Gaye Strathearn is a professor in the Department of Ancient Scripture and in the Ancient Near East Studies program at BYU. Currently she serves as the Publications Director for BYU’s Religious Studies Center. She has taught at BYU since 1995—mainly classes on the Bible, but also The Book of Mormon, Introduction to the Ancient Near Studies Major, and the graduate New Testament class. Educationally she has received a bachelors degree in Physiotherapy (University of Queensland, Australia 1982), a BA and MA in Near Eastern studies from BYU (1990 and 1992), and a PhD in religion (New Testament) from the Claremont Graduate University (2004). Her research centers primarily on New Testament topics, especially those of interest to Latter-day Saints.
In addition, Gaye studied at the Jerusalem Center as a student (Fall 1987) and returned as a teacher in 2014–15 and 2025–26. Her latest experience at the JC was definitely a unique experience because of the war between Israel and Iraq. With frequent trips to the bomb shelter, the program was adjusted and she went home with the students via Jordan and then Cairo. Gaye says they felt the power of the Spirit comforting them, protecting them, and we were able to more deeply appreciate teachings and power of Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ. Gaye LOVES the Jerusalem Center and everything she does there.
