Brad Frazier  - Ph.D., Saint Louis University In his small garret office Brad Frazier is surrounded by books, photos, and a curious pastel-colored microwave oven. Fragments of personal ephemera hang here and there betraying loyalties to things past and present. Dr. Frazier rises to express genuine appreciation that you’ve made the trek to the fourth floor. He offers a comfortable seat and a gentle manner, both of which invite you to linger and think. In a world filled with glib answers, this philosophy professor is really more interested in the questions. “I love the way philosophy has relevance to everything,” he explains. “For me it illuminates so many theological questions. I’m still taken by the basic questions that were originally asked by the ancient philosophers.” Dr. Frazier knows firsthand how deep the questions can be. “When I lost my grandfather as a freshman in college I really began to look at my life and take my faith much more seriously,” he remembers. Later, when his father suffered a heart attack, Frazier transferred to Lee to find an environment that would offer some answers. What he found was a group of friends and teachers that were also engaging in honest exploration. “I was already a Christian intellectually, but I found certain groups that really helped me connect.” After a long and circuitous journey as a seminary student, a 7th grade social studies teacher, and Ph.D. student at Saint Louis University, Dr. Frazier brought his expertise back to Lee. “I feel very lucky to be able to do what I do,” he confesses. “I love the fact that most people are in my classes because they want to be there. I feel a close connection to my students and the size of the university enforces that relationship.” Frazier sees a natural alliance between philosophy and faith. “Christian philosophers don’t need to explain their interest in the discipline,” he contends. “In fact, I find that students’ faith is actually strengthened when we study Socrates. He is just so intellectually honest.” Dr. Frazier continues, “Students know I’ll be there to work through the questions. I’m not going to throw them into a sea of doubt.” So what’s the meaning of life according to Dr. Frazier? For that you’ll have to make the hike to the Walker Memorial loft for yourself. When you do you’ll find that Brad Frazier is ready to think with you about this and other essential life questions. Dr. Frazier and his wife, Dianne, live in Cleveland with their two sons, Timothy and Jonathan.