March 5, 2008 - Dr. Bernie Potvin announced, "We are pleased to announce the hiring of Joel Thiessen for the position of Assistant Professor of Sociology in the Behavioural Science program. Joel is currently completing a PhD at the University of Waterloo in the Department of Sociology. His Dissertation topic is, "Active and Marginal Religious Affiliates in Canada: Describing and Explaining the Gap." Joel completed his M.A. at the University of Waterloo in 2006. His Thesis topic was, "The Nature and Significance of Religion and Spirituality in Canada: Examining Reginald Bibby's Renaissance Thesis." Joel graduated from the Nazarene University College with a B.A. in Behavioural Science in 2004.

Joel brings to Ambrose an impressive academic record. He has earned a number of scholarships including the Canada Graduate Scholarship (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada) and the University of Waterloo President's graduate Scholarship. He has an equally impressive undergraduate and graduate school university track record, having graduated with Summa Cum Laude and Dean's List (2004). He has a scholarship list that includes publications, conference presentations and reports, most of which have been given in the last 3 years, an impressive undertaking for a young scholar completing a M.A. and starting a PhD program.

Joel brings much more to Ambrose than an impressive academic record and an emerging research program. He is a committed Christian with a finely developed Christian perspective regarding his discipline of Sociology and his chosen craft as a teacher. He is enthusiastic about joining Ambrose as a teacher-scholar. His work ethic, discipline and engaging personality are clearly evident and portend much good for Ambrose generally and Behavioural Sciences particularly."

Contact: Dr Bernie Potvin Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science
Phone: 403.410.5912
email: BPotvin@ambrose.edu