GNU - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Instructor Emeritus
Carol Anderson has served in ministry throughout her entire career. She and her husband served as Linguist Translators in Papua New Guinea for 34 years with Wycliffe Bible Translators (WBT), dedicating the Folopa language New Testament in 2007. During that time, she also served as Director of Personnel and occupied several positions on the Executive Committee, including one year as Chair. Upon leaving Papua New Guinea, Anderson and her husband Neil were awarded the Logohu Medal for service to the country by the government of Papua New Guinea.
After retiring from WBT, Anderson began teaching college classes, such as Second Language Acquisition, Introduction to Language, Strategic Planning and Research, Missionary Relationships, and Christian Missions, at Moody Bible Institute-Spokane. She also taught a course in English language pronunciation called Voice Articulation for two years at Spokane Community College.
Education and Experience
M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from Eastern Washington University, 2018
M.A. in Leadership Studies from Azusa Pacific University, 1999
B.A. in General Studies from Eastern Washington University, 1991
Job Titles:
- Professor of Christian Ministry
Dr. Ferderer has been leading in Youth Ministry since he was a teenager himself. Craig has been a student ministries pastor in both small and large church contexts, serving in his last church for 21 years.
Knowing that parents have the most influence and responsibility in their own son's and daughter's spiritual growth, Ferderer began structuring his ministry efforts to partner with parents. This wholistic model of ministry is what he teaches students in the classroom, preparing them for a lifetime of effective ministry.
He speaks at seminars and conferences on youth and family topics as well as leading the parent equipping ministry at his church.
Craig is married to Val and they have three adult children and four granddaughters. He loves biking, kayaking, tennis, the Seahawks, convertibles, and cooking great food. He makes BBQ ribs to die for, and/or from.
Education and Experience
D.Min. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 2012
M.Div. from Western Seminary, 1986
B.S. in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute - Spokane, 1983
Job Titles:
- Professor Emeritus of Intercultural Studies
Dr. Beine is a scholar and practitioner of anthropology with comprehensive training and experience in a wide range of anthropological sub-specialties including medical anthropology, cognitive anthropology and linguistics. With topical interests in South Asia, the Indian and Nepali caste systems, the history of anthropology, cognitive science and Christian missions - as well as being published extensively in several of these domains - you can see why Dr. Beine is well-qualified to teach Intercultural Studies at Great Northern University.
Pragmatically, Dave has been involved in documenting endangered languages in India and directed applied medical anthropology efforts (HIV and AIDS prevention) and literacy and language use projects in Nepal. More recently, he has applied his anthropological skillset locally, providing intercultural consulting services to police law enforcement agencies, parks departments, refugee resettlement agencies, schools and other non-profit organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest.
While applied anthropology has been Dave's vocation, mission has always been his motivation. From 1987-2016 he was a full-time missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators where he served in a number of capacities including language surveyor (India and Nepal), language use project facilitator (Nepal), regional anthropology consultant (South Asia), director of two different missionary training programs (Oregon and Canada), and as both a Senior Anthropology Consultant and International Anthropology Consultant for SIL International (worldwide).
His passion and application of academic expertise has always been to help make missionaries better missionaries.
Prior to his full-time vocational involvement in missions, Dave served as a minister to youth, coordinator of missions, and Christian broadcaster in his hometown of Sacramento, California. He has been married to his M.D. wife, Kimberly, for 25 years, and they have four sons ranging from eighth grade to sophomore in college.
At Great Northern University, Dave has taught Missions, Intercultural Communication, Cultural Anthropology, and selective electives in a range of topics including global health care and Native American studies. He served as a tutor in the Intercultural Studies Honors Program and was a faculty advisor for our student-led missions conference.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Nutritionist and Researcher
Dr. Karmen Gregg is a clinical nutritionist and researcher focused on advancing maternal and infant health through integrative, evidence-based prenatal nutrition. Her work bridges clinical nutrition science and prenatal care by supporting midwives and healthcare providers with tools to deliver patient-centered nutrition education.
She has over a decade of experience in clinical and academic settings, with research interests in prenatal nutrition education, health equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her doctoral research at Saybrook University explored nutrition education in outpatient maternity care, leading to the development of an integrative model that combines midwifery wisdom, scientific evidence, and institutional support.
