Ph. D., Michigan State University
M.A., Michigan State University
B.A., Michigan State University

I published a biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who got involved in a plot to assassinate Hitler.

I am a faculty advisor to Alpha Chi, the national honor society with which Cornerstone is affiliated.

What can students expect from your classes? From your division?

We read interesting books and have lively discussions about faith, life and literature. Along the way, we pick up some valuable intellectual skills.

Of all the classes that you may teach, which one are you most passionate about?

The humanities seminar, because it is one of the few classes in which students and professors push each other to think harder about important issues.

Cultivate a love of reading.

Where were you born or raised?

Bath, Mich.

Family information:

Married to Beth for 20 years. Our son, Caleb, is 16 and daughter, Emma, is 11. Shadow, our dog, is 10.

I enjoy writing, watching Michigan State basketball and exploring big cities.

Who is a person from your field of study whom you identify with and why?

Sometimes I identify with Dustin Hoffman’s character in “Stranger than Fiction.” Other times I identify with Robin Williams’ character in “Good Will Hunting.”

The book of Job, the Sermon on the Mount, John 1:1 and 1 Corinthians 13 — because they all challenge typical religious postures that we all too often allow ourselves to fall into.

The humanities majors.

Michael VanDyke's Curriculm Vitae

616.254.1650 ext. 1198

Michael/VanDyke|cornerstone/edu