Dr. Noah Toly Recognized as Emerging Public Intellectual

The Redeemer Centre for Christian Scholarship has recognized Noah Toly, associate professor of politics & international relations and director of the Center for Urban Engagement, as an emerging public intellectual. The Emerging Public Intellectual Award (EPI) was established by the Centre for Christian Scholarship at Redeemer University College in Toronto. The EPI award specifically looks at academic minds under the age of 40 whose work demonstrates “Christian conviction, scholarly depth and public impact.” Founded to support and encourage the development of first-rate public intellectuals, the $5,000 award is sponsored by the Acton Institute, Cardus, the Center for Public Justice, Stronger Together and Redeemer University College. “This award recognizes emerging scholars who have put together the two pieces of excellent scholarship and serious Christian commitment and have made — and are making — significant public impact,” Robert Joustra, director of the Centre for Christian Scholarship, said. Nominees must hold a doctorate or equivalent degree from an accredited university and must have full-time employment in an academic post at an accredited American or Canadian Christian institute of higher learning. The application process requires an essay, a copy of a current CV, two letters of recommendation and a writing sample. Work of eligible nominees must be “integrally Christian in some demonstrable — though not necessarily explicit — way; scholarly, showing true depth of thought and academic credibility, which is nonetheless practical and understandable to a diverse public; and public, answering the questions that our neighbors are asking, and doing so in a way that makes sense to more than minor clusters of society, cutting across broad swathes of disciplines and professions.” When asked what public engagement looks like to a scholar, Toly responded that being publically engaged means “writ(ing) for a broader audience than just the people in your academic guild . . . and being involved in bringing scholarships to bear on meaningful decisions that impact a lot of people.” Toly also said, “I think we need to make room for people who reach a broader audience, communicate scholarly findings and consensuses to policy makers and even take a part in making those kinds of decisions, and it’s just as important to have our Christian convictions play out in our work as scholars with our guilds as it is to have our Christian convictions play out and be taken seriously in our work as public engaged scholars.” Toly will offer a public address and receive the award at the Centre for Christian Scholarship’s annual fall conference on Oct. 28-30.