Dr. Matt Hill, Director of Athletics at the University of Northwestern, joins the podcast for a conversation on competing with purpose. Matt is a 1989 Northwestern grad himself, and he's now entering his 27th year leading UNW Athletics — a tenure that's included the department's move from the NAIA to NCAA Division III, national tournament runs in basketball, baseball, and volleyball, and the transformation of the university's outdoor athletic spaces into the first-class sports complex Eagle athletes compete on today.

In this conversation, Matt shares how his time at Northwestern shaped the person he's become, what continues to motivate him nearly three decades into his role, and what it really means to "Compete with Purpose" — and how that mission plays out in action, day in and day out.

At its core, UNW Athletics is passionate about winning — but even more passionate about developing young men and women into God-honoring leaders who are ready to make an impact in their homes, churches, communities, and workplaces.

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Dr. Robin Bell wraps up our three-part series on what it really means to have an unwavering love for God's Word. Dr. Bell serves on the faculty at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul, where he teaches and mentors students with a passion for spiritual formation, theology, and transformational learning. Before joining Northwestern, he spent more than fourteen years in multicultural ministry, pastoral leadership, and youth development throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Milwaukee.

 In this final conversation, Dr. Bell talks about how Jesus is alive — and so is His Word. Scripture is living and active, still speaking into our lives today. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we're invited into that same burning-heart encounter: "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" (Luke 24:32). 

Together, these three conversations remind us that God's Word is rich, foundational, and alive — an unwavering source of truth for every season of life.

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Dr. Michael Wise, Scholar-in-Residence at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and an internationally recognized scholar of ancient Judaism and the Dead Sea Scrolls, continues our three-part series on what it really means to have an unwavering love for God's Word.

In this conversation, Dr. Wise unpacks what it means to say that God's Word is foundational—and why that foundation matters. He explores how Christians can develop a worldview that's increasingly shaped by Scripture, reminding us that God's Word is foundational because it is, quite simply, the Word of God. God Himself is our unwavering foundation.

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

UNW Professor Anna Rask Emison joins to kick off a three-part series exploring what it really means to have an unwavering love for God's Word. In this first conversation, Anna dives into the richness of Scripture—exploring the original languages of the Bible and how they shape our understanding of the text. She also unpacks some connections between the Old and New Testaments, along with the use of irony and the many literary forms found throughout Scripture.

Join us for this series as we discover just how deep and rich God's Word truly is.

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek, President of University of Northwestern and Northwestern Media, kicks off Season 3 with a conversation on the year ahead. He shares his excitement for the new school year, an exciting update on Phase I of the Amplify the Gospel campaign, and reflects on his ongoing mission of guarding Northwestern's mission.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hoornbeek returns again and again to the centrality of God's Word in all Northwestern does, and the opportunity ahead to equip great leaders for the Great Commission.

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 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

This episode is all about YOU! You’ll hear a recap of Season 2, many alumni spotlights, and a preview of Season 3. Hear how God is at work through UNW grads in your community and around the world. From music and law to ministry and biology, UNW alumni are living out their callings and using the unique gifts God has given them to make an impact in today’s world. With alumni in 67 countries, it’s clear that their influence reaches far beyond campus. 

Explore more from featured alumni:

Read Joshua Underbakke’s “It is Written”: Click here

Read Doug Huffman's “The Story of Jesus Continues: A Survey of the Acts of the Apostles”: Click here 

Read Doug Huffman’s “God’s Goodness for the Chosen”: Click here

Learn more about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Dave Omdall: Click here

Explore alumni-owned businesses: Click here

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected]. 

Dr. Ryan Griffith, Dean and Associate Professor of the Classical Christian Honors College (CCHC), joins to share an update on the program’s first year. From engaging deeply with meaningful books to serving the community together, the CCHC equips students to grow not only academically, but spiritually—learning what it means to live out their faith.

Through it all, God’s faithfulness is seen in everything. Leaders have continued to improve and strengthen the curriculum along the way, creating an experience that only keeps getting better for students each semester. Hear how this program is shaping students, strengthening community, and pointing everything back to the Lord.

Learn more about the CCHC: Click here

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected]. 

Kyle Peach, Director of Traditional Undergraduate Admissions, joins to talk about finding the right college fit—and why experiencing campus firsthand matters. Kyle encourages students to visit UNW to truly get a feel for what makes it unique. He shares his passion for helping students understand exactly who UNW is, from its Christ-centered mission to a culture where students are bold in living out their faith.

With record-breaking incoming class numbers in recent years, it’s clear that more students are discovering and loving UNW—and often, it starts with word-of-mouth. Hear why your experience matters and how sharing it can help others find a home at UNW. 

Learn more and enroll at UNW today: Click here

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected]. 

Coach Tim Grosz has led University of Northwestern’s Men’s Basketball team for 26 years. As he steps into a new opportunity in northern Colorado, we celebrate his next chapter while reflecting on a legacy that will be deeply missed.

Join us as Coach Grosz looks back on his time at UNW with gratitude. He’s thankful for the players, colleagues, and community who shaped the journey along the way. Hear as he also reflects on the Christ-centered culture that defines his leadership. Coach Grosz’s impact extends far beyond the court.

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected]. 

What does it look like to pursue Christ and your craft—especially when failure is part of the process? Join as we sit down with Ann Sorenson, Chair of the Department of Media Arts and Professor of Film, to talk about the power of being still, failing magnificently, and creating work that reflects God’s light.

Professor Sorenson will talk through her journey from launching the film program to celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Five16 Film Festival, and how film at UNW has grown into a very impactful program. 

Learn more about the Five16 Film Festival: Click here

Learn more about the Department of Media Arts: Click here

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].