Dr. Robert Wellington is a distinguished scholar and educator based in Washington, D.C., specializing in conflict resolution, international relations, and theological studies. His academic pursuits encompass social identity theory, religion and spirituality, intercultural understanding, dialogue, restorative justice, pastoral care and counseling, and LGBTQ+ issues. Currently, Dr. Wellington serves as the Chair of the Upper School Social Studies Department at Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, where he imparts knowledge in Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology. Over the years, he has also taught courses on Contemporary Global Issues and Holocaust and Genocide Studies, reflecting his broad academic interests.
Dr. Wellington’s journey in education began with his role as an English teacher at Weifang University in Shandong Province, China, from 1998 to 2003. This international experience enriched his understanding of cross-cultural dynamics and laid the foundation for his future endeavors in intercultural dialogue. Upon returning to the United States, he pursued advanced studies, earning a Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University’s School of International Service in 2008. His master’s thesis explored the post-apartheid South African experience with LGBTQ rights, examining the interplay between racism and heterosexism through the perspectives of leaders like Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.
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Complementing his studies in international relations, Dr. Wellington obtained a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theological Studies with honors from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2008. His focus areas included biblical interpretation, pastoral care and counseling, and Christian ethics. He was actively involved in dialogue initiatives at American University, co-facilitating groups on topics such as religion and spirituality, religion and sexuality, and geopolitical relations, notably between Palestine and Israel, and China and Japan.
In 2012, Dr. Wellington embarked on a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, completing it in 2020. His dissertation delved into sexual orientation and gender identity as cross-cutting identities in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the experiences of LGBTQ Israeli human rights activists. This qualitative research provided insights into the complex intersections of identity in protracted conflicts.
Parallel to his academic pursuits, Dr. Wellington has held various roles that bridge education and pastoral care. From 2008 to 2017, he served as a hospice chaplain with Community Hospices in Washington, D.C., offering emotional and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their families. His responsibilities extended to outreach with local hospitals, nursing homes, educational institutions, and interfaith communities. He also contributed to research projects, public speaking engagements, and educational initiatives on end-of-life care.
In the realm of higher education, Dr. Wellington has been an adjunct professorial lecturer at Wesley Theological Seminary since January 2020, teaching a course on conflict resolution. He has also lectured at American University’s School of International Service and School of Professional & Extended Studies, covering subjects like reconciliation and justice, and intercultural understanding. His commitment to fostering inclusive, interfaith, and ecumenical dialogue is evident from his tenure as the Associate Presbyterian Chaplain at American University between March 2019 and May 2020.
At Bullis School, Dr. Wellington has been instrumental in promoting civic discourse and conflict resolution. In October 2020, he co-led workshops aimed at equipping faculty with skills to facilitate civil discourse, especially pertinent during the election period. His dedication to student development is further demonstrated through his roles as the moderator of the Conduct Review Board since 2020 and as a member of the National Honor Society Faculty Council from 2022 to 2024. Beyond the classroom, he participated in the school’s theater production of “The Crucible” in the fall of 2022, showcasing his versatility and engagement with the school community.
