TopProfs
Success starts at Northwestern. Our professors teach it.
Heather Hayes Assistant Professor of Education
Dr. Hayes is the education department’s resident expert in special education, a field to which she feels called by God. She has experience in the special education classroom and in inclusive education research.
Kelsey Joseph ’14 Associate Director of Intercultural Development
As part of the staff for Northwestern’s Bridge Center, Joseph supports international students as they adjust to life on campus and in the United States.
Kelly Schmidt International Admissions + Financial Aid Counselor
Kelly Schmidt draws on her international experience and connections to help non-U.S. students apply and enroll at Northwestern.
Dr. Young-Ji Byon Professor and Director of Engineering
Hired to launch an engineering program following approval by accreditors, Dr. Young-Ji Byon has teaching, research and administrative experience on three continents.
Dr. Ross Bouma Assistant Professor of Kinesiology; Department Chair
Dr. Bouma brings to students more than two decades of teaching, coaching and administrative experience.
Dr. Carrie Thonstad Assistant Professor of Education; Licensure Official
Dr. Thonstad’s passion for serving—and for preparing students to serve—makes her a valuable resource in the education department.
Dr. Kali Jo Wacker Assistant Professor of English
An active writer and artist, Dr. Wacker is passionate about the intersection of multimedia and pop culture.
Dr. Fan Fei Assistant Professor of Business
Dr. Fei shows his passion for economics through his excitement in the classroom and the many economic research projects he’s completed.
Dr. Jeff VanDerWerff Professor of U.S. Government & Public Life; Dean of the Social Sciences
Dr. VanDerWerff’s extensive research and experience running for public office guide his efforts to teach students about virtuous citizenship as followers of Christ.
Dr. Jennifer Schon Director of Institutional Research; Instructor in Data Science and Statistics
Combining her interests in math and communications, Dr. Schon helps students understand how abstract concepts and data can apply to everyday life.
Vonda Post Professor of Accounting
A licensed CPA, Professor Post is committed to teaching her students how to think like accountants and understand the “why” behind accounting principles.
Dr. Rajat Emanuel Singh Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
A biomechanical movement researcher, Dr. Singh sees his scientific studies as attempts to unravel the mysteries behind God's great design.
Dr. Todd Tracy Professor of Biology
Dr. Tracy involves students with his research into the impact of invasive species on forest and grassland ecosystems.
Dr. Angila DeJong Assistant Professor of Education
With teaching experience ranging from elementary school to graduate courses, Dr. DeJong brings a wealth of strategies, resources and stories of hope to her students.
Dr. Thomas Holm Professor of Music; Department Chair
A gifted musician, Dr. Holm introduces his students to musical styles from around the world and encourages them in their growth as individuals.
Dr. Hyunsung Jun Associate Professor of Math and Physics
A gifted professor and researcher, Dr. Hyunsung Jun is committed to helping students learn more about God’s creation throughout the universe.
Meghan Charbonneau Assistant Professor of Art
Accomplished as an artist and experienced as a teacher, Professor Charbonneau helps students see art-making as a form of worship.
Mark Haselhoff Professor of Practice in Computer Science; Department Chair
Professor Haselhoff hopes his computer science classes inspire students to further explore ideas on their own.
Dr. Robert Hubbard Professor of Theatre; Department Chair
Dr. Hubbard won a fellowship with the O’Neill Critics Institute and is a frequent contributor of movie and TV show reviews for Think Christian, a faith and pop culture blog that “helps believers connect their fandom with their faith.”
Dr. Laura Furlong Professor of Biology
With her breadth of academic experience and enthusiasm for teaching, Dr. Furlong is equipped to help her students at Northwestern learn to think critically and observe thoughtfully.
Greg Christy President
President Christy created new strategies and adopted a new mission, vision, diversity and Christian identity to help the college stand out.
Martha Draayer Director of the Bridge Center for Intercultural Development
Martha Draayer encourages intercultural student development by mentoring, supporting and teaching students from underrepresented groups.
Kris Korver Head Men's Basketball Coach; Instructor in Kinesiology
Coach Korver is passionate about helping his students and athletes become who God calls them to be.
Dr. Timothy Huffman Professor of Mathematics; Director of the Actuarial Science Program
Dr. Huffman is the entrepreneurial developer of two different test prep programs—one that prepares students to take and pass actuarial exams; the other to help students achieve high scores on the MCAT.
Dr. Angela (Holt) Carlson Associate Professor of Music; Director of Symphonic Band
Dr. Carlson directs Northwestern’s Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and wind ensembles, while also teaching instrumental music education.
