The Academic and Student Life Offices are pleased to announce that Dr. Steven Watts (PhD, University of St. Andrews, UK) will serve as Crandall University’s Dean of the Chapel as well as Assistant Professor of History. Dr. Watts will begin his full-time role at Crandall early this summer.

With a Doctorate in Mediaeval History and a Master of Letters in Mediaeval Studies (University of St. Andrews, UK), Dr. Watts’ research focuses primarily on the pastoral revolution that took place in early thirteenth-century Europe. He is also interested in the history of education and moral formation within the classical and Christian traditions and the relationship between women and men in the history of Christian religious life.

Prior to his PhD and MLitt, Dr. Watts earned a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Regent College in Vancouver, as well as a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University, also in Vancouver. He has published articles in Studies in Church History, Sources of the Christian Self, A Companion to the English Dominican Province, and more. He also recently published a devotional on the writings of St Augustine, God Above All, with Zondervan.

“I am thrilled to be joining Crandall this year. I look forward to serving the community and furthering the University’s Christ-centered mission as both Dean of the Chapel and Assistant Professor of History,” shared Steve. “Spiritual formation, worship, teaching, and scholarship all mean a great deal to me. To bring these together for the glory of God at Crandall is truly a blessing. My wife Elissa and I, moreover, are also excited to bring our children – Isaac, Lucy, Chloe, and Benjamin – to Moncton, to put down roots in the community, and to invest in the larger Church family in New Brunswick.”

In addition to his knowledge and experience as a historian, Steve also has a broad range of experience in the area of worship, and is himself a drummer. “I am thrilled to have a person of Steve’s experience and passion for worship become our new Dean of the Chapel. I know that he will contribute a great deal to our Crandall community through his leadership,” said Senior Director of Student Life and Transformation Dale Stairs.

The University is eager to see what new developments will take place in the Chapel program as Dr. Watts joins us later this year.