Karmen teaches courses in nutrition, women's health, public health, and wellness. As a clinician, she has served diverse populations, focusing on functional nutrition, chronic disease prevention, and perinatal care. She is committed to advancing system-level change through education, collaboration, and culturally responsive practice.
Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition from Saybrook University, 2025
M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition from Saybrook University, 2017
B.S. in Human Nutrition and Sociology from University of Idaho, 2014
Job Titles:
- Founding President
- President
- University President
Dr. Wendy Liddell is the founding President of Great Northern University. She was appointed President by the Board of Trustees of Great Northern University because of her scholarly background, career experience in academia, and honorable character. Her passion for education has been demonstrated in her experience as a math and science teacher, an assistant and associate Dean of Academics, and as a student in the focus of higher education.
Prior to joining the team that launched this Christian university, Dr. Liddell served at the former Spokane campus of Moody Bible Institute as the Associate Dean of Academics.
During her time at MBI, she earned her Ph.D from Azusa Pacific University, and her current research is focused on the intersection of leadership, organizational change, and gender in higher education. She regularly speaks to undergraduate students about the importance of higher education. Her speaking engagements, doctorate degree, research, and career advancement haven't stopped her from participating in the basics of education: Dr. Liddell still loves to get in the classroom occasionally to teach.
Dr. Liddell and her husband have lived in Spokane since 1998. They enjoy the scenic beauty of the Northwest, outdoor activities, reading, and serving the local community and the global church. They are members at Fourth Memorial Church, where Scott serves as the Senior Pastor.
The Pacific Northwest area of the United States is one of the most unchurched regions in the nation. As a PNW native herself, Wendy's hope is to see faith-based higher education transform the region for Christ. She is extremely grateful to be a part of Great Northern University as it contributes to the Gospel's influence in the area.
Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Azusa Pacific University, 2017
M.A.T. in Teaching from Grand Canyon University, 2003
B.Ed. in Secondary Education from University of Idaho, 1998
B.S. in Mathematics from University of Idaho, 1998
Honors Certificate from University of Idaho, 1998
Job Titles:
- Senior Instructor Emeritus
Dr. Ackerman has been working in higher education for almost 30 years. She has been involved in a variety of capacities including multiple administrative roles, however, her passion is teaching. She loves that her students keep her young, no matter her age. Because her educational background includes Psychology, Education, and Leadership, she is equipped to teach in all three of those content areas. When asked which course is her favorite one to teach, she seems to favor the one she is teaching at that moment. Yet, Educational Psychology and Developmental Psychology are among her favorites. She is also very passionate about helping students during their student teaching, serving as their university supervisor.
Dr. Ackerman has lived in Medical Lake, Washington for many years with her husband, whom she married in 1962. They have two married daughters and seven grandchildren. Dr. Ackerman loves to read Christian fiction, play the piano for her own enjoyment, watch Hallmark movies, and of course, shop. She would say one of her significant accomplishments was completing her Ph.D. at age 60 and walking across the stage on her birthday to receive her diploma.
Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Gonzaga University, 2005
M.S. in Psychology, with a focus in College Instruction from Eastern Washington University, 1993
B.A. Double major in Psychology and Sociology from Eastern Washington University, 1988
Job Titles:
- Professor Emeritus of Intercultural Studies and Bible
Dr. Schneider lives at the intersection of theology and missions, both being based on the Bible. He believes that theology without missions is dead orthodoxy, and missions without theology is dangerously ignorant. These two aberrations drive him into being a perpetual student.
He and his wife, Christine, spent 15 years planting three churches in Austria (by teaching the Bible), and then moved to Russia. After 20 years overseas, Floyd has taught for 15 years in higher education teaching Bible, Theology and Missions courses.
He is proud of the fact that he received his Ph.D six weeks before turning 70. He loves asking questions that have no clear answer and finds it enjoyable watching the reactions. One of his biggest fears is taking himself too seriously.
