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.
Dr. Jennifer Feenstra Professor of psychology
Dr. Jennifer Feenstra involves students in her research on volunteerism and service-learning.
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 Hispanic community liaison
Martha Draayer leads the college’s bridge-building efforts with the local Hispanic community by strengthening church, school and family relations.
Dr. Rahn Franklin Director of strategic diversity initiatives
Dr. Rahn Franklin seeks to provide a community at Northwestern College that embodies what it means to love God and our neighbor as ourselves.
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. Barb Dewald Associate dean of Christian formation
Dr. Barb Dewald is passionate about providing multiple opportunities for students to grow in their relationship with Christ.
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. 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. Mike Wallinga Assistant professor of computer science
Dr. Mike Wallinga followed his passions from college to become a professor who continually seeks new ways to challenge his students.
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. Tatum Geerdes Assistant professor of nursing
Dr. Tatum Geerdes expresses her passion for nursing and for her students through her commitment to stewardship and student success.
Dr. Valerie Stokes Associate professor of social work
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 emphatic 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.
