(Sioux Center) — Officials with Dordt College of Sioux Center made an announcement Thursday regarding the future of the Christian-based, four-year higher education institution. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered to listen to President Dr. Erik Hoekstra inform the group that Dordt College is changing its name and will be known as Dordt University. Hoekstra says the change will be in effect as of May of next year.
Hoekstra says the name change has been considered by college officials and trustees for the last year. Hoekstra says the Board of Trustees formally approved of the name change during its recent director meeting. The Dordt College president says the word “University” behind Dordt reflects on the school’s expansion with academic programs.
The Dordt President says the name change should assist with recruiting efforts, especially for international students, but the name change will not change the school’s mission.
The student body was excited to hear about the name change. Upon hearing the name change announcement, students gave a long and loud applause. Dordt College’s student government president, Megan Van Den Berg, a junior from Wisconsin, says she and her fellow students are excited for the name change.
Van Den Berg says the name change from Dordt College to Dordt University reflects on the academic excellence and programs being offered by Dordt.
Hoekstra says the changing the school to an university will allow for additional scholarships, research, and fellowships.
