Ross Douma appointed Dordt’s new Executive Director of Development

Dr. Ross Douma has been appointed Executive Director of Development at Dordt University.

As executive director, Douma will provide strategic leadership of the university’s development programs, including major gifts, corporate and foundation donations, the Annual Fund, and alumni relations.

Douma has served as President of Avail Academy in the Minnesota Twin Cities, since December 2023. Prior to this role, Douma served as Director of Athletics at Dordt from 2019-2023 and as Head Men’s Basketball Coach from 2009-2018.  Douma spent many years prior to that working in education, from serving as an administrator and athletic coach at Southwest Chicago Christian Schools to teaching and coaching at Hartley Melvin Sanborn Community School District in Hartley, Iowa.

“Having spent 15 years at Dordt as a coach, athletic director, cabinet member, and instructor, Ross has a unique understanding of our mission, culture, alumni, and supporters,” says Dr. Brandon Huisman, vice president for advancement and marketing. “Ross has spoken extensively about Dordt’s significant role in shaping his vocational calling and desire to invest in the long-term flourishing of an institution that helped form him as a leader. He views advancement work not merely as fundraising but as inviting alumni and friends into meaningful partnership with Dordt’s mission and God’s work through higher education.”

Douma has extensive fundraising experience. While at Avail, Douma worked to increase fundraising efforts by 105% from 2024-2026. During his time at Dordt, Douma strategically built up the Defender Gold Club, whose mission is to promote interest and financial support for Dordt athletics. Further, Douma helped facilitate a partnership with the City of Sioux Center that led to the construction of the American State Bank Sports Complex, which benefits both Dordt and the greater Sioux Center community. He also helped with fundraising efforts during the beginning stages of the Rozenboom Family Athletic Center. 

This hire is part of a succession plan for Director of Development Lyle Huisman. Douma will work closely with Lyle Huisman, providing continuity and a seamless transition as Lyle moves into a Senior Gift Officer role at Dordt. In his 18 years of service at Dordt, Lyle has provided meaningful mentorship for the major gifts team while also growing his own portfolio of donor relationships across North America. 

“Lyle Huisman has had an indelible impact at Dordt University. His efforts have been instrumental in the growth that the Lord has brought to Dordt University,” says Brandon Huisman. “I’m also grateful for Ross and Lyle’s enthusiasm to partner well in this succession plan.”

“I am eager to see how Ross’ proven leadership and positive impact will continue to cultivate excellence within the Dordt Development Team,” says Lyle Huisman. “He is passionate about Dordt and the bright future of our mission.”

Douma is also eager to return to Dordt University. “Dordt profoundly shaped me, both personally and professionally, so I am genuinely excited to return to a community and mission that have meant so much to my family and me,” says Douma. “I look forward to reconnecting with many people I have known over the years while also building new relationships with alumni, donors, parents, and friends of the university. Development work is ultimately about relationships: listening to people, learning their stories, understanding why they care about Dordt, and inviting them to support a mission with eternal implications. I am excited to help tell Dordt's story and connect people with opportunities to advance its mission.”

Dordt University President Dr. Erik Hoekstra says that Dordt has been blessed over the years with many outstanding leaders who have carried the good news about Dordt near and far to advance the institutional mission. 

“Adding Ross Douma to that list comes at an important time for the university, and I’m grateful to God for guiding Ross to accept this post,” says Hoekstra. “As a parent of Dordt graduates and a current student, Ross is clearly invested in the mission. His previous service at Dordt in several leadership positions—along with his current role in Christian educational leadership—prepare him uniquely to lead in this role at Dordt. I’m eager to welcome him back to Dordt and trust that his work will bless generations of future Dordt students in the years to come.”

Douma earned an Ed.D. and Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration at University of South Dakota; he holds an M.Ed. from Governors State University and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College (Iowa). 

“Returning to Dordt feels both familiar and new,” adds Douma. “I am returning to a place I know and love, but in a different role and after experiences that have shaped me significantly since I left. My time away has broadened my perspective on leadership, Christian education, advancement, and the importance of cultivating strong relationships around a shared mission. I am grateful for what I have learned at Avail and throughout my career, and I look forward to bringing those experiences back to Dordt. Most of all, I am thankful for the opportunity to continue serving in Christian education and am excited about the people I will have the privilege of working alongside in this next chapter.”

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.

Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt offers undergraduate and graduate programs that help students live their faith in every area of life. Through rigorous learning, meaningful relationships, and whole-person formation, students gain the practical wisdom to serve God and neighbor through their work and in their communities. Dordt has been named among the nation's leading Christian universities by U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and other national publications.