You can read Dr. Schneider's papers and essay at academia.com
Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Systematic Theology and Apologetics from Liberty University, 2017
B.S. in German Literature from Excelsior College, 1984
Th.M. in Hebrew from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, 1978
M.Div. from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, 1977
B.A. in Bible Education from Western Bible Institute, 1973
Job Titles:
- Senior Instructor Emeritus
Born and raised near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Hamilton joined the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17 and worked in Ground Training (early flight simulators). After becoming a believer in Christ in 1959 and leaving the Air Force in 1962, Dr. Hamilton pursued Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology, graduating with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Washington State University in 1972. For 38 years, he had a clinical practice in Psychology, retiring from private practice in 2009. He has had various undergraduate teaching positions at Washington State University and Whitworth University, and has also worked as an adjunct professor for Moody Bible Institute-Spokane for 23 years. Married to his wife since 1965, Dr. Hamilton has three children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Washington State University, 1972
Psychology Internship at the V.A. Medical Center and University of Oregon Medical Center in Portland, OR, 1970-1971
M.A. in Psychology from Temple University, 1967
B.A. in Psychology from Whitworth University, 1965
Job Titles:
- Senior Professor Emeritus of Semitic Languages and Biblical Literature
Before moving to Spokane, Dr. Vreeland lived in several states and one other country. He previously taught in western Washington, and in Nairobi, Kenya, with short-term positions in Illinois and Oregon. Dr. Vreeland has taught at six schools, part or full-time, and worked on the pastoral staff for two churches.
During his years of formal training, it became evident that he had an aptitude for languages, and so, he did his advanced degrees in Old Testament Studies, with an interest in six related Semitic languages. Also during that time, he learned that he had an interest in the inner workings of academic and ecclesiastical leadership. Not being a natural-born leader himself, he studies and writes about leadership from the standpoint of a loyal follower - hence the subtitles of his two books: "Narrative Artistry and the Depiction of Flawed Leadership." Dr. Vreeland enjoys teaching in the areas of Hebrew Bible, English Bible, Ethics, and Literature.
Dr. Vreeland has been married to his wife Donna, since 1981. They have three adult children, including a pair of twins! At this point there are seven grandchildren, and most probably more on the way.
For hobbies, Dr. Vreeland likes to hunt, fish, boat, and run… well, he runs a lot, but the jury is in recess as to how much he "likes" it. He also likes to read novels, and dabbles in scientific literature. Dr. Vreeland has played the piano since he was five years old - the piano has consistently lost such engagements. Dr. Vreeland regularly - at least twice a month - plays piano for the worship team at church, thus increasing the average age of team members significantly. He also conducts a Campus Group of about 35 adults at his church in a course of study through the narrative texts of the Old Testament.
Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Theological Studies from Trinity International University, 1994
Th.M. in Old Testament from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, 1985
M.Div. from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, 1981
B.A. in Psychology from Oregon State University, 1977
A.A. in Psychology from Clackamas Community College, 1975
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications
Job Titles:
- Professor of Communication
Dr. Tronsen has always been good at school, so becoming a teacher and, eventually, a professor made lots of sense. She always thought bio's should be linear - connecting the dots, one after another, something like a road map following a logical course over the landscape. In Dr. Tronsen's case, it's more like a connect-the-dots picture, eventually producing a duck or galaxy of stars, or more appropriately, a giant book. This does not lend itself to an easy, straight-forward bio tale.
Dr. Tronsen got married after high school, and went back to college as an adult with children. She has a variety of work experience including public school teaching. She taught at Moody for five and a half years, until that row of dots lead to a different direction (go GNU!). She loves writing, literature, and seeing what God will do next.
Dr. Tronsen is married to her life-long sweetheart, Dale. She has three grown children, five grandchildren, and two dogs, Ladybug and Harley. Her hobbies include reading, writing fiction, walking, gardening (so wonderful when it is done!), remodeling things with her husband, teaching Bible study, and traveling.
Education and Experience
Ph.D. in English, Rhetoric and Composition from Washington State University, 2005
M.A. in English, Rhetoric and Composition from Washington State University, 1998
B.A. in English from California Baptist College, 1992
Dr. Canner served in the past as a military language analyst and interpreter for the INF Treaty. He has cross-cultural experience amongst Russians and Ukrainians, including church planting and discipleship in the former Soviet Union. Dr. Canner has also served as President of Language and Culture Training International (LCTI), a non-profit agency that equips candidates with the language and inter-cultural skills for effective cross-cultural ministry. He has presented at conferences on second language acquisition, cognitive linguistics and issues in missiology. He has published two Russian language textbooks designed for missionaries, language aptitude and proficiency exams, and several articles related to linguistics and issues in Missiology.
