For some, legacy is established in childhood where interests and passions pave a path toward great impact. Dreams and fascinations once tightly held in former years can move great minds toward future realizations and accomplishments of gravity. History has always been of great significance to soon-to-be retired Professor of History and Global Studies and Chair of the Department of History and Global Studies, Dr. Brad Faught. He recalls growing up in Calgary and being keenly fascinated by the RCMP’s march west, the founding of Fort Calgary in 1875, and the important place of Indigenous peoples in the history of southern Alberta.
“In professional terms, [history] has essentially been my whole life, allowing me to teach and write and be part of a scholarly community, both at Tyndale and elsewhere,” remarks Dr. Faught. “In a personal way it has provided me with a way to think about time and events and God’s providence. I think it has given me a sense of balance.”
Before beginning his distinguished career at Tyndale in 2003, Dr. Faught worked to launch an academic career, teaching at a few institutions after completing his PhD. “I spent two years at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick. For a while, I led an itinerant teaching life, but all that changed when I came here over twenty years ago. Coming to a tenure-track job and committing to being at Tyndale for the long term made all the difference,” he says.
"There are a lot of books that I’d like to read and places I’d like to visit. I’d also like someday to find myself attending a Stanley Cup parade for the Toronto Maple Leafs... but that’s probably the least achievable..."
Dr. Faught began his journey at Tyndale as an Assistant Professor and has played a vital role in the development of the university. Dr. Paul Franks, Vice-President Academic and Dean of Undergraduate Studies, underlines that “in the classroom, Professor Faught has been widely recognized for his clarity, rigour, and generosity toward students. Throughout his time at Tyndale, he has been a trusted colleague and frequently sought to serve on significant institutional committees. This is reflective of the respect he has earned for his judgment, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the university’s mission.”
Dr. Faught has taught in the areas of British, European, African, and Indian history. Popular courses he has taught are Winston Churchill, Modern Africa: From Empire to Independence, and The Crusades in World History.
For Dr. Faught, one of the most rewarding parts of working at Tyndale has been the freedom and encouragement to research and write. “Working with colleagues towards a common goal of building a university was rewarding. Teaching a range of courses to hundreds of students over the years meant a constant stretch of self. Altogether, the challenge was ever present but always welcome,” he notes.
The recently named Wycliffe College Honorary Alumnus has authored ten books, the most recent being Ronald Storrs: Governing British Jerusalem (Bloomsbury). Dr. Franks describes Dr. Faught as a model scholar-teacher. “This is a remarkable achievement that reflects both intellectual range and sustained excellence that has enriched the study of history well beyond our campus.”
“The books have each taken me down a different path, but I can identify what links all of them together as a body of work,” says Dr. Faught. “They’re like your children, you don’t have (or at least shouldn’t declare!) a favourite, as each one is different. But Cairo 1921, I suppose, stands out in that I researched and wrote it during the COVID pandemic, which was a unique experience. And it led to greater reader interest than I thought it would and, ultimately, to translation and publication in Italian, Arabic, and Chinese, as well as an audiobook. It was fun—but strange—to hear the words that I had written being read aloud by the actor who had been hired to narrate the book!”
In retirement, Dr. Faught hopes to keep doing the things he already does, just more often. “There are a lot of books that I’d like to read and places I’d like to visit. I’d also like someday to find myself attending a Stanley Cup parade for the Toronto Maple Leafs... but that’s probably the least achievable. I’ve got to figure out what to do with all my books,” he jokes. “On more than one occasion, Health and Safety told me—because of the way in which they were piled up everywhere in my office—that they were a hazard!”
Much like Dr. Franks, the Tyndale community is deeply thankful for Professor Faught’s many years of faithful service and wishes him every blessing in a well-deserved retirement.