Erik Hoekstra

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 a 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 a 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.