April 17, 2026

Dr. Zachary Dehm Joins Theology Faculty at Wheeling University

Wheeling University has hired Zachary Dehm, Ph.D., to lead the Theology Program with the goal of accompanying students in their faith and inviting them to consider life's most compelling spiritual and theological questions.

Dr. Dehm, who holds the title of Assistant Professor of Theology, sees the importance of a strong theology program. Courses in theology are part of Wheeling's core curriculum and are required for all undergraduate students.

"Theology is an essential part of a Catholic, liberal arts education. As a discipline, I believe it can help our students grow as critical thinkers whether or not they are Catholic … It helps students grow into people of action and responsible citizenship," he said.

Dr. Dehm earned his doctorate in Systematic Theology in 2024 from Duquesne University. He wrote his dissertation on the work of Catalino G. Arévalo, an important Filipino theologian. He completed a Master of Theological Studies from the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry in the spring of 2015. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and religious studies from the University of Toledo, graduating with departmental honors.

In addition to Wheeling, Dr. Dehm has taught at several colleges and universities across the Midwest and along the East Coast. He expressed enthusiasm about participating in the life of the University, as he has throughout his career. He served in several different capacities with the University of Toledo's Center for Religious Understanding over the past fifteen years, and he was also Director of Program Operations for graduate theological studies at Loyola University Maryland from 2024-2025. As a graduate student, Dr. Dehm chaired the peer-selection committee for the Duquesne University Graduate Student Research Symposium from 2017-2023. He also served on the editorial board of Boston College's graduate theology journal, Lumen et Vita.

Dr. Dehm has received numerous small research grants throughout his career. Most recently, he received the Grace Morrissey Theology Research Award at Duquesne for his work on the contributions of the American bishops to debate over Jewish-Christian relations at the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).

This semester, he is teaching Intro to Catholicism and Religious Quest.