Meet Van
Van is a Professor of History & Economics at Concordia University Wisconsin and is serving his fourth term as President of the Village of Thiensville.
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Van earned a Ph.D. and MA at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BA at Vanderbilt University. In addition to his roles in academia and local government, he has served in a variety of leadership positions in business and is active in the community.
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He resides in Thiensville with his wife, Susan, who is also a professor. They have two grown sons, Pierce and Quinn.
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​Van is a cancer survivor. His sons lost their vision to Stargardt’s Disease while teenagers. He has grappled, and still grapples, with the fear and anguish life sometimes brings. But as Van states: “There is always Hope. With the blessings of the Almighty, and the support of friends and neighbors like the people of Wisconsin, Hope never disappoints. Together our future is bright.”
EMPLOYMENT
Concordia University Wisconsin (1999-Present)
Professor of History & Economics (2018 – Present)
Chair, Department of Quantitative Analytics (2013-2015)
Associate Professor of History & Economics (2008-2018)
Director of Community & Government Relations (2005-2008)
Assistant Professor of History & Economics (2001-2007)
Commerce State Bank, West Bend, WI, Board Member (2011-2018)
Do-Mo Capital Management, Managing Partner (2007-2011)
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Carroll College, Lecturer (1999-2000)
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Project Assistant and Lecturer (1995-1999)
CIVIC & COMMUNITY SERVICE
Village of Thiensville, President (2012-Present), Trustee (2005-2012)
Southern Ozaukee Fire and Ambulance Service, Chair (2023-Present)
Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce, Member (2005-Present)
Thiensville Business Association, Member
Mequon-Thiensville Town Center Committee, Vice Chairman (2003-2010)
Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Club, (2002-Present), President (2006-2007)
Thiensville/Mequon Area Youth Leagues, Coach (2003-2011)
EDUCATION
Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Madison, May 1999
M.A. University of Wisconsin-Madison, May 1994
B.A. Vanderbilt University, Economics, May 1990 cum laude
POST GRADUATE EDUCATION & TRAINING
Principles and Techniques of Fundraising, The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, Summer 2006
U.S. Military Academy Summer Seminar in Military History, United States Military Academy, Summer 1999
POLITICAL
Republican Party National Convention, Alternate Delegate (2008, 2016, 2020)
Ozaukee County Republican Party, Member