Dr. Lilu Chen Appointed to Core Faculty; Dr. Courtney Bruntz Hired as Director of Assessment and Accreditation
Gesshin Claire Greenwood | February 11, 2025
Dr. Lilu Chen
IBS is pleased to announce that Dr. Lilu Chen, our Field Education Director, has accepted an appointment to the Core Faculty, beginning February 1. In addition to her current responsibilities, she will be better able to support our students as an academic advisor, continue her own research, and over time may be able to teach courses beyond the required field education courses.
Dr. Chen comments, “I feel grateful and honored to be joining the core faculty. I look forward to working more closely with students as an academic advisor and having a bigger voice in shaping IBS’ future.”
Dr. Chen joined IBS in 2023, when she was hired to be the Field Education Director. Field education is a required component of most M.Div programs. Field education can be completed at a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) site such as a hospital, as well as in volunteer settings such as a Buddhist temple, prisons, or nonprofits. Students can also propose their own sites. Dr. Chen has been instrumental in growing our Field Education department as well as nourishing the Chaplaincy and M.Div programs.
Dr. Courtney Bruntz
This Fall, IBS also hired Dr. Courtney Bruntz as our new Director of Assessment and Accreditation. Dr. Bruntz performs crucial data collection, institutional report writing, and communication with accreditation boards like WASC, an essential function for any college or graduate school. Her work in accreditation is also important for IBS to be able to continue and expand its popular online programs.
In addition to her work as Director of Assessment, Dr. Bruntz will continue her role as Professor. She hopes to teach courses on Chinese Buddhism next year. “I’m looking forward to supporting and advising IBS students,” she says, “To continue the accreditation work that has been put into place, to teach our incredible students, and to add to the vibrancy of the faculty, institution, and community.
Dr. Bruntz graduated with a PhD from the GTU in 2014. She specializes in contemporary rituals and practices of East Asian Buddhist traditions.
We’re pleased that these two talented scholars and teachers will be able to expand their roles at IBS and bring more of their talent and experience to our school.