Langley, B.C.: Trinity Western University is pleased to announce the appointment of Glen Van Brummelen, Ph.D., as Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, starting June 1, 2020.
Dr. Van Brummelen is a historian of mathematics and astronomy in ancient and medieval cultures and has served twice as president of the Canadian Society for History and Philosophy of Mathematics. He has published several books, including The Mathematics of the Heavens and the Earth (Princeton, 2009), Heavenly Mathematics: The Forgotten Art of Spherical Trigonometry (Princeton, 2013), and Trigonometry: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford, 2020). Having received his Ph.D. from Simon Fraser University, Dr. Van Brummelen has taught at The King's University in Edmonton, Alberta, and at Bennington College in Bennington, Vermont. Most recently, Dr. Van Brummelen served as Chair of Mathematics at Quest University in Squamish, B.C.
"Dr. Van Brummelen’s proven excellence in teaching and research will serve him well as he moves into the role of Dean. In particular, his breadth of experience in innovative teaching will be a tremendous asset in this time of disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His deep commitment to Christian higher education will ensure that we not lose focus on what is most important to us during this time of uncertainty," says W. Robert Wood, Ph.D., Provost at Trinity Western University.
In recent years, Dr. Van Brummelen has won multiple teaching awards, including the Mathematical Association of America's Haimo Award (2016) for distinguished teaching, and Canada's 3M National Teaching Fellowship (2017). A passionate advocate for student-centered learning, Dr. Van Brummelen believes in providing students with greater opportunities to actively impact their environment.
Dr. Van Brummelen shares his excitement in joining Trinity Western University:
"With the wealth of opportunities afforded by Trinity Western University's deep science curriculum and lab resources, combined with its diverse and sophisticated faculty, I see no reason why TWU should not be a primary destination, both in Canada and globally, for students of faith to come together to pursue scientific questions. With creative pedagogy, research excellence, and a commitment to the gospel, Trinity Western has the potential to shape science students to become leaders in science, industry, and policy. I see much of this happening already, and I hope to encourage us to grow even more."
Reflecting on the challenges of teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Van Brummelen says, "While facing the changing environment caused by COVID-19, we are working toward offering the best possible class and lab experiences. Despite present challenges, the removal of traditional structures also provides opportunities. New methods of teaching and learning, carefully implemented, can help our students grow even further to become more effective servants of Christ."
Trinity Western University is delighted and honoured that Dr. Glen Van Brummelen has accepted the call to advance the cause of Christ through Christian liberal arts higher education in Canada.
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Trinity Western University is Canada’s leading global Christian liberal arts university committed to inspiring hearts and minds.
For media inquiries, please contact media@twu.ca.
(Photo credit: Quest University)