Graduation Spotlight: Knelange digs into faith and history through archaeology
Kim Chaudoin |
Emma Knelange’s academic journey began in music business as an undergraduate student. But a study abroad experience in Israel uncovered a new passion — one that would take her beneath the surface of ancient ruins and deep into the historical context of scripture.
This May, the St. Louis, Missouri, native graduated from Lipscomb University with a Master of Arts in archaeology and biblical studies, marking the completion of an academic chapter that both deepened her faith and set her on a path toward a future in teaching and research.
“I studied abroad in Israel at Jerusalem University College during my undergraduate degree to complete a theological studies minor,” said Knelange, who earned her bachelor’s degree from Greenville University. “There, I fell in love with the historical context of the Bible and the broader southern Levant region.”
That experience led her to Lipscomb’s Lanier Center for Archaeology (LCA), one of only a handful of programs in the nation offering graduate-level training in biblical archaeology. After researching her options and receiving a recommendation to explore Lipscomb, Knelange knew she had found a fit.
“It checked all my boxes by providing a supportive and academically rigorous environment where I can study what I am passionate about,” she said.
At Lipscomb, Knelange found not only a rigorous academic experience, but a nurturing community that encouraged her growth both intellectually and spiritually.
“My Lipscomb experience has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “Before I started the master’s program, I was very nervous, not even tangibly considering a doctoral program in the future. However, during my time at the LCA, I've had the privilege of learning from professors' invaluable expertise and experience, as well as having several encouraging conversations with them.”
Now, she’s looking ahead to continuing her academic journey in Lipscomb’s Ph.D. program in Archaeology of the Ancient Near East beginning this fall.
“The LCA is so different from other places because I feel like I am a person, not just a number,” she said. “It is an extremely supportive environment.”
Knelange’s time at Lipscomb also included hands-on archaeological work in the field. In 2024, she volunteered on the Tel Burna Excavation Project in Israel. This summer, she will continue that work by volunteering at the Abila Project in Jordan and the Khirbet 'Ether Project in Israel.
“My classroom learning and academic work have been invaluable, but the field work is such a necessary supplement,” she explained. “Without the practical experience of digging, I wouldn't get to participate in the application of my classroom learning in the field.”
Knelange said her graduate studies haven’t just expanded her academic and professional horizons but have also enriched her spiritual life.
“If anything, my archaeological studies have sharpened my faith,” she reflected. “Being able to study the context of scripture through textual records and archaeological data doesn't mean I will always have my questions neatly answered with a bow on top. There are many times when it forces me to think deeper about the text. However, isn't that the purpose? To grow in my understanding of the Bible and its cultural landscape. It's encouraged me to always dig deeper and keep asking questions.”
Now, with a master’s degree in hand and a doctoral program on the horizon, Knelange is reflected on the experience.
“It feels surreal. I feel like I just started yesterday, but I also know this place so well now that it has begun to feel like another home,” she said. “I'm excited to continue the journey.”
Ultimately, Knelange hopes to use her passion and training to educate others.
“My ultimate goal is to teach undergraduates in topics regarding biblical or Ancient Near Eastern history,” she said. “I want to help students engage deeply with the past and with their faith.”