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Greg Paxton, Upper School History
B.A., Flagler College, St. Augustine, Florida (Latin American Studies)
M.A., University of Florida (Religious Studies)
Prior to his academic studies, Greg worked for sixteen years as a musician, singer/songwriter, composer, and creative arts director for religious and non-sectarian institutions. His creative endeavors include composing and directing music for worship services, original musical productions, music for dance, and studio recordings.
Greg’s passion for social issues would eventually lead him on a different career path, where, as part of his undergraduate studies, he traveled throughout Central America studying the plight of indigenous (Mayan) refugees in the context of a civil war, and of the social changes influenced by emerging religious movements. During those travels, Greg also worked through relief organizations teaching school children in Guatemala and rural Honduras.
Greg's graduate work focused on a detailed examination of mainstream religious denominations in this country, deconstructing both policy and ideology that affect gay and lesbian lives. Desiring to temper that research with theological studies, Greg, along with his partner Matthew, moved to California in 1998, where he completed one year of an M. Div., at the Graduate Theological Union. It was at the end of that year that Greg began to realize a different kind of vocation, and shortly thereafter began his career as an educator.
Greg is thrilled to be returning to Crowden after taking a brief hiatus to focus on his music. When not teaching or working on music, Greg spends time growing his collection of PEZ dispensers.