Trinity Western University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kevin Schut as dean of the School of the Arts, Media + Culture, effective August 16, 2025.
Dr. Kevin Schut joined Trinity Western University in 2004 and has since served as associate dean of the School of the Arts, Media + Culture (SAMC) and chair of the Department of Media + Communication.
In 2009, he received the Provost’s Innovative Teaching Award in recognition of his experimentation and innovation in the classroom. He currently leads the Game Development program, which he helped establish in 2019, and continues to teach a range of courses on media and culture. He holds a PhD in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa.
Integrating Christian faith and media studies
As a game studies scholar, Dr. Schut’s research focuses on how digital gaming shapes the formation of cultures and communication. He integrates the study of media with Christian faith, as reflected in his 2013 book, Of Games & God: A Christian Exploration of Video Games, and in his contributions to academic anthologies and journals. Collaborating with scholars in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences through a TWU Internal Research Grant (2020–2024), Dr. Schut has conducted interdisciplinary research on moral and ethical decisions in video games.
Engaging generative A.I. in teaching and learning
Dr. Schut regularly speaks and writes on the intersection of communication, culture, media, technology and faith. In 2024, he co-facilitated an online conference with media scholars and professionals to explore implications of A.I. in diverse segments of public and private life.
Additionally in 2024, Dr. Schut spoke on engaging art, technology, and digital media from a Christian perspective as part of the SAMC Equipping Lectures series led by SAMC faculty.
More recently, in 2025, Dr. Schut joined with interdepartmental leaders to co-host an educational workshop on generative A.I. and its implications for higher education faculty and administrators. As a member of the University’s A.I. task force, he also contributed to shaping TWU’s institutional guidelines on the use of generative A.I. in teaching and learning.
Continued growth in SAMC
Dr. Schut takes up the mantle from Dr. David Squires, who served as dean of SAMC for 15 years and returned as interim dean during the past academic year. Under Dr. Squires' leadership, SAMC launched new educational offerings—including a worship arts stream, a Certificate in Arts Leadership + Entrepreneurship, and a new Centre for Conducting Excellence—and engaged students and the local community in arts, faith, and contemporary topics through the Verge Arts Conference at TWU and other public events. Dr. Squires will continue teaching TWU students as a professor of Music.
Dr. Squires remarks, “It has been a joy and pleasure to work alongside Dr. Schut over the past two decades. He brings a depth of knowledge of SAMC, a commitment to supporting faculty and staff colleagues, and a passion for elevating the student learning experience.”
President Todd F. Martin remarks, “Dr. Schut brings deep expertise in media and communication and a forward-thinking approach to teaching and curriculum development. We are excited to welcome him as dean of SAMC and look forward to the continued growth and excellence he will help foster in the School.”
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kevin Schut as dean of the School of the Arts, Media + Culture.
About TWU's School of the Arts, Media, and Culture
Immerse yourself in what you love best, whether it’s visual or performing arts, media, or communication. Grow with others who are just as passionate and exceptional as you. That’s the beauty of learning in community. You’ll find your people here. Learn more at TWU's School of the Arts, Media + Culture.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students for life. Uniting faith and reason through Christian teaching and scholarship, TWU is a research institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and sciences as well as in several professional schools. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.