My Conversion from Judaism &
Lessons Learned in Israel Teaching at
the BYU Jerusalem Center
by Dr. Ross Baron
Fireside
December 28th, 7-8 pm
Heatherwilde Chapel
700 N Heatherwilde Blvd. Pflugerville, Texas
BIO
I was born and raised in Southern California. I joined the Church when I was 18 and served a mission to Argentina, Buenos Aires South which was divided and I served in Argentina Bahia Blanca. When I returned home I met, fell in love with, and married Kathleen Ann Bolton in the Los Angeles Temple.
We have nine children (five boys and four girls).
I received a Bachelor's degree from BYU-Provo in finance, a Master's degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (USC) in Religion and Social Ethics.
I was involved in business and entrepreneurship before I went to work as a full-time Institute Director CES Coordinator in Southern California at the Glendora and Claremont Institutes for the Church. After twelve years as an Institute Director and Coordinator, I came to teach at BYU-Idaho in the summer of 2005. In August 2018, I was a visiting professor at the BYU Jerusalem Center in Israel. Kathleen, myself and two of our girls live there for one year until August 2019. I am now back at BYU Idaho.
I love to teach and to learn. For me, there is nothing so exciting as being in a classroom with students who are anxious, bright, and ready to learn by study and by faith.
Unique Experiences
Swam across the San Francisco Bay for the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon.
Went on The Price is Right and won a stove, a mop, and a barrel sauna.
Went on the History Channel to represent the Church.
Participated in a radio show in Southern California where callers could ask me any question about the Church.
Played the drums with a group of institute students at the Hard Rock Café in Los Angeles.
Played the Drums at Guitars Unplugged in the Fall of 2005 and the Winter of 2006 (Our group made it to the "Best of" both semesters).
Played chess in the US Open Tournament in 1991 in Los Angeles (My first match was against Arnold Denker who had previously beat Bobby Fisher . . . he worked me!).
Spoke at Christian Colleges and Universities on the Church.
Led 6 Community Firesides about the Church where thousands attended. This is featured on the Website Fairlds.org
