This spring semester Northwestern welcomed two new faculty members to their staff: Professors Andrew Klumpp and Tyler Scott.
Professor Andrew Klumpp, Religion and Christian Education Department
What brought you to NW?
I was working down at Duke, and got a call from Mead letting me know about the opening here at NW. This is exactly what I want to do long term, so I had to apply. NW is a place that is close to my heart, and it was a great opportunity. I had an excellent experience here as a student and the opportunity to give back is really compelling. Not to mention, I really believe in the mission and the work that is done here.
What did you do before coming to NW?
I finished my master’s degree at Duke and then was working full time at Duke Chapel. I did a mixture of hospitality, external relations and institutional research, which involved cultivating exhibits and displays as well as relaying information about the Chapel. I was also a research assistant doing work for Grant Wacker working on his recent book about Billy Graham. I also worked as a teaching assistant, teaching a course to masters students at Duke, focusing on the relationship between race, religion and American history.
What was life like as a student here at NW? Are there any specific fond memories that you have?
I loved my time here at NW. I was a music major as well as a religion major, so some of my fondest memories involve band and choir tours, especially when we went to southern California. I also went to New York and the Czech Republic. Those were great times. I also played a lot of “Age of Empires” in the classroom in Ramaker during my time here.
What are some of your favorite activities outside of class?
I love college basketball so much. In order of preference, I like Iowa State, the Duke Blue Devils and then University of Iowa. I also sing often; I was involved in several choirs down at Duke. Music has always been a big part of my life.
What is your favorite thing about teaching here at NW?
I’m enjoying the fact I get to see a real diversity of students. I didn’t get that as much at Duke. My students here are of all different majors, preparing for all kinds of work. Theology and faith are such a huge part of our culture, and I’m glad I get to teach it to people in all majors.
What kind of vision or goals do have for your students? How do you hope to impact them?
My real hope is my students will be able to see we live in a profoundly theological world and that our God has a role to play in whatever area of the world you are preparing to enter. One of my goals is people will see that theology has a role to play in all areas of life. You can be a theologian who is a nurse, or in business or in science because theology has such a huge role in our world.
Professor Tyler Scott, Math/Physics Department
What brought you to NW?
I was looking for a small Christian liberal arts college, and they happened to be hiring. It was just really the small town and Christian atmosphere that attracted me.
What did you do before coming to NW? Where did you go to college?
I grew up in Wisconsin, but I attended Bob Jones University for undergrad and Clemson for grad school.
What are some of your favorite activities outside of class?
I play rugby. I was pretty involved playing rugby down in South Carolina. That’s one of my main hobbies. I’m also really into American history, so I’ve volunteered at some programs with some of the state and national parks on the east coast relaying park history to visitors.
What is your favorite thing about teaching here at NW?
I’ve really been impressed with how hard the students work and how quickly they catch on to things. Most of them seem to enjoy being in class and learning so that’s something that’s refreshing.
What kind of vision or goals do have for your students? How do you hope to impact them?
We don’t have a physics major here, so most of the students taking the physics classes are doing so because it’s a requirement. But I still want them to learn to enjoy it and how amazing it is. It’s all around us and shows the glory of God’s creation that is all around us. I want my students to know that it’s more than just a requirement to get off their list, but rather something to be enjoyed and something they can learn to take with them in their careers.
