Dr. Jeff VanDerWerff '83
Professor of U.S. Government & Public Life
Dean of Social Sciences
Education:
Ph.D., University of Kansas
M.A., University of Missouri (Kansas City)
B.A., Northwestern College
712-707-7074
jvdw@nwciowa.edu
As dean of social sciences, Dr. Jeff VanDerWerff works with the departments of business/economics, education, political science, psychology, social work and sociology. He is known as a gifted public intellectual who understands what it takes to encourage the moral and spiritual formation of Northwestern students as they weave together belief, behavior and belonging.
A Northwestern College graduate, VanDerWerff teaches American politics, public policy, religion and politics, and constitutional law. He also serves as the pre-law adviser to students. VanDerWerff holds a doctorate in American politics and public administration from the University of Kansas. He has served as the faculty representative on Northwestern's Board of Trustees and co-chaired the college's Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation work group.
Research interests include religion and politics and political theology. He is a member of both the American Political Science Association and Christians in Political Science.
Book review of Paul Moke's (2015) Earl Warren and the Struggle for Justice. Lexington Books. In the American Review of Politics, Forthcoming, Fall 2017.
Reforming Political Discourse. Kicked-off a ten-month virtual dialogue or "Respectful Conversations" hosted by Harold Heie. Along with my assigned conversation partner, Kim Van Es, we addressed the initial subject: Talking Past Each Other, or Worse? September 2017.
"The Core Practices of Citizenship: Re-enchanting Our Conception of Civic Duty." Contributed to the Andreas Center's (Dordt College) online publican, In All Things. This reflection was the second in a three-part series on the responsibilities citizenship, July 2016.
"A Political Theology for Engaging Democracy: Letting Public Life Preach and Presidential Politics." Paper presented at the Iowa Conference on Presidential Politics, Dordt College (Sioux Center, IA), October 29-31, 2015.
"A Political Theology for Engaging Democracy: Letting Public Life Preach—Three Perspectives." Paper presented at Christians in Political Science biennial meeting. Freedom and Responsibility in a Modern World, Azusa Pacific University (Azusa, CA), May 29-31, 2014.
Starting in the spring of 2010 began writing a monthly report on the politics and policy of Iowa for the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago. Have produced 70-plus reports and counting.
Dean of the Social Sciences (selected by VPAA; 2017-present) One of four divisional/academic deans will serve to advocate and assist the efforts of colleagues in the departments of Business & Economics, Education, Social Work, Sociology & Criminal Justice, Psychology and Political Science.
Co-chair of Reaccreditation Work Group (appointed position; 2014-15) Served alongside Mike Wallinga (Director of Institutional Research) and lead a team of colleagues in making the case/preparing the report in advance of Northwestern's decennial visit from the North Central Association's Higher Learning Commission.
Faculty Representative to the Board (elected by peers; 2006-14) Not only attended both the fall and spring meetings of the full Board, but also sat as a Trustee on the executive committee, which met on a monthly basis in order to fulfill various fiduciary responsibilities.
Co-director Franken Servant Leadership Institute (appointed position; 2009-13) Shared joint-appointment with faculty colleague J. Feenstra (Associate Professor of Psychology); helped to launch a new initiative which will assist efforts on campus to develop effective student leaders.
Faculty President (elected by peers; 2008-11) Presided over faculty meetings and working in conjunction with the Dean's Council to set the agenda for bi-monthly gatherings. Also served as an ombudsman of sorts.
American Political Science Association
Christians in Political Science
Northwestern Teaching Excellence Award recipient (2015-16)
Finalist (one of three nominees) for Teacher of the Year (2004-05)