Osborne succeeds Snyder at Conrad Grebel

To continue the College's reputation as a major centre for the study of sixteenth century Anabaptism and Mennonite history.

May 20, 2011 | Web First
Jennifer Konkle | Conrad Grebel University College
Waterloo, Ont.
Dr. Troy Osborne

Dr. Troy Osborne has been appointed as assistant professor of History at Conrad Grebel University College, beginning July 1, 2011, succeeding Arnold Snyder who retires in May. Osborne comes to Grebel from Bluffton University in Ohio where he has taught for the past three years.

Since it was established in 1963, Conrad Grebel has had a reputation among scholars and church leaders as a major centre for the study of sixteenth century Anabaptism and Mennonite history. This standing is based on the distinguished scholarship of Walter Klaassen, Werner Packull, and Snyder.
 

“The college has a reputation for scholarly excellence in Anabaptist studies,” notes Osborne, “and I hope to continue the tradition of producing scholarship that contributes to both the historical discipline and the identity and life of the church. What makes Grebel an exciting place to work is the way its faculty contribute to their denominational communities while they pursue rigorous scholarly agendas. ”

Thrilled about the opportunity to join the Grebel community and faculty this summer, Osborne adds, “Grebel’s mission and values resonate deeply with my own identity, which has been shaped by a range of Mennonite institutions: family, church, colleges, seminary, and the InterMenno exchange program.”

Professor Osborne is a historian whose research and teaching interests center generally on Mennonite history and the Reformation and particularly on the development of the Dutch Anabaptist tradition. He is revising his dissertation, Saints into Citizens: Mennonite discipline, social control, and religious toleration in the Dutch Golden Age for publication, and he is translating the sixteenth century Dutch martyrology Het Offer des Heeren (The Sacrifice of the Lord) as part of the Classics of the Reformation series. At Bluffton University he taught Humanities, European and World History, Europe on Film, Medieval and Early Modern European Women’s History, Political Theory, The Reformation, and Mennonite History and Thought. Prior to his five years of teaching, Osborne studied the cultural history of religion at the University of Minnesota and theology and ethics at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary.

Reflecting on his visit to the Grebel campus, Osborne was struck by “the number of times that both the residential and the graduate students expressed a deep appreciation for the relationships they had with their professors.  Without exception, “Osborne continues, “they said that Grebel’s greatest strength comes from its sense of community. I will enjoy helping to build that community in the future through my teaching, research, and collegiality.” 

“We are confident that Troy Osborne will be a great asset to Grebel, to the University of Waterloo, and to those interested in Anabaptist-Mennonite history. His knowledge and expertise will continue the tradition of excellent scholarship established by Klaassen, Packull and Snyder. His creative teaching will bring fresh perspectives to the classroom and his friendly, approachable demeanor will enhance student-faculty rapport,” states Jim Pankratz, Academic Dean. “We look forward to welcoming Troy, his wife Emma, and their two young daughters to our community.”

--May 20, 2011

Dr. Troy Osborne

Share this page: Twitter Instagram

Add new comment

Canadian Mennonite invites comments and encourages constructive discussion about our content. Actual full names (first and last) are required. Comments are moderated and may be edited. They will not appear online until approved and will be posted during business hours. Some comments may be reproduced in print.