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.
Saturday Visits
Visit Gustavus on select Saturdays: meet with an admissions counselor, join a student‑led campus tour, and experience campus on the weekend.
Student Organization
Scandinavian Society
We provide opportunities to learn about Nordic cultures, languages, and traditions. We build community around shared heritage and cultural interests.
Stories
Schaefer Gallery exhibit features seniors Kaelyn Lobalbo and Willa Brown
Emerging artists Kaelyn Lobalbo and Willa Brown explore identity and creative evolution in a new Schaefer Gallery exhibition.
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.