Kevin Mellish

Professor, Biblical Studies


Biblical Studies, School of Theology & Christian Ministry

Since 2004, Dr. Mellish has taught biblical literature at Olivet. His main teaching area is in the field of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. He has also taught classes in elementary and advanced Hebrew; survey courses in Bible; and upper division and graduate courses in Old Testament. In 2016, he became chair of the Department of Biblical Studies.

In addition to teaching, Dr. Mellish has presented scholarly papers at conferences and written articles for various academic and church publications. He has written a commentary on 1 and 2 Samuel in the New Beacon Bible Commentary Series. His research interests have focused on the life of David, the development of Israelite faith and religion, the Deuteronomistic history, archaeology and ancient Near Eastern history, comparative Midrash, and the Pentateuch.

Prior to coming to Olivet, Dr. Mellish taught in the Ontario-Montclair School District for six years and served as an associate pastor at Ontario First Church of the Nazarene. He is currently a member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the Wesleyan Theological Society.

For his leisure time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, biking, playing and watching sports, and reading fiction (especially mysteries).

He and his wife, Jeanine, are the parents of three children: Dakota, Delaney and Lacie.