His hobbies include history, science, and family genealogy (an interest he shares with his wife, Dale). He especially loves anything in the great outdoors, including winter sports, fishing, hiking, and camping with his family and nine grandkids.
Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Linguistics with a Secondary in East Slavic Languages from University of South Carolina, 2013
M.A. in Linguistics with emphasis on Second Language Acquisition from University of South Carolina, 2011
Teacher Certification in Second Language Pedagogy from University of New Mexico, 1991
Diploma with Honors: Advanced Russian from U.S. Army Defense Language Institute, 1986
B.A. in Soviet Studies: International Security Affairs from University of New Mexico, 1984
Job Titles:
- Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Bible
Before moving to Spokane in 2015, Dr. Kibbe lived in Maine, Connecticut, Ohio, Illinois, Texas, Northern California, Southern California, and Bangkok, Thailand. He discovered his love for studying the Bible in his first year of college, and has spent the last twenty years sharing that love with churches and academic institutions around the world. He has written several books and numerous peer-reviewed journal articles while regularly presenting at conferences put on by the Evangelical Theological Society and the Society of Biblical Literature. And although the New Testament is his specialty, his recent teaching experience has covered everything from Josephus to jogging.
Off campus, Dr. Kibbe enjoys spending time with his wife (Annie) and his three children (Sean, Eliana, Joel). Among their favorite family activities are kayaking, hiking, and building snow structures. He also loves reading fiction, training local church leadership teams, and dreaming up new ways to teach ancient languages.
Job Titles:
- Professor Emeritus of Communication
Dr. Orr has been teaching in higher education since 1983. He has presented at several workshops on communications, critical thinking strategies, and politics in media. His studies primarily consist of communications and media studies, but he also enjoys the subject of spiritual formation and has played a significant role in many of his students' lives as a personal mentor. He is published in The Moody Handbook of Preaching and has served on mission trips in five different countries.
Although Dr. Orr is one of the oldest professors at Great Northern University, he is among the youngest at heart. His hobbies include running, hiking, and traveling. He has even participated in marathons and completed a bicycle ride across the state of Iowa. In addition, Dr. Orr loves spending time with his wife of more than 50 years and visiting his two "very cute" grandsons.
Dr. Orr officially retired from full-time teaching in Dec. of 2019, but continues to teach occasional classes at GNU and overall, contributes to GNU's culture and environment.
Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Communications from University of Missouri, 2002
M.A. in Education from University of St. Thomas, 1984
B.A. in Jewish Studies from Moody Bible Institute, 1972
Mya Brossoit is a dedicated professional with a strong foundation in communications and leadership. After earning her associate's degree in Wenatchee, WA, Mya pursued her B.A. in Communications Studies, complemented by a minor in Business Administration and a Leadership Certificate from Eastern Washington University. During her undergraduate years, she served as President of the Public Relations Society of America Club, led outdoor recreational trips for EWU's EPIC Adventure Program, and gained valuable experience as a Social Media and Marketing Manager for various organizations.
Following graduation, Mya embraced an exciting opportunity in Spokane, where she began her full-time career at Great Northern University. Currently, she is working towards her Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership, driven by her passion to inspire future generations to realize their full potential in Christ. Unlike many people, Mya loves public speaking, finding joy in sharing ideas and connecting with others.
In her free time, Mya enjoys rock climbing, paddleboarding, backpacking, running, serving at Summit's young adult ministry, The Well, and, of course, savoring a good cup of coffee while meeting new people. These hobbies reflect her love for the outdoors and her passion for building connections.
Education and Experience
B.A. in Communications from Eastern Washington University, 2024
Job Titles:
- Campus Life Director and Part - Time Instructor of Leadership
- Director of Campus Life
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Instructor
- Senior Instructor of Communication
Sarah is an adjunct instructor in the Communications department. She graduated from Eastern Washington University alongside her husband with her Master's degree in English Literature over a decade ago and immediately went into part-time instructing and full-time childbearing. To date she has produced five wonderful, high-energy children, and taught at multiple institutions in varying grade levels.
Job Titles:
- Student Life Coordinator and Part - Time Instructor of Theology