Biography
Dr. Jennifer Kom is a Full Professor of Psychology at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota. Her extensive course offerings include Human Development Through the Lifespan, Child Development, Gender Development, Abnormal Psychology, Personality Development, and Fundamentals of Counseling. Each of these courses is taught from a Biblical worldview perspective, aligning with the college’s mission. Dr. Kom brings a grounded, sensible, Midwestern practicality to her approach to psychological issues, making complex topics accessible and relevant to a diverse student body.
While Dr. Kom acknowledges the value and potential of the science of psychology, she also provides a critical and cautionary perspective on the uncritical and widespread application of mainstream psychological practices that often lack empirical support. Her approach balances the benefits of psychological insights with a careful examination of their alignment with Christian principles, ensuring that students receive instruction that is both scientifically informed and spiritually grounded.
Bethany Lutheran College, renowned for attracting students from around the world, provides a unique educational environment where students interested in psychology can engage with a vision of psychology’s past, present, and future grounded in a Biblical foundation. Dr. Kom views it as a privilege to teach psychology to students from diverse backgrounds at one of the few remaining mission-focused American institutions of higher education that vigorously supports, protects, and promotes academic freedom both within and outside the classroom.
Academic interests
Dr. Jennifer Kom has a strong background in behavioral psychology, which she applies to human development across the life-span. She is increasingly recognized for her advocacy of counter-cultural causes, and emphasizes how parents, pastors, counselors, teachers, and the broader community can love and care for families and children from a Christian worldview perspective. This approach involves proactively addressing problems and questions as they arise, ensuring that children are nurtured and guided in accordance with Christian values.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Developmental and Child Psychology. Department of Applied Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas, December 15, 2008. Doctoral Thesis: The effect of public postings on early childhood care providers’ behavior in an infant room. Edward K. Morris Ph.D., advisor.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Development. Department of Human Development and Family Life, University of Kansas, January 17, 2001. Masters Thesis: The ABC hand-washing program: A program for preschool children. Edward K. Morris Ph.D., advisor.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Experimental Psychology. Department of Psychology, Temple
University, May 24, 1996. Philip N. Hineline Ph.D., advisor.
Teaching philosophy
As a seasoned professor and expert of her discipline, Dr. Kom fosters an active learning classroom environment. Students in her courses are routinely encouraged to apply psychological concepts to their everyday lives and current headlines. This approach ensures that her courses are not only informative but also engaging and applicable, helping students connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications.
Service
Recent professional activities include two events with Moms for Liberty, a national organization advocating for parental rights at all levels of government, where she led the discussion on Jonathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation” (2024) during the organization’s virtual Book Club and she also served as a panelist for the group in Nashville, discussing concerns regarding socio-emotional learning curriculum in public school classrooms.
Affiliations
Dr. Kom is a longstanding active member of the American Psychological Association and the Association for Behavior Analysis International. She recently attended the National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology, gaining valuable new insights into teaching and pedagogy, which she plans to implement in the Psychology program and within her courses.
Dr. Jennifer Kom is the proud wife of Joel Kom, the mom of 5 amazing sons, mother-in-law to one beautiful and talented daughter-in-law, and extremely excited grandmother one precious little girl. She is a member of Peace Lutheran Church, in North Mankato, MN. She’s enjoyed serving as a Sunday School teacher for over 20 years, loves traveling, listening to a wide variety of music, and staying warm in front of a fireplace. Her favorite food is oyster stew, which she claims is best enjoyed when the temperature falls below zero.