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About UsBob and Stefanie are married archaeologists residing in Niles, Michigan. They have each participated in many archaeological excavations; primarily in the country of Jordan. In fact, they met on a dig! With over 50 years of combined teaching experience ranging from elementary through college levels, and having led a combination of eighteen tours to the Middle East and Mediterranean, Bob and Stefanie have a unique perspective on history that melds experience with a passion for education and sharing the Bible through archaeological discoveries.
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Bob |
Robert D. Bates is currently a research associate and assistant director of archaeological publications at the Institute of Archaeology at Andrews University. Bob received his doctoral degree in Biblical Archaeology and Ancient Languages from Andrews University and did his post-doctoral work in Egyptology at the University of Chicago. He currently teaches Biblical Hebrew at the Seminary at Andrews where students fight to get a place into his popular class. He also teaches undergraduate classes in archaeology and history where he has created class projects putting students on the forefront of actual archaeological research. Bob has been published in numerous archaeological, theological, and educational venues including the Journal of Christian Education, the Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin, and Andrews University Seminary Studies.
Since 2007, Bob has worked as a field director for the Madaba Plains Project at Tall Jalul, Tall al-‘Umayri, and Tall Hisban in the country of Jordan. He is also co-director of the Khirbat 'Ataruz excavations in Jordan. His leadership and participation in numerous tours to the Middle East and throughout the Mediterranean has enabled him to combine his research interests with a passion for teaching. His reputation for being a compassionate teacher and his desire to dig deep into the Bible as a history source for archaeology has gained him a reputation for creating fresh ways of viewing biblical truth for his students. In his spare time, Bob enjoys gardening, playing the guitar, visiting museums, and eating international foods with Stefanie. Originally from San Diego, Bob has three grown daughters - Elizabeth, Jessica, and Becky who have traveled and excavated with him in Jordan. |
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Stefanie |
Stefanie P. Elkins has a PhD in Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology and her research is focused on model shrines and cult stands from the Iron Age in Jordan. She is also Associate Professor of Art History with the Department of Visual Art, Communication and Design at Andrews University where she teaches art history and studio classes including drawing and color theory. Her reputation for being a creative and enthusiastic teacher has also translated into unforgettable tour experiences for her students. A former elementary, middle, and high school teacher, Stefanie is still close with many of her former students who she will always consider her "kids." A veteran of numerous excavations in Jordan, Israel, and Italy where she had the privilege of excavating at Pompei, she has been a staff artist and publications illustrator for the Madaba Plains Project in Jordan since 1989. She has been published in multiple venues including the Journal of Adventist Education, Biblical Archaeology Review and Smithsonian's Artifact Magazine and also has served on several committees with the American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR), the premiere organization for ancient Near Eastern Archaeologists. She has also given several presentations around the country on ancient art and archaeology. Stefanie's preoccupation with travel and all things ancient drives her to connect art history and archaeology with everyday life, bringing history and the Bible alive. Outside of the classroom Stefanie enjoys cooking, reading, crafting, traveling with Bob, and is a diehard Atlanta Braves fan. Originally from Georgia, Stefanie is proud step-mom to Bob's three lovely daughters. |