Nearly 18 years ago, in October 2006, Barbara VanderWerf was recruited to Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) to work as the executive assistant to the provost.
“I was not really looking, but when approached about the possibility, I decided to go ahead and walk through the door God opened,” she explained. “Once I was at PBA, I knew it was the Lord that led me here. It was nothing short of His divine appointment for that time.”
Almost two decades and several different roles later, Professor VanderWerf has had a profound impact on both students and faculty alike. In 2014, she began teaching as an adjunct professor, and in 2015 she transferred to the Rinker School of Business (RSB) to teach full-time.
“Each step of the way, God has been faithful,” she said.
VanderWerf Receives the Charles and Hazel Corts Award
In August 2024, Professor VanderWerf received the Charles and Hazel Corts Award for Outstanding Teaching during PBA’s annual Community Day, where faculty and staff gather to pray, worship and thank God for the upcoming school year. She was nominated by both students and faculty.
“Receiving the Corts award means so much to me. It is affirmation that the effort put into making learning engaging and meaningful really does matter,” Professor VanderWerf said. “I’m humbled and honored to receive this award, and shocked too. I am grateful for the support and collaboration of my colleagues in the business school and across campus.”
When announcing Professor VanderWerf’s award, Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, president of PBA, spoke highly of her, praising her for her character, integrity and commitment to serving the Lord and upholding PBA’s mission to equip students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction and serve God boldly.
“This professor is loved by students… she is encouraging, always has time, and makes an effort to understand,” shared Dr. Schwinn as she read some of the nomination comments. “She challenges students to critically examine decisions in their discipline through an ethical framework.”
VanderWerf’s Heart for Student Success and Financial Freedom
Professor VanderWerf teaches several classes at PBA, including Leadership and Ethics, Management, and Financial Literacy, a three-credit elective she developed after watching students struggle with financial stress. She has now taught over 300 students in that class.
“I studied financial literacy, and I am a financial coach, so I had a deep desire to develop a course at PBA to help our students learn basic concepts so they can make wise decisions,” she said. “I just couldn’t let it go.”
The Creation of PBA’s Center for Financial Literacy
In November 2023, PBA announced the creation of the RSB’s Center for Financial Literacy (CFL), and Professor VanderWerf became the inaugural director. Since its launch, the CFL has held events, provided financial coaching and developed relationships in the community. Professor VanderWerf is most excited about the CFL’s creation of the “FinLit Team,” which consists of a team of students being trained in financial literacy so they can provide peer-to-peer coaching and find opportunities to serve the community.
“The Bible has over 2,000 verses on money and possessions. There is no shortage of instruction” said Professor VanderWerf. “Financial stress and anxiety are on the rise. Refocusing the students’ purpose to ‘manage God’s resources’ wisely is the goal. We are not called to anxiety; we are called to peace.”
A Full Heart
Professor VanderWerf is thankful to play a small role in helping shape the lives of her students.
“Having an impact on just one student reaffirms my purpose here at PBA. Whether academically, spiritually, being a touchpoint of encouragement, or cheering on our athletes, I count it a privilege to be a small part of a student’s experience at PBA,” she shared. “Multiply that impact by thousands of students since I started at PBA, and my heart is full.”
Other PBA Employees Recognized for Years of Service
The following staff and faculty were also awarded for their time and commitment to PBA over the years:
5 Years of Service:
Kyle May, Wendy Eynon, Joseph Sowers, Sean Cunningham, Christina Batoh, Vivian Fernand Narcisse, Kyle Faircloth, Ciprian Stan, Beth Ross, Alex Hubley, Brad Seitz
Megan Konynenbelt, Nicholas Timbinaris, Wispeny Ellis, Cole Helman, Brittany Carlton-Wauford, Kathleen Lovanice, Ashton Twaddell, Noelle Giordano, Lari Beckley, Keegan Turner, Yolanda Hardy, Kat Rumell, Laura Rendon Finnell and Jessica Lendoiro
10 Years of Service:
Jeremy Bonta, Christine Fink, Ariel Viale, Robert Hegna, Angela Witmer, Mike Griffin,
Ryan Gladwin, Dan Read, Edwin Santini, Judy Enyart, Crystal Twaddell, Craig Watson and Lisa Aaron
15 Years of Service:
Erin Dorval, Suzanne Cardona, Don Piper, Krisy Thornby, Nathan Maxwell, Tim Eichner and Cyndi Hilson
20 Years of Service:
Karelynne Ayayo, David Pounds, Paul Copan and Tom Fowler
25 Years of Service:
Mark Kaprive and Philip Henry
30 Years of Service:
Donna Fowler
35 Years of Service:
Beate Rodewald
