From truck driver to theologian

Ian Elmer has tried his hand at many things – from a stint in the Seminary to training as a chef to driving a truck.

Ian stumbled into teaching part-way through his PhD in theology at ACU, after being asked to fill in as a lecturer for a couple of undergraduate classes.

“It was a happy accident, but I never looked back,” he says. “Teaching is my life’s passion and I found I had a talent for it. For me, nothing else can match the buzz and excitement of the classroom.”

Dr Elmer is now Acting Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching), after serving in several roles within the School of Theology. He believes divine providence has played a role in his long and varied career at ACU.

“My first day on the Brisbane Campus, I made my way to the office I’d been assigned, and realised as I approached the door, that it was my old cell where I’d lived for three years during my time at the Seminary,” he says.

“It was a full circle moment. Some people might call it serendipity, but I’d say a path opened for me, because I was willing to follow where the Spirit led me."

Dr Elmer grew up on the Redcliffe Peninsula north of Brisbane in a large, Irish-Catholic family. After attending De La Salle College (now Southern Cross Catholic College), he entered the Pius XII Seminary at Banyo in Brisbane straight out of high school. 

After three years and much soul-searching, he decided that the priesthood wasn't for him, but he retained his links to the Church, working as a truck driver and storeman for St Vincent de Paul for a decade.

“I still had a deep love of the church, and a love of the scriptures,” he says.

“Some of the most profound conversations I’ve ever had took place in the truck – my driving partner was a former Naval man who read voraciously, and we had many deep discussions about theology and the scriptures.”

Dr Elmer returned to study after being made redundant and was one of the first students to enrol at ACU. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, he did his honours and PhD in theology.

He has educated several generations of seminarians, deacons and teachers – something he regards as a privilege.

“My wife was a school teacher, and I learned a lot from her,” he says.

“My approach is all about co-operative learning. I respect my students and the unique perspectives they bring to the study of theology. I’m there to give them the tools to unpack the texts and ask the big questions.

“I learn as much as they do – I’m constantly finding new details and gaining a richer understanding of the scriptures.”

Dr Elmer’s philosophy is simple: grasp every opportunity with both hands. 

“My career has had some twists and turns, but life is about walking through open doors. At ACU, I think I’ve found myself exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

ACU is number one in Australia and in the top 50 worldwide for Theology Divinity and Religious Studies, according to the 2023 QS World University Rankings.

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