Simon J. Dahlman is the Chair of Milligan’s Area of Performing, Visual, and Communicative Arts and Professor of Communications and Journalism. His research focuses on the role of news media in society, the coverage of religion in news media, writing and editing nonfiction, and the history of Appalachia in the late 18th and 19th centuries.

Dahlman has written the book, A Familiar Wilderness: Searching for Home on Daniel Boone’s Road (University of Tennessee Press, 2019). He most recently published the article, “With Eyes to See Addiction, Appalachian Churches Respond to the Opioids Crisis,” in Christianity Today in September 2023. He also wrote a weekly column on religion, “Face to Faith,” in the Johnson City Press from 2003-2010.

At Milligan, Dahlman serves as the faculty adviser for the Stampede, Milligan’s student-run news service. As area chair, he leads and supports all the faculty in programs within the arts and media majors and minors. His courses focus on journalism, creative nonfiction, and communications law and ethics. While Dahlman values many aspects of working at Milligan, working closely with students is at the top of the list.

From a young age, Dahlman wanted to pursue journalism and ministry. For Dahlman, both desires were prompted by God, who seeks to reconcile all creation to Himself, wrapping up our stories into His grand story. Dahlman thanks God and His mercy for allowing him to work in both professions.

Education:
BA, Bible and Humanities, Milligan University
MA, English with emphasis in Editing and Publishing, University of Cincinnati
MFA, Creative Nonfiction, Goucher College