Dr. Alan Fimister joins St. Ambrose Academy with an extensive background in theology, history, and Catholic education. Originally from Newcastle upon Tyne in northeast England, Dr. Fimister was educated in Catholic schools from kindergarten through age 18. He converted to the Catholic faith at age 11 and credits an influential history teacher with inspiring his interest in history and leading him to Oxford University, where he studied history and received a senior scholarship at Exeter College – the same college attended by J.R.R. Tolkien!

His academic and professional journey has taken him from England to Austria, Scotland, Italy, and the United States. He earned degrees in theology and completed a doctorate in history before teaching at the International Theological Institute in Austria. After marrying, Dr. Fimister and his wife Colleen moved to the United States, where he taught theology and Church history at seminaries in Denver and Connecticut. He has also been involved with the Dialogos Institute, which promotes the study of Scripture through the writings of the Church Fathers and the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Dr. Fimister and his wife, who is originally from Texas, have three daughters. Outside of teaching and scholarship, he enjoys reading about Arthurian legends and Byzantine history, supporting his beloved Liverpool football club, and maintaining an enormous collection of Marvel comics that he began collecting with his father. He also has a particular appreciation for traditional “real ale” – a fitting interest for an Englishman!

He is excited to bring his love of history, theology, Scripture, and the Catholic intellectual tradition to St. Ambrose Academy and to share his passion for the Faith with his students. Welcome, Dr. Fimister!