Max Thomas Engel, PhD

Program Director, Secondary Education

Associate Professor

M Engel

Contact

MaxEngel@creighton.edu
College of Arts and Sciences
Graduate School
Secondary School Teaching (MA of Education)
Education
EPLY - Eppley Building - 441

Max Thomas Engel, PhD

Program Director, Secondary Education

Associate Professor

Max Engel was raised in western Michigan. After teaching in Catholic high schools for eight years, he earned his PhD in Religious Education / Catechetics after submitting his dissertation analyzing the cognitive, affective, and catechetical dimensions of selected contemporary Catholic high school religion textbooks. 

He teaches courses in both the Education and Theology departments at Creighton University. He researches in the areas of religious formation and instruction in Catholic schools as well as the formation and identity of Catholic school faculty. Recent publications include co-authoring "Why inclusion isn't coming, it is already here: Catholic schools and inclusive education" in Journal of Catholic Education and was the lead author and editor of Name It, Claim It, and Build on It: Your School's Catholic Identity, published by NCEA press. 

He lives in Omaha, NE with his wife and four children.

Curriculum Vitae

Research Focus

Religious and theological education Preparation of Catholic school teachers Preparation of Theology teachers and catechists Intersection of religious faith, spirituality, and sports. 

Department

Education

Position

Associate Professor

Books

  • Challenges Facing Research into Catholic Schools
    Engel Max T., Hoven Matt, Headwinds, Crosswinds, and a Roadmap: Challenges and Opportunities for Catholic School Research in Canada and the United States [Book Chapter] 2025
  • Fussell Ronald, Engel Max, Faith Formation for the Catholic School Community 2024
  • Engel Max, Simonds Thomas, Fussell Ronald, Krall Christopher, Cook Timothy, Catholic Identity in Catholic Schools 2024
  • Hoven Matt, Carney J. J, Engel Max T, On the eighth day 2022
  • Engel Max, Brock Barbara, Cook Timothy, Fussell Ronald, Hearn Jean, Simonds Thomas, Your School's Catholic Identity 2020

Publications

  • Religious studies and theology
    Engel Max T., 'Hockey Priest: Father David Bauer and the Spirit of the Canadian Game', by Matt Hoven 2025
  • Journal of Catholic education
    Simonds Thomas, Cook Timothy, Engel Max, Fussell Ronald, Hearn Jean, Meyer Jerry, Preparing Priests to Lead Parish Schools: Concerns and Recommendations
    24:1, p. 125 - 142 2021
  • Catholic education (Dayton, Ohio)
    Simonds Thomas A, Brock Barbara L, Cook Timothy Jay, Engel Max, Seminarian Perspectives on Catholic Schools and the New Evangelization
    20:2 2017
  • International Journal of Educational Organization and Leadership
    Simonds Thomas A., S.J., Brock Barbara L., Engel Max Thomas, Peer Course Review as a Means to Support Adjunct Faculty in an Online Program
    23:3, p. 29 - 38 2016
  • Journal of Empirical Theology
    Engel Max, Cook Timothy, Predicting Retention of Catholic High School Religion Teachers in the United States
    19:2, p. 163 - 181 2006

Grants

  • Lily Endowment - AMDG - Ambassador/Sponsor: Boston College

Awards

  • Michael Pressley Award for a Promising Scholar in the Education Field
    Alliance for Catholic Education, Institute for Educational Initiatives, University of Notre Dame
  • Teaching for Tomorrow Faculty Award 2019
    This award publicly acknowledges a faculty member who has positively impacted students’ lives by going above and beyond the call of duty to serve Creighton students.
    Creighton Student Union
  • Dean's Award for Professional Excellence: Major Advising
    CCAS Dean's Office
  • Faculty Member of the Game: Recognized by CU Athletic Department for Teaching
    CU Athletics