Years before he earned a Ph.D. in theology and culture and began his teaching career at Dordt University, Dr. Brad Hickey found solace in video games. “I came from a dysfunctional family and had a difficult childhood. I struggled with confidence and had a major stutter,” he recalls. “I couldn’t even order a cheeseburger at a restaurant without significant issues.” …
Actuarial Science
In high school, Gabriel Garcia loved taking mathematics courses. When he thought about what he wanted to be when he grew up, he envisioned doing something with numbers—perhaps something related to statistics and finance. That interest in mathematics ran in the family; both of his parents work for insurance companies in Honduras. During his junior year of high school, he …
The Upside of Upcycling
During a trip to Zambia several years ago, Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Jeff Ploegstra witnessed a different side of waste management. “I saw people burning trash to get rid of it, because there wasn’t an infrastructure for waste removal,” he says. “I also saw people repurpose materials; one person used round water bottles to build walls for a building.” …
Managing the Cost of a Dordt Education
The value of a Christian education goes beyond dollars and cents. “What Dordt is known for is spiritual depth, innovative programs, faculty who care, and our vibrant campus community,” says Lyle Huisman, director of development. “God is moving in this place, and we have found that our constituency has an appetite for the Christ-centered Christian education that we offer at …
Bridge Building through Language Learning
Anyone who takes Spanish classes at Dordt University gets to know Associate Professor of Language Studies Dr. Rikki (Mueller, ’04) Brons well. She teaches nearly all of the Spanish courses at Dordt, and that is a benefit for most students. “When I talk with students who are considering studying Spanish, I tell them that, yes, you will be stuck with …
The Lasting Legacy of KDCR
On May 14, KDCR News Director John Slegers (’78) sat down at his desk and spoke into the microphone one last time. “When I began work at KDCR as a student, I thought this place would be around forever,” he said. “So, it’s difficult to realize that, in less than a half hour, KDCR will go silent. While I can …
Quarantine Chronicles
Last fall, more than 510 students spent time in isolation or quarantine—nearly one-third of Dordt’s student body. Although they have lessened, periods of isolation and quarantine are still with us during the spring semester as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. As of early March, 52 students have been in isolation or quarantine already this semester. For students who must quarantine—a practice …
Professional Experience
All professors are academically trained but, in some majors, it’s also important for professors to have worked in a profession related to what they teach. Professional experience is particularly helpful in majors like computer science, criminal justice, business, and social work. Experiencing firsthand what it’s like to be a social worker or a law enforcement officer allows professors to apply …
Creativity and Covid-19
In late April, as the Covid-19 pandemic wore on, Dordt University announced plans to reopen for the fall semester. “Our goal is to provide face-to-face instruction, with residential hall life, community dining, and the full spectrum of co-curricular activities, including athletics, fine arts, clubs, and cultural events,” wrote President Erik Hoekstra in his letter “Planning for the Fall Semester.” To …
It’s All in the Data if You Know Where to Look
When deciding where to attend college, high school students and their parents consider a variety of factors: a great campus visit experience, out-of-pocket costs, conversations with faculty members, opinions of friends and family. They also rely on a variety of other data, whether through third-party college rankings like U.S. News and World Report or self-reported statistics like the student-to-faculty ratio. …