--- title: The Strategic Plan date: 2022-06-23T10:07:00-05:00 author: Jordan Eshelman canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/strategic-plan" section: Landing Pages --- # The Strategic Plan Dordt’s strategic plan is grounded in our mission and the Task and Framework of Dordt University, yet it also seeks to address the needs that we see and anticipate as we consider Dordt today and view the external landscape. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/Oct3-2025_000292-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=43&f=webp&c=bd29e8b3&v=025ec60675f59ea591daa3b306c695c207c1d12667bc40d95026f94e052a796b) ![]() ![the strategic plan video cover](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Video-Covers/maxresdefault_2022-06-23-151334_cgix.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=33&c=4522f72f&v=79c07cd76780e4f07bccb2f897b8e30162b9e594922a96d969001df491de1ace) ![]() ## DORDT'S STRATEGIC PLAN *"Why it matters and where we're going"* [How it happens](#how-it-happens) ## MISSION & VISION Dordt continues to use its mission and Founders Vision to ground its day-to-day activities and long-term goals. [Mission and Vision ](https://www.dordt.edu/about-dordt/mission-vision-history) ## TASK & FRAMEWORK The ***[Task and Educational Framework](https://www.dordt.edu/about-dordt/consumer-information/the-task-and-educational-framework-of-dordt-university)*** describes "the implications of a Reformed confession of biblical faith brings to Christian higher education." Learn more about how this integral document continues to shape Dordt as an institution: ["Momentum, with a Mission" ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/momentum-with-a-mission) --- ## HOW IT HAPPENS ![cross and globe icon](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Theme1.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=27&c=b40f29bc&v=ca8c3297030a0db666f05851046282e411d807689152395ecdef525979c8521c) ### 1—DEVELOP EFFECTIVE KINGDOM CITIZENS Dordt University students belong to a robust Reformed learning community that provides them with a Christ-centered worldview to lead culture in lives of service to God and neighbor. [More ](#kingdom-citizens) ![person talking on podium icon](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Theme2.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=27&c=19348014&v=b802e26a81942a261450733aa37f8aafb3093ebcb0743cc4ef5310feddf6489a) ### 2—ELEVATE TEACHING, LEARNING, AND SCHOLARSHIP Dordt University faculty and staff challenge, inspire, and equip students for service through first-rate learning both in-person and online. We invest in creativity, expertise, and collaboration. [More ](#teaching-learning) ![lightbulb idea icon](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Theme3.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=27&c=2d41b45d&v=96a0f408d2d1233e702be617a7a532f0c5146065e037e8c958e303b98a660292) ### 3—FUEL INNOVATION THROUGH NETWORKS AND PARTNERSHIPS Dordt University has an entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring paths for faculty, staff, and students to create and pursue new opportunities. We deliberately connect with networks and partners to deepen our shared Kingdom impact. [More ](#networks-partners) ![money safe icon](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Theme4.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=27&c=82d4db86&v=197221e263ec8f6f53cda845007c1e0b4432f4f95cbceb928a49c8b8e24b708d) ### 4—ENSURE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND STRENGTH Dordt University protects current and future viability and value by serving as a top-rated learning organization with transparent planning, appropriate resourcing, and new revenue generation. We further our financial strength by stewarding the talents of our staff, faculty, and students. [More ](#financial-strength) ![multiple persons icon](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Theme5A.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=27&c=15e31060&v=7b305e24124a1e9a2b3dbfd844de02ad00ff6fb304eb9c245cc59ef0e144cf61) ### 5—DEEPEN AND BROADEN DORDT’S ENGAGEMENT Dordt University cultivates a committed constituency. We seek relationships with students, alumni, families, schools, churches, and communities who are eager to serve Christ and faithfully obey his word. [More ](#broaden-engagement) ![briefcase and balloon icon](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Theme6.