Keeping Our Standards High: Q&A with Dr. Jim Heugel, NU Provost
At Northwest University, we have made a commitment to academic excellence. We believe that by exploring all truth with scholarly excellence, we can prepare our students for service and leadership around the world. We interviewed NU Provost Dr. Jim Heugel to understand why and how Northwest University makes academic excellence a top priority.
What does academic excellence mean at NU?
Academic excellence is a term we use in the Northwest mission statement to indicate our desire for NU to be a place where all students are challenged to excel and are stretched to the fullness of their ability. At NU, academic excellence means that every student graduates with the knowledge and abilities necessary to succeed in their field of study and to compete favorably with graduates from all other schools. Our students would be quick to say that we accomplish this within the context of a community of learners, where students and faculty not only learn together, but share life as well. But what also sets NU apart is our commitment to enabling our students to think about their fields from the perspective of a Christian worldview. We want our students to excel in their disciplines, representing Christ in both thought and deed.
How have you seen NU grow in its commitment to academic excellence?
NU has never been stronger in terms of the academic qualifications of its faculty. The percentage of faculty members with doctorates (or currently working on a dissertation) is 75 percent—much higher than when I started as provost in 2005. During that same time period, we increased our expectations for faculty to integrate faith into their teaching. Documented strength in relating a Christian worldview to their fields of teaching has become a requirement for faculty promotion. In support of this, we created the Faculty Faith and Learning course that is required for all new, full-time faculty members.
What traits do you look for in a professor?
The non-negotiables for NU faculty members are living faith, robust academic preparation, strong teaching, and a commitment to building rapport with our students. Teaching is an art that takes practice and commitment. There are many different styles of teaching that can be successful. The underlying reality is this—students learn best from people they love. That’s why we look for faculty members who enjoy working with students and are willing to engage with them on a personal as well as an intellectual level. It is a joy to watch our faculty in action!
What advice would you give a student who wants to excel in college?
My number one suggestion is to build a relationship with at least one professor outside of class. Go to their office hours and introduce yourself. Tell them you just want to get acquainted and ask them how they came to be at NU. Research shows that students who get to know their professors outside of class do best. Beyond that, I advise that students construct a life that supports their educational goals. Choose friends who encourage you to study and to do your best. Treat your studies like the full-time job they are by planning ahead and putting in the necessary hours to succeed. Manage time carefully. Don’t fill up your schedule with too many commitments. Immerse yourself in the amazing experience of being a full-time student and allow God to have this season of your life for that purpose.
With an excellent staff on hand and a passion for equipping students for the world ahead of them, NU will continue to encourage students to pursue and serve God with excellence in the fields of their choosing.
This Q&A with Northwest University Provost Dr. Jim Heugel was originally featured in Northwest University’s "Pursuit Magazine" here.