Nixon Shabalom Cleophat, Ph.D., Faculty Member

Nixon S. Cleophat is an associate professor in the Religion program who came to Bloomfield College in 2018 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He currently teaches courses in religion, preparing dedicated students for careers in ministry, counseling, diplomacy, education, law and the health professions. He also teaches in and is the coordinator of the First Year Seminar, Religion and Philosophy Programs. He represents the Humanities Division on the President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force.

“Teaching and mentoring students at Bloomfield College has given me a sense of fulfillment. Whatever I was given as a student, I am giving it back,” said Dr. Cleophat. “The small size of our institution creates a setting that allows me to have a close relationship with my students. I teach with the intention of empowering my students. I can relate to and see myself in my students. I was one of them 20 years ago.”

Dr. Cleophat identifies not only with his students’ stories and backgrounds, but also with the “Write Your Own Story” ethos that is unique to Bloomfield College.

“As a Caribbean, an immigrant from Haiti, I appreciate the rich diversity within the demographics of our students, their unique backgrounds and their stories,” he explained. “We have very talented students. Many of them are shy, and unless you push them, they won’t know their potential. Once you show them that you believe in them, they start shining. I had teachers and professors who believed in me, and now I am able to support my students in writing and telling their own stories. Giving back in this way as a teacher is what I have been called to do.”

Professor Cleophat holds a B.A. in English and secondary education from Salem State University’s Honors Program, a Master of Divinity in biblical studies and political theology from Harvard University, and a M.Phil. and Ph.D. in systematic theology and social ethics from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University in New York City.