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=27&c=8348d7b7&v=785edc88c593a105f9a8f94ee0495966135b36ab1017b610790413665175d930) ### 6—PROMOTE JOY-FILLED WORK Dordt University views work as purposeful and meaningful service to the Kingdom of God. We commit to shared accountability for healthy institutional pace and personal rhythms. [More ](#joy-filled-work) ## 1—DEVELOP EFFECTIVE KINGDOM CITIZENS ### THEME GOALS - Engage faculty, staff, and students in discipleship practices and meaningful projects about what it means for us to be committed to Reformed, Christ-centered learning, both curricular and co-curricular. - Stand out in Christian higher education by reimagining what faith formation in community looks like in online learning for undergraduates and graduates. - Strengthen our learning community to foster a sense of belonging, reflect the diversity God created, and prompt us to love Jesus and our neighbors. ### WHAT WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED - Enhance [faith formation activities to promote spiritual development](https://www.dordt.edu/news/strong-commitment-to-faith-church-among-dordt-students) - Create a [Multicultural Leadership Program](https://www.dordt.edu/news/multicultural-leadership-program-continues-growth) - Establish a [gaming guild](https://voice.dordt.edu/2022/04/12/gaming-and-faith/) to provide ways for students to connect - A new dining commons called The Atrium, which is intended to help with fostering [purposeful on-campus community](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-welcomes-students-to-a-transformed-campus) ### WHAT WE'RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON - Addressing student health concerns and belonging in an [anxious generation](https://www.dordt.edu/news/momentum-with-a-mission) ## 2—ELEVATE TEACHING, LEARNING, AND SCHOLARSHIP ### THEME GOALS - Maintain, celebrate, and publicize outstanding quality of teaching and co-curricular leadership (e.g., ensembles, athletics, theatre, worship arts). - Designate leadership roles and funding for developing teaching, learning, use of technologies, worldview, and faith formation in curricular and co-curricular work with students. - Every student participates in experiential learning such as mentoring from committed constituents, a field experience, practicum, clinical, co-op, internship, research, off-campus study, service learning, or other opportunities for serviceable insight. - Expand research and field-based experiences for faculty. ### WHAT WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED - Elevate Dordt voices through relaunching the [In All Things blog](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things) - The development of the [Jim and Marilyn Dean Recital Hall and the Dean Family Performing Arts Center](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dean-family-performing-arts-center) - Establish the [Mentorship Program](https://mentoring.dordt.edu/v2/) - Create state-of-the-art facilities like the [Ag Stewardship Center](https://www.dordt.edu/about-dordt/campus-map) and [Fourth Avenue Theatre](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-theatre-arts-debuts-their-new-space) - Renovate the [Kuyper Honors Program](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/kuyper-honors-program) space - Establish [the Kielstra Center for Research and Scholarship](https://www.dordt.edu/about-dordt/offices-and-services/academic-centers/kielstra-center-research-and-grants) ### WHAT WE'RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON - Expand[ research and field-based experiences for faculty](https://www.dordt.edu/about-dordt/offices-and-services/academic-centers/kielstra-center-research-and-grants) ## 3—FUEL INNOVATION THROUGH NETWORKS AND PARTNERSHIPS ### THEME GOALS - Leverage networks, partnerships, and initiatives to achieve targets for growth in programs and centers. - Empower employees to benchmark programs and departments, set goals, research solutions, execute competitive ideas, and assess results. - Propel new and growing programs in Pro-Tech, online, graduate, continuing education, and accelerated degree programs. ### WHAT WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED - [](https://www.youtube.com/@dordtuniversityproductiona7059)Establish the Thrive Center for[ Achievement](https://www.dordt.edu/about-dordt/offices-and-services/academic-centers/thrive-center/thrive-center-for-achievement) - Begin the [agriculture service technology program](https://www.dordt.edu/news/ag-service-technology-program-takes-off) - Build [partnerships with graduate programs](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-partners-with-covenant-college-to-offer-fast-track-msw-pathway) - Create Dordt University's [Production Arts](https://www.youtube.com/@dordtuniversityproductiona7059) ### WHAT WE'RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON - Continue promoting the Mission Upside Down project - Continue to build partnerships formed through [CACE](https://www.dordt.edu/about-dordt/offices-and-services/academic-centers/center-for-the-advancement-of-christian-education) and other Dordt-affiliated centers ## 4—ENSURE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND STRENGTH ### THEME GOALS - Steward available funds (e.g., capital campaign and loans) for capital projects to implement our campus master plan to maintain and develop our learning-centered residential campus. - Prioritize Lean culture to create more value for students by using fewer resources and