Decker and Ribbens Named Professors of the Year
Dr. Tina Decker ‘06 and Dr. Ben Ribbens have been named Trinity Christian College’s Professors of the Year. In a Trinity first, two individuals are receiving the honor in the same year, as the selection committee received strong nominations for both long-serving faculty members. Dr. Decker earned her BSN from Trinity before returning to teach in the program for 16 years. Dr. Decker currently serves as a Professor of Nursing and as Nursing Department Chair. Dr. Ribbens is a Professor of Theology and Department Chair of Theology and Christian Ministry. He has taught at Trinity for 13 years.
Dr. Decker’s award is a celebration of not only her individual teaching and mentorship, but also of her vital leadership in the Nursing Department. The highly successful program boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rating in most years and graduates enter the workforce with strong reputations due to the rigor of their training. In a nomination for Dr. Decker for this award, a colleague notes, “She is a strong leader and pursues academic excellence. She contributes to the field of nursing but is also involved in the lives of her students and faculty.” Another nomination for Dr. Decker also emphasizes her leadership and the inviting culture that she facilitates, “Tina Decker has built a formational system in the nursing department that produces excellence year after year… While the program she has built is undeniably rigorous, it is also deeply hospitable.”
The nominations for Dr. Ribbens from peers and students emphasize his classroom presence and deep personal concern for students. A colleague notes, “He is an excellent teacher, able to explain complicated Biblical and theological ideas in ways that students can understand. He has high standards for students to reach, and he provides support for students to reach them.” Dr. Ribbens’ students also appreciate his support and mentorship. One writes, “Dr. Ribbens has been one of the most influential and impactful professors I have had in all my college career…He is someone who deeply loves the Lord and me and countless others are grateful for his work.” Another student adds, “Dr. Ribbens has been more than an excellent professor to Trinity and its community. He has been a mentor, an example, a preacher, a close friend, a proud Troll, and, most importantly, a brother in Christ. He is known for both his deep passion for the Word of God and for his incredible ability to see and notice the gifts in others. For many students, myself included, Dr. Ribbens has been an inspiration to pursue a Theology major alongside other academic commitments.” The award adds to an eventful year for Dr. Ribbens who is also publishing a new book, Participation and Hebrews: Hermeneutics and Christian Life, with T&T Clark.
In reflecting on the distinction of being named Professors of the Year, Dr. Decker and Dr. Ribbens both expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the Trinity Community. Dr. Decker remarked, “I am honored to be a recipient. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to work with so many amazing students, faculty and staff.” Dr. Ribbens adds, “Teaching Trinity students the past thirteen years has been a joyful calling that has filled my life with purpose and meaning. It is an incredible honor to have students express their appreciation for that teaching through their nominations. I pray that during their time at Trinity and through their courses with me, they have come to love God more and to seek first his kingdom.”
