Dewald earns award for staff service

Dr. Barb Dewald, associate dean of spiritual formation at Northwestern College, is the recipient of the college’s 2013 Staff Inspirational Service Award. Her selection was announced at a recognition banquet for faculty and staff on May 6.

The award recognizes staff members who consistently provide outstanding contributions by going above and beyond what is expected, who personify a strong Christian commitment, and who distinguish themselves as an inspiration to the campus community. A selection committee composed of faculty and staff chose the winner from among candidates nominated by Northwestern employees. The award includes a $750 honorarium.

Dewald joined Northwestern’s staff in 1995 and has directed nearly all the college’s campus ministry efforts, including Bible studies and ministry teams meeting on campus and serving throughout the region, as well as spring and summer missions projects. She has traveled overseas extensively to develop partners for Northwestern’s Summer of Service program, and she leads a Spring Service Team each year.

“She is on campus at all hours, on all days, supporting students as they seek to minister to the spiritual growth of their peers,” wrote Dr. Heather Josselyn-Cranson, director of music ministries, in a nomination letter. “Her commitment to Christ colors her thoughts, words and actions. Barb sees her entire life as a ministry and supports all those around her with deep faith and endless compassion.”

Marlon Haverdink, Northwestern’s director of residence life, wrote that Dewald is tireless in her work for students and the college. “She makes tremendous contributions through her committee work and her wise leading of the campus ministry department. She often opens up her home to students, faculty and staff. She always finds time to provide a listening ear and wise counsel to colleagues and students. She is the epitome of a faithful servant.”

Dewald received the Dana Walling Award for Excellence in Campus Ministry from the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities in 2008. As a member of the Fellowship of Short-Term Ministry Leaders, she co-wrote the Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission, a common set of standards that ensure such mission experiences utilize good planning, training and follow-through so they can be as effective as possible for the host ministry and the kingdom of God.

The recipient of a Doctor of Ministry degree in leadership and spiritual formation from George Fox University, Dewald also earned a master’s degree in counseling from the University of South Dakota and a Master of Divinity degree from Sioux Falls Seminary. She received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Sioux Dakota. Before coming to Northwestern, she served as director of residence life and assistant campus pastor at the University of Sioux Falls.