maintaining an organizational stop-doing list. - Rework Dordt’s model for student work. - Achieve more transparent communication and processes to provide accessible, timely information for accountable decision making. ### WHAT WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED - Achieve record enrollment year after year - Complete the [Planting for the Future](https://www.dordt.edu/planting-for-the-future) campaign - Provide versatile housing solutions such as the [Fourth Avenue Townhomes](https://www.dordt.edu/news/fourth-avenue-townhomes-add-housing-variety-at-dordt-university) and the [Squares](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-constructs-new-apartments-this-summer) ### WHAT WE'RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON - Begin construction on [housing for underclassmen](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-launches-major-housing-expansion-to-meet-record-enrollment) ## 5—DEEPEN AND BROADEN DORDT'S ENGAGEMENT ### THEME GOALS - Expand our committed constituency, Defender Nation, in order to sustain and grow student enrollment. - Grow [church relations](https://www.dordt.edu/people/todd-zuidema) to deepen our long-held relationships and foster new opportunities to partner with like-minded churches, denominations, federations, and coalitions. - [Tell our story so Dordt is known](https://www.dordt.edu/news/its-all-in-the-data-if-you-know-where-to-look) – reputation for being true to the *Educational Task*, promoting uncommon decency and civil discourse, and winning the next generation for Christ by serving and sending students. ### WHAT WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED - Construction of the [American State Bank Sports Complex](https://www.dordt.edu/about-dordt/offices-and-services/american-state-bank-sports-complex), which draws approximately 200,000 visitors each year. - Increase [parent communication](https://www.dordt.edu/news/welcoming-parents-and-their-students-to-dordt-university) - Launch new tagline and brand pillars - Hold a [record-breaking Defender Days](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-hosts-largest-ever-defender-days-weekend) - Gain national coverage for athletics through [championships](https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39818300/dordt-claims-program-first-women-naia-championship) and more - Work regularly with advisory councils such as Board of Trustees, Leadership Advisory Council, Alumni Council, Athletics Advisory Council, Agriculture Advisory Council, Music Advisory Council, and more - Provide opportunities for engagement through [political events, ](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/09/us/politics/iowa-desantis-haley-ramaswamy.html)[community events, ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/providing-dordt-students-with-opportunities-for-political-engagement)and more - Engage in [AMOR, PLIA,](https://www.dordt.edu/student-life/christ-centered/service-opportunities) and other service opportunities ### WHAT WE'RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON - Continue to implement Slate as a customer relationship management platform ## 6—PROMOTE JOY-FILLED WORK ### THEME GOALS - Define employee well-being, take baseline measurements, and hold ourselves accountable for reaching our targets for improvement. - Ensure that people know what is expected and that these expectations reflect a mutual understanding of office as well as shared accountability for healthy institutional pace and personal rhythms. - Develop shared leadership values for hiring, people development, decision making, communication, accountability, and celebration to be used across the institution, with modeling from Cabinet leaders. ### WHAT WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED - Continue the Summer Seminar Series - Establish faculty and staff coffee times along with other community-building endeavors - Intentionally monitoring employee satisfaction and responding through ongoing professional development opportunities, and health and wellness initiatives - Implemented payroll process improvements and streamlined the hiring, selection and onboarding process through enhanced technology and workflow redesign ### WHAT WE'RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON - Increase campus communication among employees - Provide wellness initiatives to employees ## Connect with Us [### Visit Dordt Schedule a virtual or in-person visit to Dordt's campus. We look forward to showing you around! Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/admissions-and-aid/visit-dordt) [### Apply Now Now is a great time to apply to Dordt University! Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/admissions-and-aid/apply-now) [### Give to Dordt Learn how you can give back to Dordt University. Your support enables us to continue providing seriously Christian education for generations to come. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/about-dordt/give-to-dordt)