If you see something green on campus, chances are it is not yet the growing grass of spring, but rather, the fabulous Dr. Rebecca Koerselman wearing her signature color. Known for her eccentric and vintage clothing, Dr. Koerselman is a style icon on campus, but much more goes into her day than just her outfit choice. Not only does she prioritize fashion, but she is also teaching her two daughters how to find their own style, and she sometimes coordinates certain aspects of their outfits so they can match. Last week the family did cargo pants day, but in the past has also done Beatles shirt day, skirt week, dress week and ninja day.
“I love a fashion challenge and to experiment and try new things,” said Dr. Koerselman. Beyond her wardrobe, Dr. Koerselman’s mornings are usually marked by time with her daughters, a visit to the gym and a strong cup of tea. “I like my tea like I like my women,” said Dr. Koerselman, “strong, complex and sweet.” Accompanying her tea is her signature breakfast sandwich: ciabatta roll with egg, smoked gouda and spicy mayo, or avocado toast. “I am a millennial, after all,” she said.
Between getting herself ready for a day of teaching and making sure that everyone else gets out the door, mornings can be a busy time in her household. However, her life does not slow down once she gets to work. Representing both the history and education department, Dr. Koerselman’s mornings at the office usually involve prep work for her classes, answering emails, meetings and talking to students.
Not all aspects of her day are busy, however, as every Monday in the education department is “cookie Monday,” which is a time where professors take turns bringing baked goods for their colleagues to enjoy. In addition to the education professors, she also spends a lot of time with her colleagues in the history and philosophy department. There is no shortage of human interaction in her day. Most days, her office is occupied with students and faculty from any discipline, sometimes for school-related purposes, and sometimes just for fun. “I love to have students or colleagues stop by to chat about work or life in general,” said Dr. Koerselman.
Throughout the day, Dr. Koerselman can be found teaching her infamous history courses, which draw a variety of majors and backgrounds with history. With a specialty in United States history, some of her courses include subject matter relating to American history, Native American history, gender and religious studies and history of sports. In addition to traditional undergraduate classes, she also teaches several graduate classes for those seeking their master’s in education. graduate classes for those seeking their master’s in education.
Outside Northwestern, Dr. Koerselman spends a lot of time reading; both for her studies and just
which involves reading together and having snacks. Dr. Koerselman says that she enjoys this time because “I love reading and I love that my girls love reading as well.” Her books span a variety of subjects, such as theology, diet culture, devotionals, gender history and sports. Crafts and puzzles also make an appearance in her household when it is too cold to be outside.
Even though she enjoys her job at NW, Dr. Koerselman says that sometimes living in Orange City can sometimes feel isolating. However, she combats this by being a host family for international students and being intentional about connecting with people from different backgrounds, which she enjoys immensely. After hosting some of the soccer players, she has become a dedicated fan of the game, and she can be found at most home games in the fall. Dr. Koerselman loves supporting students through athletics and other extracurriculars, such as the Women in Leadership club, where she is a regular speaker. However, even though she attends late night athletics and meetings, Dr. Koerselman states that, “as my friends and family will tell you, don’t bother texting or calling much past 10 since I will be in bed. 5:45 rolls around early, after all.”
