WINTER 2022–2023 25 Each year, DBU honors one professor who displays the heart of a servant leader both in and out of the classroom. This year, DBU is proud to recognize Dr. Sue Kavli as the 2022 Piper Outstanding Professor of the Year. Dr. Kavli has dedicated her life to share God’s love through the way she teaches, serves, and loves her students and peers. “Dr. Kavli serves the Lord and others in truly remarkable ways,” says Dr. Gail Linam, a long-time friend of Dr. Kavli. “Sue is dedicated to all that really matters in her commitment and service to a needy world. With her, love shared is love multiplied.” Prior to coming to DBU, Dr. Sue Kavli served alongside her husband of 43 years, Steve, fulfilling the Great Commission halfway across the world. Two years after getting married, Dr. Kavli and Steve were appointed by the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board (now the IMB) to serve in Thailand. With the help of a fellow missionary friend, Dr. Kavli was able to lead the business efforts of Thai Country Trim, an indigenous women’s ministry that sold handmade Christmas ornaments to strategic suppliers in the U.S. and beyond. This business model that Dr. Kavli spearheaded is still blessing creative Thai designers and continues to bring in much needed revenue for their families. In addition to her business guidance, the Kavlis’ tenure in Thailand also included a large emphasis on women’s prison ministry. As the Kavlis faithfully served and obeyed the Lord, many women placed their trust in Jesus. After the Lord called the Kavlis back to the States, Dr. Kavli served as the IT Director and Professor of Math and Computer Sciences at Brevard College in North Carolina. When her parents’ health began to decline, Dr. Kavli and Steve moved to the DallasFort Worth Metroplex and were drawn to University Hill. On August 8, 2005, then-President Dr. Gary Cook invited Dr. Kavli to become part of the full-time faculty team. Now, in addition to her time spent in the classroom, Dr. Kavli also serves as the Associate Dean and Director of Research in the Cook School of Leadership. “I, along with everyone in the CSL, marvel at all Dr. Kavli is capable of doing,” says Dr. Jack Goodyear, Dean of the Cook School of Leadership. “Not only is she top notch in the knowledge of her field and an excellent professor, but she goes above and beyond what is required, meeting with students whenever is best for them, demanding excellence while also offering encouragement.” Dr. Kavli and Steve are active members of Matthew Road Baptist Church in Grand Prairie. Over the years, Dr. Kavli has helped lead various church and women’s conferences, events, Bible studies, and outreach opportunities. Additionally, the Kavlis have spent every Thanksgiving Day for the last 10 years serving with Tillie Burgin and Mission Arlington. Together, Dr. Kavli and Steve have two daughters, Rebecca and Sarah. DBU HONORS DR. SUE KAVLI AS 2022 PIPER OUTSTANDING PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODc4ODgx