Ben Veenstra

Advisor

Dr. Andrea Turpin

Education

B.A. in History and Secondary Education, Calvin University, 2019

Biography

For the past six years since graduating from undergrad, I have taught history in a variety of settings. I have taught a range of students from seventh grade to seniors and at public, charter, and private schools. I have instructed courses on Early U.S. History, Human Geography, Government, and Economics. I am excited to be back in school as a student and I’m actually ready to do the homework, instead of grade it.

Research Interests

My interests lie in the interaction between different religions and religious groups, and how unity can be found within diversity. I hope to explore the interactions between different religious groups especially during the 19th Century as this nation of immigrants continued to grow and therefore brought their own cultures with them, and how these religions and denominations further impacted American politics, culture, and economics.

Why I Chose Baylor

I chose Baylor for the department’s concentration on Religious History, specifically American Religious History. I am excited to be at an institution that is both well known for its research capabilities and simultaneously has been able to create a close-knit community of academics that help and support each other.