ST. PAUL, Minn., September 5, 2024 – In mid-August, University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW) announced the launch of its Classical Christian Honors College (CCHC) in response to a growing demand for classical education at the postsecondary level throughout the upper Midwest. Less than a month after that announcement, Northwestern has named the CCHC’s inaugural dean: Dr. Ryan Griffith, an accomplished scholar and administrative leader.
Griffith comes to Northwestern from Southwest Baptist University, where he currently serves as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Chief of Staff, and Associate Professor of Church History. In this role, he has overseen strategic planning, implementation of university initiatives, the onboarding and coordination of cabinet executives, and acted as a liaison with the Board of Trustees and institutional constituents. Previously, as Director of Integrated Curriculum and Founding Director of Undergraduate Studies at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Griffith led the faculty in the development of degree structure, courses, and curriculum—much of which was done in alignment with a classical education model—while also developing systems for student advising and mentorship. Administratively, Griffith’s experience extends beyond education to both church and nonprofit parachurch ministry, having served as Interim Executive Director at The Gospel Coalition and as Pastor for Operations and Training at Cities Church in St. Paul.
Dr. Griffith earned a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in Biblical Exegesis, both from Wheaton College in Illinois, before earning a second master’s degree in Biblical and Pastoral Studies from Bethlehem College & Seminary. His Ph.D. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary focused on Biblical Spirituality and Church History. Since 2018, Griffith has been a Senior Fellow at the Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Northwestern’s Classical Christian Honors College is designed to equip students to engage in contemporary culture, and to prepare them as Christian leaders for lives of purpose, service, and civic involvement. UNW’s curriculum will feature unique honors courses each semester, allowing students to pursue a proposed second major accompanying their initial degree. Given the CCHC’s focus on the development of one’s Christian faith, the program presents Scripture at the center of the learning journey as students develop critical thinking skills and a profound understanding of faith and leadership. Small, discussion-based classes will facilitate deep dives into the writings of influential thinkers such as the Apostle Paul and philosophers Plato, Aristotle, and Augustine, encouraging students to apply the authors’ wisdom to contemporary issues.
In response to his hiring, Griffith noted, “I love the vision for this new initiative and look forward to developing the college alongside UNW’s exceptional faculty and staff.” He continued, “Our aim, God helping us, is to shape men and women with a distinctly Christ-centered cultural vision and way of life so that they might be wise, humble, and cheerful leaders in the home, church, workplace, and world.”
Following the nationwide search that resulted in Griffith’s hiring as the CCHC’s founding dean, Dr. Janet Sommers, Northwestern’s Provost, commented, “I am honored to welcome Dr. Griffith to this important role. Along with his strong credentials and deep passion for classical Christian education, Dr. Griffith is a man of humility, keen intellect, determination, and kindness. I am confident the CCHC will thrive under his godly leadership as he inspires students to grow in wisdom, virtue, and service to others.”
Students and families interested in Northwestern’s Classical Christian Honors College can learn more about the program at unwsp.edu/cchc.
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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 65 areas of study, including seven master’s degrees, and online and early college programs. Northwestern Media, a ministry of the university, owns and operates 29 Christian radio stations throughout the Midwest with a total listenership of more than 2 million listeners. Visit unwsp.edu for more information.
