Some of our Bible Academy Faculty

Deborah Collins is the Founder and President of Exceptional Women and Kingdom Hearts Foundation. She is an anointed author, speaker and seasoned Bible teacher. She has a passion for making the truth of God's word come alive in the hearts of believers through her writing, teaching and speaking. She has written numerous Bible studies and publishes a weekly Spiritual Vitamin (devotional) that is read around the world.

Janet Collinsworth is a Certified Candidate for Ministry in the United Methodist Church and is working on a Masters of Theology at SMU Perkins Seminary. Janet works part time in St. Andrew Missions, and her love for history and theology make her a natural teacher in Bible Academy.

Frankey Commer is one of the most beloved teachers at St. Andrew. She has been part of the Academy from the beginning and all of her classes have been well-attended. Frankey is a long-time member of St. Andrew and the United Methodist Church, as her husband was a UMC pastor.

Dr. Scott Engle is St. Andrew's Teaching Pastor. Since the Bible Academy’s inception in 2001 more than 2000 adults have enrolled in Scott’s Academy classes, in addition to the 320 members of his Sunday morning class. Scott also writes the Sermon Background Studies that are part of the worship bulletin each Sunday. Scott holds an MBA from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas.

Rev. Daniel Gowan is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and is a member of Grace Presbytery. His Master of Divinity is from Perkins School of Theology at SMU. He is also a licensed counselor and his Master of Arts in Counseling is from Amberton University. Daniel’s clinical training (CPE) was at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. Daniel is a pastoral counselor and works with couples, families and individuals in his private practice. He and his wife live in Dallas and are the parents of two teenagers.

Dr. Susan Gwaltney is a licensed psychologist with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted groups, individuals, families and corporations in changing to create healthier living. She conducts workshops and gives speeches on a variety of mental health issues including parenting skills, intimacy and anxiety, and brings to them the gentleness and understanding of a mother and teacher who for 10 years taught elementary school children. Dr. Gwaltney also has vast experience in marital and family therapy and in alleviating the suffering that depression, anxiety and addiction cause. Dr. Gwaltney has a B.A. in Education, an M.A. in Liberal Arts and a Ph.D. in Psychology.

Dr. Leroy Howe is a Professor emeritus of Pastoral Theology at Perkins School of Theology, and with his wife, Nancy, is an active participant at St. Andrew.  Leroy is currently working on this tenth book.

Rev. Debbie Lyons is an Associate Pastor at St. Andrew and directs the Singles and Alpha Ministries.  For more than 16 years she has been teaching adult Sunday School, Mom to Mom, Bible Academy classes, etc. Her passion for Christ is contagious & her enthusiasm is infectious.

Rev. Doug Meyer is an ordained deacon in the UMC and has served as an Associate Pastor at St. Andrew for more than eleven years. Doug is currently directing the activities of St. Andrew’s Pastoral Care ministry. Doug is a regular and ever-popular teacher in the Academy. Prior to his service here, Rev. Meyer served for thirteen years at First UMC in Dallas, Texas.

Bob Pannell has researched, developed, and presented original Bible based Sunday School lessons to adult audiences for over 40 years. For nine years he taught exclusively in the St. Andrew Joy Class. He is a charter member of that class and St. Andrew. Bob currently teaches a series every fall for the Joy Class. During the early years of St. Andrew, Bob was known in the Sunday School program as the 'utility teacher' available on any Sunday to substitute when a teacher was needed for teenagers, singles, adults, etc.

Rev. Michael Reeves joined the staff at St Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano in September 2006. In his role as Senior Associate Pastor and Director of Strategic Resources, he has the responsibility of developing a ministry plan with lay and staff leaders that includes financial communication and analysis, annual giving, capital giving, creative giving, and strategic planning. He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer for the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana and before that as Vice President of Stewardship Services for the Texas Methodist Foundation. In the course of his ministry he has also served as a Senior Consultant with two national stewardship consulting firms where he designed and directed over 200 capital campaigns, designed and implemented comprehensive communication and financial plans, and mentored and managed stewardship consultants. He has also coordinated grant writing, problem analysis and guidance, and major gift cultivation.

Laura Zuber has over 19 years experience as a process/project management consultant and corporate trainer. As a licensed Path Facilitator, she has helped many individuals and groups learn the power and possibilities that come from knowing where you are going, and how to enjoy every day. She has created a life that balances family, professional, and church service. Laura is a self-employed Christian Life Coach and is currently working on Church Music certification at SMU.