Boerman-Cornell Named Professor of the Year
Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell, professor of education, was recently named Professor of the Year for 2025-26. Boerman-Cornell earned his Bachelor of Arts from Calvin College in 1988, his Master of Fine Arts from Columbia College in 1994, and his Master of Education from Dordt College in 2004. Most recently, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 2011.
As he is often affectionately called, BBC has been a dedicated faculty member for many years, serving as a full-tenure track professor for over 21 years. His journey at Trinity Christian College began after he graduated in 1988, when he first worked as a writer for Encyclopedia Britannica in Chicago for one year. A job opportunity arose at Trinity in the publications department, marking the start of his career at the College. Encouraged by colleagues, he pursued his master’s degree while teaching adjunct courses in English and later in communications. He became a full-time faculty member in 1995.
When asked what drew him to Trinity, he said, “It is so cool that our students can get involved in school communities early and even get hired during their senior year for their student teaching. But what I love most about teaching at Trinity is how my students care so deeply about becoming excellent teachers and making a difference in their students’ lives.”
Boerman-Cornell lights up when he talks about the students he has taught and worked with over the years. “I feel fortunate to teach such remarkable students— they are incredibly intelligent. I want them all to understand that they are children of God, and because of that, they are amazing! By understanding this, they will go on to recognize that the children they will teach in their future classrooms are also amazing, children of God.”
In the nominations, many spoke about the care he brings to the classroom, the engagement he has with each of his students, and the time he takes to make sure his students have what they need to grow and develop during their time at Trinity, in their classrooms, and in the world. One wrote, “I am grateful to know Dr. B-C. He is an inspiring professor and a colleague! His insights and guidance have been invaluable to me, and I appreciate his willingness to go the extra mile. His passion for teaching and serving students is contagious, and the education department is so lucky to have him as a professor!”
Dr. Jerome Douglas, Vice President of Academic Affairs, added, “Dr. Boerman-Cornell is so worthy of this Professor of the Year recognition! He is a beloved faculty member who continues to profoundly impact students, colleagues, and the broader Trinity community. Both students and colleagues gratefully admire his deep dedication as he shapes the next generation of educators to excel in the skills and passion they need. This steadfast commitment is evidenced by his engaging presence in the classroom and his inspiring mentorship of his students.”
“Additionally, Dr. Boerman-Cornell is a well-respected scholar who continues to advance knowledge in multiple fields, extending his contributions well beyond our campus. Yet another mark of his stellar service is the support and mentorship that he extends to his colleagues as a constant encourager and thought partner. He approaches his work, his students, and his colleagues with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. We are deeply grateful for the gift that he is to our community!”
When he was asked which student stories had impacted his time at Trinity, Boerman-Cornell said, “Wow, there are so many stories, it would be hard to choose, but one thing that comes to mind is how fun it is every year at the Young Authors event to see the teachers who once sat in my classroom. Or to see how one student took her passion for teaching in Africa and later helped open two special education schools in Rwanda. How cool is that?” He continued,” The amazing privilege of being a teacher is walking alongside students in life, and sometimes you do not even know your impact on a student until much later. I think that is part of how the Holy Spirit works through us, in ways we do not always understand.”
He expressed his gratitude for the support from Trinity, colleagues, and students, saying, “Being a professor involves a balance of teaching, committee work, and scholarship, and with the support from Trinity, it has allowed me to engage in research and writing, and I’m so grateful for that gift.”
Boerman-Cornell will be honored at this year’s commencement ceremony, which will be held on Friday, May 2nd, at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, IL.
