--- title: "Dordt University's Center for Christian Education announces newest senior fellow" date: 2024-10-10T09:54:00-05:00 author: Sarah Moss canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-universitys-center-for-christian-education-announces-newest-senior-fellow" section: News --- [ View Dordt News](https://www.dordt.edu/news) [Education](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=education) Oct 10, 2024 # Dordt University's Center for Christian Education announces newest senior fellow Tia Gaines, Executive Director of UnifiEd, has been appointed as the newest Senior Fellow at Dordt University's Center for Christian Education (CACE). ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/Tia_Gaines_Headshot_2022.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=c24183ee&v=07e8b8d026074ebef9f89b7ced1f8a3991dec514fbbaab07520faff0a834c3b9) ![]()The [Center for Christian Education ](https://cace.org/)(CACE) at Dordt University has announced Tia Gaines as their newest Senior Fellow. In this role, Gaines will be involved in CACE’s roadmap strategies and overall growth and goals to advance Christian education. She will also regularly contribute to the [CACE blog](https://cace.org/blog/). ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/Tia_Gaines_Headshot_2022_2024-10-10-145233_lgci.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=57&h=65&c=05193adb&v=4ae0e1cfd3ab35c80e07bc48293ed3f12c2d39cf4359900a8a1fb2be9fe93277) Gaines is the Executive Director of [UnifiEd](https://centerforunity.com/), a Center for Hope and Unity in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. She also founded the [Equity in Action Visiting Scholars](https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/equity-action-visiting-scholars-program-launches) program at the University of Pennsylvania, where she currently serves as the Associate Director of Social Equity and Community. Additionally, Gaines serves on the Board of Trustees for the [Association of Christian Schools International](https://www.acsi.org/) (ACSI) and the Board of Trustees for [B2THEWORLD](https://www.b2theworld.org/), an organization devoted to serving students impacted by war. Gaines holds an M.Ed. from Western University and received her bachelor’s degree from Cairn University. To be considered for a senior fellow role at CACE, individuals must be “committed to CACE’s mission to network faith-based schools, to promote innovative practices, and to develop school leaders,” says [Dr. Timothy Van Soelen,](https://www.dordt.edu/people/tim-van-soelen) executive director of CACE. According to Van Soelen, senior fellows also offer “expertise in one or more of CACE’s following work pillars: strategic road mapping, leadership consulting, executive search & leadership coaching, [Teaching for Transformation](https://www.teachingfortransformation.org/), and school data/market research." Gaines offers extensive experience in Christian education, spanning over 20 years. She has taught internationally and in the suburban and urban context. Additionally, Gaines has developed versatile curriculum and other resources for teachers. “Tia brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to excellent, faith-based education,” says Van Soelen. “With a background that includes consulting, speaking, writing, and conference organizing, she has devoted herself to advocating for diversity, unity, and belonging within Christian education.” **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 the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. --- [Previous Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/2024-04-19_003178.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=e9ff9ceb&v=5cd0b1a0ba2a271581a05a09d170a4e4a2b69644cce2142060e6be2b502e7a42) Graduate Programs Oct 10, 2024 ## Dordt University and Grace College launch fast-track MSW partnership Dordt University and Grace College have established a partnership that allows Grace students to fast-track their Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, providing an efficient and cost-effective pathway for students to earn their MSW at a Christ-centered institution. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-and-grace-college-launch-fast-track-msw-partnership) [Next Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/Alexander-Meszler-Photo.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.4982-0.4017&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=2a3e96e8&v=dac526b0ab91c4d20e769b8ce5d28f23dc144ffdd7704079e84aafe3ae695a1f) Music Oct 10, 2024 ## Dordt University’s Joan Ringerwole Organ Recital Series features Dr. Alexander Meszler from Luther College The Joan Ringerwole Organ Recital Series at Dordt University will host Dr. Alexander Meszler, college organist and assistant professor of music at Luther College, for a performance titled "Visions of Home" on October 18, featuring a unique blend of organ music and recorded nature sounds from Iowa forests. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-universitys-joan-ringerwole-organ-recital-series-features-dr-alexander-meszler-from-luther-college) [ ![]() ## View All Dordt News View News ](https://www.dordt.edu/news) Aug 19 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-19) Aug 20 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-20) Aug 20 Athletics Men's Soccer #### [8/20 8:00 PM Dordt University Men's Soccer at Carroll - Nelson Stadium ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/8-22-100-pm-dordt-university-mens-soccer-at-carroll) ![A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2021-22/Buildings-and-Campus/2021-09-23_001574-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&f=webp&c=3d670641&v=d2bdb7cbdc83e5be46d3a10afe8a1214a0e770536697eb0ddbe29e017d2e9577) <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>