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Bill Stevenson taught in Calvin’s political science department for 22 years. On May 8, 2026, at the age 78, he died following a sudden decline from a recently diagnosed brain tumor. 

Stevenson earned undergraduate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Massachusetts. He served in the U.S. Navy, earned a master’s degree from Eastern Carolina University and completed his doctorate at the University of Virginia. He taught at Campbell University and later served as director of research and planning for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. 
 
In 1989, Stevenson received a flier in his mailbox advertising a teaching position at then “Calvin College.” At the time, he had never heard of the school but felt compelled to explore the opportunity. It didn’t take long for Stevenson to sense that God had led him to Calvin and for the Calvin community to realize the gift he would become.

Modeling character

“He was kind, gracious, a good listener, and an excellent departmental team player,” said Doug Koopman, a longtime colleague. 
 
“Bill was a cooperative colleague who put departmental considerations and needs over his own personal interests and concerns,” said Corwin Smidt, another longtime colleague. 

“When I first came to Calvin, Bill was the department chair and my mentor,” said Amy Patterson, another former colleague. “He was patient with me as I grew into my role as a faculty member. He was understanding as I navigated a new job at Calvin and my role as a new parent. He always supported my teaching and research aspirations. I was grateful to have been mentored and supported by such a kind colleague while at Calvin.” 
 
The qualities his colleagues came to appreciate—civic hospitality, humility, and a spirit of collaboration—were also evident in his teaching. Stevenson helped prepare students to participate thoughtfully in the political arena. 
 
“His primary focus was the teaching of students,” said Smidt. 

“He treated students, perhaps especially the difficult ones, with patience and grace,” said Koopman.

Sharing expertise

Beyond the classroom, Stevenson produced significant scholarship, authoring important books on the interplay between Christian faith and politics, particularly political thought. Perhaps most notable is Sovereign Grace: The Place and Significance of Christian Freedom in John Calvin’s Political Thought. 
 
“I think he well advanced the notion of Christian political thought and the defense of politics as a legitimate Christian arena—a vocation for those called to work within it, and as a civic arena for all of us to be aware of and participate in,” said Koopman.

Driven by faith

Whether through teaching students, writing for the academy, or serving his colleagues, the qualities Stevenson embodied represented a deep and abiding faith. 
 
At his retirement in 2011, he said, “I’ve sensed here that, though we’re not perfect, we’re trying to be Christian at the core, not just as individuals but as an institution. I’ve felt that people were looking out for me in the same way that I was looking out for them, that people were really interested in each other and had a sense of common purpose. That has been such a gift to me.” 
 
For the hundreds of students and dozens of colleagues who crossed Stevenson’s path, the lessons he taught—and the character he modeled—remain gifts that continue to multiply year after year. It’s his legacy. 

Stevenson is survived by his wife of 49 years Rosemary; son Clark, daughter Rachael (Aaron) Koeson; grandchildren Ruby and Elm Koeson; sister Margie Ribble, eight nieces and nephews. 

A visitation will take place Friday, May 29, from 5-7 p.m. at Calvin Church (700 Ethel Ave, Grand Rapids, Michigan). A will be held at the same location on Saturday, May 30, at 11 a.m. with a visitation hour immediately preceding the service.