Our People
Sarah Ruble
Sarah Ruble is a Professor of Religion and specializes in the history of Christianity in the United States. She is the author of The Gospel of Freedom and Power: Protestant Missionaries in American Culture After World War II (University of North Carolina Press, 2012). She has also published articles on topics such as gender in U.S. religious history, the American missionary movement, and Lutheran contributions to American religion. Dr. Ruble is also a frequent presenter at adult forums and lifelong learning programs. She has developed two YouTube-based curricula for adult forums, one on the history of Christianity and race in the United States and the other on the development of Christian doctrine. Both are available on her website sarahruble.com.
At Gustavus, Dr. Ruble teaches a broad range of courses in the Religion Department. She also currently serves as the Faculty Director of Assessment and as Gustavus’s Accreditation Liaison Officer. In 2025 she was awarded the Faculty Service Award for her contributions to the Gustavus community.
Our People
Scott Bur
Scott is an organic chemist who is interested in the interface between biology and chemistry. In his research, he has developed new ways of making molecules and applied those methods toward the synthesis of complex natural products. His current research is aimed at understanding how gene expression is regulated at the molecular level.
While he primarily teaches organic chemistry, he has also taught courses on medicinal chemistry, fermentation, and science and religion. His service to the college includes leading the design team of the Nobel Hall expansion/renovation, as well as chairing major faculty committees like the Faculty Senate and Faculty Personnel. He directed the Nobel Conference, and he coordinated a high school outreach program tied to the conference. He helped found the Gustavus Faith Science and Ethics Camp, where he has been the science director.
Outside of Gustavus he enjoys camping, fishing, and hiking. He is also active in community service.
Our People
Scott Moore
Scott Moore has enjoyed more than four decades of experience as a musician and educator. His career includes over a thousand concerts with renowned American orchestras and jazz legends to collaborating with pop music icons and touring Broadway productions. He is the only bass trombonist to have studied in the Juilliard School's Professional Studies program.
Now that he has moved beyond the stage, Dr. Moore is a dedicated mentor at the College, where he challenges students to rethink their attitudes and perspectives. His core message to students is to cultivate resilience by embracing a positive outlook and understanding the powerful idea that we can become what we think about. He has served as a department chair and has taught a wide range of courses, from music theory and history to technology and academic research. Currently, his courses on pop music and seminars for first-year and advanced students focus on a powerful lesson: the joy of creation should always be celebrated over the stress of competition.