Piet Koene Associate Professor of Spanish, Translation and Interpreting; Department Chair
Professor Koene has elite certification and experience as a courtroom interpreter.
Dr. Jeff Schouten Associate Professor of Kinesiology
Watching students grow and mature over their four years on campus is what draws Dr. Schouten to college-level teaching and coaching.
Randy Van Peursem Science Support Services Professional
Randy Van Peursem offers students the science support they need to succeed and models the encouragement and love of Christ.
Kendall Stanislav Director of Experiential Education
Kendall Stanislav helps connect students with internship and study abroad opportunities, and assists them through the job search process.
Dr. Jason Lief Professor of Biblical & Theological Studies
Dr. Lief values teaching youth ministers and Christian educators the significance of popular culture within the context of faith.
Dr. Jiying (Jenny) Song Associate Professor of Business
Dr. Song’s professional experience offers international business students firsthand knowledge of business on the world stage.
Dr. Sara Sybesma Tolsma Professor of Biology
Dr. Tolsma and her students are researching which chemicals in plants stop or slow the growth of cancer cells—and how.
Eric Anderson Director of Financial Aid
Eric Anderson uses his combination of financial knowledge and care for students to help families find strategies to make Northwestern affordable.
Greta Grond Director of DeWitt Library
Greta Grond enjoys working with students on their research projects and seeing the results of their hard work.
Dr. Kim Jongerius Professor of Mathematics; Department Chair
Dr. Jongerius sees math as both art and language and encourages students to communicate mathematics effectively.
Rik Dahl Head Wrestling Coach
Coach Dahl enjoys building relationships with students, extending grace, and encouraging them through life.
Kirsten Brue Career Counselor
Kirsten Brue encourages students to gain experience in their chosen career field.
Dr. Elizabeth Heeg Professor of Biology
Dr. Heeg created practice-based software to help students prepare for the MCAT—to which Northwestern students have free access.
Dr. Han-Yen Kao Assistant Professor of Business; Department Chair
Dr. Kao believes that economics is all about people, and economic decisions have the power to shape the world around us.
Dr. John Vonder Bruegge Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies; Co-director of Honors Program
Dr. Vonder Bruegge is known for his love of the New Testament and encourages experiences that allow for academic challenges and growth.
Dr. Valerie Stokes Professor of Social Work
Dr. Stokes provides students with a safe, encouraging environment in which she shares real-life examples from her own therapeutic practice.
Dr. Chris Nonhof Associate Professor of Education and English
Dr. Nonhof builds relationships with students in and out of the classroom.
Kyle Ochsner Professor of Practice of Kinesiology
Professor Ochsner develops and oversees the strength and conditioning programs for many of Northwestern’s athletic teams.
Dr. Erica Vonk Director of the Center for Innovation and Leadership; Associate Professor of Business
Dr. Vonk is an innovative and visionary leader who is passionate about equipping students for their professional lives.
Drew Schmidt Associate Professor of Theatre
Professor Schmidt is enthusiastic about his love of church, education and the arts, and he enjoys helping students follow their passions.
Bob De Haan Instructor in Agricultural Business
A lifelong farmer, Professor De Haan has over four decades of agricultural education experience.
Dr. Jennifer Feenstra Professor of Psychology
Dr. Feenstra involves students in her research on volunteerism and service-learning.
Dr. Zack Varpness Associate Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Varpness views his chemistry research as an opportunity to understand the intricacies of God’s creation.
Scott Bahrke Head Cross Country + Track and Field Coach; Instructor in Business Education
When he’s not motivating athletes to run their best times, Coach Bahrke helps his classes find ways to motivate their future students.
Ann Minnick Associate Professor of Communications; Program Director
Professor Minnick connects her students to area nonprofits so they can use their PR and marketing skills to serve others.
Dr. Michael Kugler Professor of History
Dr. Kugler is known for making history come alive as he guides students in thinking Christianly about the past.
Dr. Karissa Carlson Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Carlson’s passion for science is confirmed each time she—or one of her children—makes a discovery about the world God created.
Dr. Scott Monsma Professor of Sociology; Department Chair
Dr. Monsma’s travels have allowed him to experience cultural contexts around the world, posing new questions about his own culture and how it has shaped him.
Dr. Chris Hausmann Professor of Criminal Justice and Sociology
Dr. Hausmann is a justice advocate who teaches students evidence-based practices that lead to biblically grounded justice.
Nikki Wede Instructor of Nursing
As a graduate of Northwestern’s nursing program and an experienced RN, Professor Wede is proud to be a Red Raider and even more proud to guide and shape future nurses at her alma mater.
