Dr. John Olthoff Reflects on 36 Years at Dordt

This spring, Dr. John Olthoff retired from his role as professor of agriculture at Dordt. Throughout his career, Olthoff has helped shape Dordt’s distinctive agriculture program, bringing a deep passion for creation care, a thoughtful integration of faith and learning, and a heart for students.

“My first emphasis was for students to see God in creation—to marvel at it,” he says. “In agriculture, we see the incredible ways God allows us to engage with and shape creation. But we must always do so responsibly, remembering our role in God’s story of creation, fall, and redemption.”

Olthoff has long emphasized the Creation Mandate and the stewardship it implies. He encouraged students to view their work not only as a career but as a calling—to serve both God and their neighbors through responsible agricultural practices.

He’s quick to credit Dordt’s vision and community for enabling him to teach from that perspective. “I appreciate the wisdom of those who came before me in establishing an agriculture program in a Christian university. Dordt has provided a strong foundation and has been incredibly supportive of me and my family through the years,” he reflects.

That sense of community extended to the classroom. Olthoff says he’s been consistently impressed with Dordt’s students and finds joy in seeing how they go on to serve in God’s Kingdom. “They come from strong families and backgrounds. I don’t claim to be all that influential, but I see where they’ve gone and how they give God the credit.”

As for retirement, Olthoff isn’t slowing down entirely. He plans to spend more time with his three grandsons, enjoy off-season travel, and maybe even work part-time in the community—especially in areas related to his longtime interests in food science. And yes, he’ll still be picking sweet corn at the Agriculture Stewardship Center with his friend and colleague Mike Schouten ('81) in the summers.

“This isn’t just my retirement,” he adds. “My wife Becky has supported me every step of the way, and I’m deeply thankful for that.”