Northwestern Announces New Dean, School of Theology & Ministry and Special Advisor to the President

ST. PAUL, Minn., March 21, 2025 – University of Northwestern – St. Paul is excited to welcome back to our institution Dr. Douglas S. Huffman, who will serve as Dean of the School of Theology & Ministry and Special Advisor to the President, beginning August 2025. “Dr. Huffman’s commitment to Christ-centered higher education, extensive theological expertise, and proven academic leadership make him an outstanding choice to lead the School of Theology & Ministry,” said Dr. Janet Sommers. In this role, he will oversee the Departments of Biblical & Theological Studies and Christian Ministries, while working closely with President Hoornbeek and the Cabinet to fulfill the university’s strategic vision.

Professor of New Testament and former American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow, Dr. Huffman has been serving in the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University for the past fourteen years, most recently in the role of Dean of Academic Programs, where he taught courses in New Testament and spiritual formation, and supervised the program directors for Talbot’s certificate and degree programs, including the undergraduate, master of arts, master of divinity, and doctoral degrees.

Dr. Huffman has a robust publication record, having authored and edited numerous books and peer-reviewed articles, including the forthcoming The Jesus Story Continues: A Survey of the Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2025) and Understanding the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: Forms, Features, Framings, and Functions (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2024), among the most recent.

As a professional script consultant for The Chosen, the multi-season television series on the life of Christ, Dr. Huffman has participated as the evangelical expert in the Bible Roundtable discussions debriefing each episode. He has co-authored The Chosen Bible Study Series and spoken at various events representing the show.

Dr. Huffman earned a Ph.D. in Theological Studies with a focus on New Testament Exegesis and Theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where he also completed an M.A. in Christian Thought – Systematic Theology. Prior to that, he earned an M.A. in Biblical Studies with an emphasis on the New Testament from Wheaton College and a B.A. in Ministries – Christian Education from Northwestern College in St. Paul. He is a licensed minister with the Evangelical Free Church of America.

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University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW) is a nondenominational, Christian university in St. Paul, Minn. With a Biblical worldview integrated into all programs, UNW provides a unique educational experience for students who want to combine faith and education. Northwestern offers more than 50 areas of study, including five master’s degrees, and online and early college programs. Northwestern Media, a ministry of the university, owns and operates 105 radio signals throughout the Midwest across 13 states with a total listenership of more than 2 million listeners. Visit unwsp.edu for more information.