TopProfs
Success starts at Northwestern. Our professors teach it.
Piet Koene Associate professor of Spanish, translation and interpreting
Piet Koene has elite certification and experience as a courtroom interpreter.
Vonda Post Professor of Accounting
A licensed CPA, Vonda Post is committed to teaching her students how to think like accountants and understand the “why” behind accounting principles.
Dr. Jennifer Feenstra Professor of psychology
Dr. Jennifer Feenstra involves students in her research on volunteerism and service-learning.
Dr. Fan Fei Assistant Professor of Business
Dr. Fan Fei shows his passion for economics through his excitement in the classroom and the many economic research projects he’s completed.
Dr. Sara Sybesma Tolsma Professor of biology
Dr. Sara Sybesma Tolsma and her students are researching which chemicals in plants stop or slow the growth of cancer cells—and how.
Kirsten Brue Career counselor
Kirsten Brue encourages students to gain experience in their chosen career field.
Dr. Michael Kugler Professor of history
Dr. Michael Kugler is known for making history come alive.
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.
Greg Christy President
President Greg Christy created new strategies and adopted a new mission, vision, diversity and Christian identity to help the college stand out.
Rik Dahl Head wrestling coach
Head wrestling coach Rik Dahl enjoys building relationships with students, extending grace, and encouraging them through life.
Martha Draayer Director of 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
Kris Korver is passionate about helping his students and athletes become who God calls them to be.
Dr. Sally Oakes Edman Director of counseling services
Dr. Sally Oakes Edman helps students work through problems, find healing and wholeness, and eliminate obstacles to healthy functioning.
Greta Grond Director of DeWitt Library
Greta Grond enjoys working with students on their research projects and seeing the results of their hard work.
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. James Mead Professor of biblical and theological studies
Dr. James Mead thrives on Old Testament teachings and helping students understand, enjoy and learn from all parts of the Bible.
Dr. John Vonder Bruegge Associate professor of biblical and theological studies; Co-director of honors program
Dr. John Vonder Bruegge is known for his love of the New Testament and encourages experiences that allow for academic challenges and growth.
Dr. Kim Jongerius Professor of mathematics
Dr. Kim Jongerius sees math as both art and language and encourages students to communicate mathematics effectively.
Dr. Angela Holt Assistant professor of music; Director of Symphonic Band
Dr. Angela Holt directs Northwestern’s Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and wind ensembles, while also teaching instrumental music education.
Dr. Emily Grace Assistant professor of physics
Dr. Emily Grace is passionate about her research on physics pedagogy, faith integration and physics hardware.
Dr. Laird Edman Professor of Psychology
Dr. Laird Edman involves students in research focused on the cognitive science of religion.
Dr. Elizabeth Heeg Professor of biology
Dr. Heeg not only challenges her students in the classroom, but she provides them with many hands-on experiences off campus as well.
Dr. Chris Nonhof Assistant professor of education and English
Dr. Chris Nonhof builds relationships with students in and out of the classroom.
Kyle Ochsner Professor of practice of kinesiology
Kyle Ochsner develops and oversees the strength and conditioning programs for many of Northwestern’s athletic teams.
Dr. Valerie Stokes Associate professor of social work and director of academic diversity initiatives
Dr. Valerie Stokes provides students with a safe, encouraging environment in which she shares real-life examples from her own therapeutic practice.
Drew Schmidt Associate professor of theatre
Drew Schmidt is enthusiastic about his love of church, education and the arts, and he enjoys helping students follow their passions.
Dr. David Arnett Professor of chemistry
Dr. David Arnett sees God through nature, science and loving action—all of which have added to his understanding of what it means to live a Christian life.
Erica Vonk Director of the Center for Innovation and Leadership; Instructor in Business
Professor Erica Vonk is an innovative and visionary leader who is passionate about equipping students for their professional lives.
Bob De Haan Instructor in Agricultural Business
A lifelong farmer, Bob De Haan has over four decades of agricultural education experience.
Dr. Jiying (Jenny) Song Assistant Professor of Business
Dr. Jenny Song’s professional experience offers international business students firsthand knowledge of business on the world stage.
Dr. Han-Yen Kao Assistant Professor of Business; Department Chair
Dr. Han-Yen Kao believes that economics is all about people and economic decisions have the power to shape the world around us.
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 Scott Bahrke helps his business education classes find ways to motivate their future students.
Dr. Keith Fynaardt Professor of English and Department Chair; Humanities Director
Dr. Fynaardt’s broad knowledge of literary genres allows him to arrange courses that are tailor-made for English students.
Dr. Diana Gonzalez Professor of Spanish
A true resident of the world, Dr. Gonzalez has studied or taught in more than five countries.
Douglas Anderson Professor of Practice in Business and Economics
Professor Douglas Anderson is an experienced nonprofit executive who desires to set an example of service for his students.
Dr. Zack Varpness Associate Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Varpness views his chemistry research as an opportunity to understand the intricacies of God’s creation.
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.
Ann Minnick Associate Professor of Communications; Program Director
Professor Ann Minnick connects her students to area nonprofits so they can use their PR and marketing skills to serve others.
Dr. Julie Dragstra Assistant Professor of Nursing, Department Chair
Dr. Julie Dragstra enjoys shaping the future of nursing in her classroom while also working as an on-call hospice nurse.
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. Jason Lief Professor of Biblical & Theological Studies
Dr. Jason Lief values teaching youth ministers and Christian educators the significance of popular culture within the context of faith.
