"...It’s incredibly important to recognize and honour where you come from, the long story where you by grace have been given a voice and a role to play. I would say that the best way to travel is to listen well, even if you might not always agree...because in that space of respectful listening you will discover what you need to know and how you might apply your gifts."
— Dr. Monika B. Hilder, Professor of English at Trinity Western University and co-director of the Inklings Institute of Canada
As the first Canadian-born member of her family, Dr. Monika B. Hilder explores the meaning of homeland, the plight of the refugee, and identity—in short, the importance of story.
She is Professor of English at Trinity Western University and co-director of the Inklings Institute of Canada.
Dr. Hilder is an author, teacher, and speaker who specializes in Fantasy and Children’s Literature with a particular focus on the writings of C.S. Lewis and other Inklings-related writers. She has published fiction, poetry, drama, articles, and a three-volume study of C.S. Lewis and gender: The Feminine Ethos in C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia (2012), The Gender Dance: Ironic Subversion in C.S. Lewis’s Cosmic Trilogy (2013), and Surprised by the Feminine: A Rereading of C.S. Lewis and Gender (2013). She is co-editor of The Inklings and Culture: A Harvest of Scholarship from the Inklings Institute of Canada (2020). Dr. Hilder has also published on George MacDonald, Madeleine L’Engle, and L. M. Montgomery.
She has a passion for educating the moral imagination through literature and writes about spirituality, gender metaphor, ethics, fairy tale, suffering and consolation, joy, imagery of Heaven, and celebrating one’s gifts. She has written children’s picture books, an inspirational book for creative artists, and a fictional book of letters on fairy tale.
Dr. Hilder has appeared on CBC Radio and has spoken at conferences across Canada, in the United States, England, Scotland, and Romania. She received her Ph.D. from Simon Fraser University. Dr. Hilder is the honoured commencement speaker for Trinity Western University's 2021 Graduation ceremony on May 1.
During Women’s History Month at TWU, we seek to hear from experts across campus about their areas of scholarship and research. Here below, we hear from Dr. Hilder about her leadership and teaching journey.
Hi Dr. Hilder, What has helped you in your journey of teaching and leadership, and what are a few tips you have?
My journey is one of indebtedness to all who have journeyed and do to this day journey with me—my family, my teachers, Christian leaders, friends, colleagues, students, acquaintances, and the authors who continue to inspire me. I stand on really tall shoulders. Whatever I am able to give has been given to me. So I think it’s incredibly important to recognize and honour where you come from, the long story where you by grace have been given a voice and a role to play. I would say that the best way to travel is to listen well, even if you might not always agree with everything (or anything) others think, because in that space of respectful listening you will discover what you need to know and how you might apply your gifts. And then I advise that you only do those things that “have your name on them.” Don’t ever undertake a task for appearance’s sake; instead, do only what you’re really called to do. It’s amazing how much we are called to do—and how much delight there is in doing it.
Who are some of the women who inspire you, and why?
The women who inspire me are many. My mother, who lived bravely through many of life’s hardships and encouraged me with loving faith (besides an incredible love of story) is my shining star. And my daughters (oh!) ever so deeply cheer me with their faithfulness, resilience, compassion, chutzpah, and plain brilliant zest for life—with their love. Likewise my kind sister, nieces, cousins, friends, colleagues, and many others speak joy and consolation into my heart. My English professor Dr. Margaret Blom inspired me with her excellence in teaching and genuine care. Female authors who nurture my thinking, heart and soul, include Madeleine L’Engle, L. M. Montgomery, and Dorothy L. Sayers. But I think that all of these women would say, “Don’t name us because we are women. Remember us as people—and honour and cherish people.”
What has been a highlight of teaching at TWU in recent months?
In this strange and challenging year, I have been so blessed (again!) to be teaching my wonderful students. It’s amazing to me how we’ve been able to have community through Zoom classes. My students’ courage, creativity, deep interest in learning, and passionate love for our Lord gives me such happiness and great hope. I applaud these blessed souls!
Listen to Dr. Monika Hilder's reading of her poem,
“If (on the Autobahn to Dresden),” [spaces] Volume 14: Literary Journal of Trinity Western University, March 6, 2020.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has five campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, Ottawa, and Bellingham, WA. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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