Dordt Appoints VP for University Operations

Fred Verwoerd has been appointed vice president for university operations at Dordt University.

Verwoerd previously served as vice president for operations and finance at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Ga., since July 2018. Prior to that role, he worked as vice president for administration and finance for Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ont., briefly serving as interim president for Redeemer in 2018.

A 1985 graduate of Dordt, Verwoerd earned a bachelor of arts degree in business administration before going on to earn certified public accountant (CPA) and certified management accountant (CMA) certifications.

In addition to having extensive experience in financial planning, analysis, and budgeting, Verwoerd has led departments of financial services, information technology, human resources, and marketing and communications. He has also provided leadership for colleges’ physical plants and has previously worked to revamp student employment programs to improve student labor force outcomes and student learning.

Verwoerd is thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the mission of Dordt University. “I have witnessed firsthand how Dordt prepares people for kingdom service,” he said, noting that three of his four children are graduates of Dordt. “I’m eager to take on this role with the goal of building on the founding vision for the university and extending the work done by my predecessors.”

“I’ve known Fred for more than a decade and have watched his service as a vice president at two different Christian colleges—and have always been impressed with his commitment to organizational innovation and excellence while building these institutions to advance God’s kingdom from a Reformed worldview,” said Dr. Erik Hoekstra, Dordt University president.

“Now, to have him ‘coming home to serve here’ as a Dordt alumnus is exciting. We look forward to working with Fred to advance Dordt’s mission of equipping students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively for Christ-centered renewal in every area of life.”

When he was a Dordt student, Verwoerd said, he felt prepared and equipped to engage society from a particular worldview. “That worldview, that foundation rooted in Scripture, has influenced me deeply and helped to form a holistic view of work and service,” he said. “Because of the impact a Dordt education has had on me, I’m eager to work to make that education possible for the next generation of kingdom workers.”