Dordt University celebrates first graduating class of Agriculture Service Technology program

Dordt University celebrated the inaugural graduating class of its Agriculture Service Technology (AST) program on Thursday evening. The AST program, launched in partnership with AgriVision Equipment, allows students to become John Deere technician certified while earning a two-year degree at Dordt University.

The first graduating class includes 9 students, seven of whom will continue working for AgriVision following graduation. Six of those graduates will remain in Sioux Center or surrounding communities.

“For us, this is about more than job placement numbers,” says Eric Tudor, executive director of innovation and strategy at Dordt. “These students helped pioneer something new at Dordt. They demonstrated that technical education and Christian formation belong together. We’re seeing graduates step directly into meaningful careers while also serving the communities where they live and work.”

Students in the AST program complete technical coursework alongside Dordt’s core curriculum while participating fully in campus life through chapel, residence life, and co-curricular experiences. The program also includes paid internships and hands-on training with agricultural equipment and diagnostics systems.

“These students have spent the past two years developing not only technical skills, but also character,” says Caleb Meulenberg, instructor of agriculture technology at Dordt. “One thing we’ve talked about often is what it means to be a Christian technician in the shop environment—someone who works with excellence, treats people well, and reflects Christ in everyday interactions. It’s been rewarding to watch these students grow into that calling.”

During the celebration, Dordt University President Dr. Erik Hoekstra reflected on the university’s commitment to integrating technical education into its mission.

“At Dordt, we believe all work matters to God,” said Hoekstra during his remarks. “The trades are not secondary work. They are deeply meaningful forms of service. The people who maintain and repair equipment, solve technical problems, and keep essential industries moving are serving their neighbors and communities every single day.”

The AST program was created in response to growing workforce needs within the agriculture industry as well as interest from families seeking faith-based technical education opportunities.

For students like Jerad Dubbelde of Sioux Center, the program provided an opportunity to combine hands-on learning with personal and spiritual growth.

“I wanted to do something that was work with my hands and that directly helped local agriculture,” says Dubbelde. “When I compared where I was during my internship to where I am now after taking the AST classes at Dordt, it’s a night and day difference. I’m more efficient at my job and have a better understanding of my work.”

Dubbelde also says his experience at Dordt shaped him beyond technical training.

“My faith has grown at Dordt because I’m exposed to the Lord more than I used to be,” he says. “The friendships I’ve built here have helped me stay motivated in my studies and grow spiritually.”

The Agriculture Service Technology program will welcome its third cohort of students this fall.

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.