Nice to Meet You

MARK DUERR

Missouri Baptist University Associate Professor of Biology and Biochemistry Mark Duerr joined MBU’s faculty in the fall of 2016. Since then, Duerr has taught over 1,000 students covering 12 different courses. Duerr holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (biology) and a doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology from Saint Louis University.

HOMETOWN

Duerr, who grew up in a modest neighborhood in Detroit, learned the value of community from his parents, three siblings and friends. His mother, a kindergarten teacher, and father, a pastor, along with his blue-collar neighbors, taught him the value of hard work.

CAR SHOPPING

Just before Duerr’s sixteenth birthday, his father took him car shopping. After wandering the lot, the father and son decided on a Ford Escort ZX2. Duerr was so thrilled to get the car that he failed to mention to his father or the salesman that he didn’t know how to drive a stick shift. The car was purchased anyway, and Duerr’s father spent the coming weeks teaching him how to drive his new car. To this day, Duerr refuses to buy a car without a stick shift.

COACH DUERR

As a young student, Duerr played sports. Particularly, Duerr fell in love with basketball. During his high school and college years, Duerr spent his free time coaching middle school basketball. This coaching experience developed into an appreciation for basketball and, more importantly, a passion for teaching. Duerr, who’d always admired his mother, had hoped to become a kindergarten teacher before pursuing a career in higher education.

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

Growing up, Duerr spent many weekends traveling around the United States in his family’s pop-up camper. Duerr has visited 46 states and has camped in 10 National Parks. Now, as a father of three, he wants to provide the same experiences he had growing up to his children. Each weekend, his family admires the beauty of God’s creation through hiking, camping or fishing.

FUN FACT

The Duerr family has hiked every trail within a 200-mile radius.

AVID RUNNER

Duerr’s love of a good challenge isn’t confined to the classroom or academic pursuits. He ran his first marathon during graduate school and has completed seven marathons to date. He averages 15-20 miles of running each week.

DID YOU KNOW? Less than 1% of the population will complete a marathon.

SATURDAY DELICACIES

As a full-time professor and homeschool educator, Duerr spends his weekends focused on family and personal restoration. When thinking of his dream weekend, he is confident it would consist of homemade avocado toast, a family hike and watching his favorite movie, Disney’s “Encanto.”

BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Duerr is the first person in his family to earn a doctorate. From a young age, he was an overachiever and won various prestigious awards throughout his academic journey. Duerr says his most valuable reward is the exposure to diversity and travel experiences he had growing up. Through travel, he has learned the beauty of culture and the value of diversity. Approaching differences with respect is something he works to instill in his children and students. Being exposed to different experiences and people has shaped his view on humanity. ■