Western Theological Seminary Announces Appointment of Dr. Pauline Buisch

Western Theological Seminary is pleased to announce Dr. Pauline Buisch’s appointment as Assistant Professor of Old Testament. With years of experience in biblical studies and a deep passion for theological education, Dr. Buisch brings scholarly excellence and a love for Scripture to this important role.

“As a community of faith and learning within the Reformed tradition that is both ecumenical and evangelical, Western is uniquely positioned to prepare students for impactful Christian ministry,” says Dr. Buisch. “ I am honored and excited to join the faculty in this meaningful work.”

Dr. Buisch earned a PhD in Hebrew Bible and Early Judaism from the University of Notre Dame, an MDiv from Redeemer Seminary, and a Bachelor of Music degree from New York University. Her research focuses on the literary intersections between the Hebrew Bible and the ancient Near East, inner-biblical allusion, and Early Jewish interpretation. Her publications appear in scholarly journals, and her first book (currently under review) traces the literary and theological development of the motif of the woman facing the threat of childlessness. Prior to Western, Dr. Buisch taught at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH.

Dr. Buisch was also the recipient of the 2024 David Noel Freedman Award for Creativity and Excellence in Hebrew Bible Scholarship. This highly prestigious and competitive Society of Biblical Literature award is given to a PhD or ThD graduate in the last ten years whose work advances some dimension of scholarship, exhibits a persuasive thesis that engages the Hebrew Bible, clarity of expression and thought, as well as originality and creativity. 

At Western Theological Seminary, Dr. Buisch will teach courses in Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew, continuing to foster students’ love for Scripture and its historical and theological contexts.

“Dr. Buisch’s scholarship and commitment to faithful teaching represent Western’s mission,” said Dr. Keith Starkenburg, Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “We look forward to the many ways God will use her gifts among us.”

Dr. Buisch is married to her husband, Jonathan, who is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and together they have 3 children. Dr. Buisch will join the Western community in July 2026.