeton Theological Seminary includes service as the Archibald Alexander professor of reformation studies and history of worship. Before that, she was the Archibald Alexander associate professor and earlier contributed as a teaching fellow. She began her teaching career at Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts, where she advanced from assistant professor to associate professor of church history. Earlier, she tutored undergraduate students in New Testament Greek at Hendrix College, reflecting her early dedication to biblical languages and theological education.
Dr. McKee’s academic preparation laid the foundation for her work as a scholar and educator. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy summa cum laude from Princeton Theological Seminary following theological studies at Cambridge University in England, where she completed a diploma in theology. She graduated with high honors and a Bachelor of Arts from Hendrix College and completed additional coursework at Columbia University. This strong academic training has enabled her to research, teach and publish broadly in church history and pastoral theology.
Dr. McKee’s academic accomplishments have earned widespread recognition. She received the Bodo Nishan Award from the Sixteenth Century Studies Conference and the Odyssey Medal from Hendrix College. Her research has been supported by major grants and fellowships, including the Fulbright Award and funding from the American Council of Learned Societies.
Dr. McKee’s contributions extend well beyond the United States. She was a visiting lecturer at the Waldensian Seminary in Rome and a guest professor at the Theological Faculty of the University of Göttingen. She also taught at the Faculte de Theologie Reformee au Kasai in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, fostering global academic exchange. Her participation on the H. H. Meeter Center Governor Board at Calvin College and Seminary reflects her commitment to collaboration and institutional leadership.
In the scholarly community, Dr. McKee has held leadership positions in professional organizations. She served as president and vice president of the Calvin Studies Society and is a member of the American Society of Church History, North America Academy of Liturgy, Scholars of Early Modern Europe, Society for Reformation Research and the Praesidium of the International Congress for Calvin Research. These affiliations illustrate her deep involvement in ongoing theological discourse.
Dr. McKee’s published work includes influential books and articles in reformation studies. Notable titles include “Cradling Abundance: One African Christian’s Story of Empowering Women and Fighting Systemic Poverty” and “The Pastoral Ministry and Worship in Calvin’s Geneva.” She also authored “Calvin’s Pastoral Theology” and edited “John Calvin: Writings on Pastoral Piety,” a key resource for students and scholars. She co-edited “Probing the Reformed Tradition: Historical Studies in Honor of Edward A. Dowey, Junior,” a volume that highlights collaborative scholarship.
Outside the classroom, Dr. McKee mentors international students and leads Women Cradle of Abundance, a nonprofit organization she founded to address gender inequality and poverty in Africa. She is completing an edition of a sixteenth-century manuscript of John Calvin’s sermons while preparing for the long-term sustainability of her nonprofit.
Dr. McKee’s life and work reflect a deep commitment to education, theological insight and global service. Through her scholarship, teaching and advocacy, she continues to build a legacy of compassion, leadership and learning.