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Ep. 139: A Conversation with Dr. Erik Hoekstra

Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, news that we examine from a Christian worldview perspective.  Our goal is to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.

These mid-week “Extra” episodes are a chance for us to go deep with a particular topic, and this week I want to take a deep dive into Christian higher education, because of both its pivotal role in the culture, and because Christian colleges are among the largest Christian ministries in the country.

Today, we have on the program Dr. Erik Hoekstra.

Erik Hoekstra serves as the fourth, and current president of Dordt University. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he is no stranger to the role of president of a Christian college. His father served as president of Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL, when he was growing up, and his father-in-law was president of Trinity during his college years.

Erik Hoekstra received his bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy from Trinity Christian College, his master’s degree in international management from The Rotterdam School of Management of Erasmus University in the Netherlands, and his Ph.D. in organizational learning and human resource development from Iowa State University.

During his time at Dordt, President Hoekstra has led two capital campaigns, the building of a new Science and Technology Center, nursing simulation lab, theatre space, and Agriculture Stewardship Center. He has overseen the creation of innovative programs, such as Pro-Tech, a two-year, hands-on vocational degree. President Hoekstra also served in the process of transitioning Dordt from a college to a university in 2019.

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The producers for today’s program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth.

I’m Warren Smith, and – until next time – May God bless you.