President's Office

"Welcome!

At Dordt University, we seek to serve students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.

I feel so privileged to be a part of this effort. Dordt is a place that deeply cares for its students. I have the pleasure of watching Dordt faculty invest in students as they work with them to achieve their goals, challenge them in their faith and worldview, invite them over for meals, and worship alongside them on Sundays. Our staff are also engaged in helping students grow not only academically, but spiritually and emotionally as well. I like to say that our faculty and staff working in unity toward our mission are the “secret sauce” behind the fact that we have been ranked #1 in student engagement four years running by The Wall Street Journal.

One of my favorite moments as president is welcoming new students to dinners at our home, and then again when they graduate. It is exciting to see how they have been challenged and changed throughout their time at Dordt—being able to recognize their growth. As I sign their diplomas each year, I am excited to say they are ready for service to the King.

Dordt University is a special place. I invite you to learn more."

Dr. Erik Hoekstra, president of Dordt University

President 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, Illinois, when he was growing up, and his father-in-law was president of Trinity during his college years.

President 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. Prior to his time at Dordt as faculty member, provost, and president, President Hoekstra worked in leadership development and organizational consulting.

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, which launched Dordt’s two-year, hand-on technology programs. President Hoekstra also served in the process of transitioning Dordt from a college to university in 2019.

President Hoekstra is passionate about Dordt and the education it offers students. His wife, Dr. Barb Hoekstra is an education professor at Dordt, and they have four children. The president resides on campus, where he and Dr. Hoekstra enjoy hosting the freshmen class at their home throughout the year, in addition to participating in numerous other events.