Distinguished scholars appointed to advance university's missional initiatives and whole person formation
Belmont University has appointed Drs. John and Charlotte Witvliet to senior scholar positions, effective June 1. They each bring decades of experience in higher education to Belmont, where they will contribute to the University's ongoing work of cultivating faith-informed learning experiences that develop the whole person.
Dr. John Witvliet will serve as senior scholar and program advisor for university missional initiatives and professor of theology, worship and the arts. In these roles, he will support Belmont's mission and foster missional engagement across campus. Dr. Witvliet will also serve as theologian-in-residence for the Belmont Formation Collaborative, helping leaders across Belmont’s campus develop strategic plans for campus worship and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Charlotte Witvliet joins Belmont as senior scholar for initiatives in whole person formation, mental health and flourishing and professor of clinical psychology and character formation. In her role, Dr. Witvliet will focus on proactive approaches to mental health and character development. She will collaborate on mental health, formation and flourishing initiatives, working closely with the Belmont Formation Collaborative to develop innovative programming.
"We are delighted to welcome John and Charlotte Witvliet to the Belmont community. Their transformational expertise in theology, worship, psychology and character formation will significantly enhance our commitment to whole person formation and Christ-centered education," said University President Dr. Greg Jones. “The Witvliets’ scholarly achievements and interdisciplinary approach to integrating faith and learning make them invaluable additions as we develop diverse leaders of character who will impact the world in meaningful ways."
Both scholars have served in higher education for nearly 30 years, bringing extensive experience to their new roles at Belmont.
Dr. John Witvliet earned his Ph.D. in theology with a specialization in liturgical studies from the University of Notre Dame. He holds graduate degrees in theology from Calvin Theological Seminary and in choral music from the University of Illinois, along with a bachelor's degree in music from Calvin University. He is the founding director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. He serves as professor of worship, theology and ministry studies at Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary, where he has served since 1997. His scholarship explores biblical and systematic theology of worship; worship practices across cultures and denominations; the role of music and the arts in worship; and the deep connections between liturgical practices, social witness and peace-building.
Dr. Charlotte Witvliet earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Purdue University, and she completed her clinical internship residency year at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center affiliated with Duke. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and music from Calvin University. She comes to Belmont from Hope College, where she has served as professor of psychology since 1997. Her research addresses mental health, well-being, and character virtues including forgiveness, relational accountability, humility, gratitude and hope which contribute to whole person flourishing. Dr. Witvliet takes a comprehensive approach that considers physical, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of the human experience when studying emotions, trauma, mental health, faith, character development, and flourishing.
The Witvliets note: "We are inspired by Belmont University's ecumenical, Christ-centered, student-focused vision, and we celebrate the long-standing programs and new initiatives through which Belmont engages promising opportunities and meets genuine needs in higher education and so many other sectors of society. We each—in quite different contexts—have loved serving on teams that bring together people from very different disciplines, professions, and perspectives. We look forward to contributing to teams that strengthen connections among Belmont’s 12 colleges, community partners, and global networks. We look forward to learning from and serving with our new colleagues.”
Their appointments underscore Belmont's commitment to innovative interdisciplinary collaboration across campus. Together, the Witvliets will help strengthen connections between theology, worship, psychology and character formation –– applying their combined expertise to enrich Belmont's distinctive approach to education that equips students to lead in a complex world.
John Witvliet photograph by Deborah Hoag