Northwestern announces staff changes

Several staff members at Northwestern College are in new roles as the fall semester approaches.

Ron De Jong, formerly dean of enrollment services, has been appointed associate vice president of development. A member of the admissions staff since 1971, De Jong will renew acquaintances with alumni and friends of the college as he works in fund raising.

De Jong will also provide leadership for the development office while John Greller, vice president for development, is on medical leave. Greller has been suffering from complications from a kidney and pancreas transplant in 2001 and plans to undergo a new kidney transplant in September. De Jong will work closely with Jay Wielenga, director of development, who will provide administrative direction for Northwestern’s forthcoming capital campaign.

In light of De Jong’s transition, Mark Bloemendaal, director of admissions, and Gerry Korver, director of financial aid, will serve as co-directors of enrollment services. In addition, Rachel Van Roekel, a member of the admissions staff since 1999, has been promoted to associate director of admissions and Nick Scholten, a member of the admissions staff for the last two years, has been named assistant director of enrollment with responsibility for special projects in the financial aid office. Rachel Van Den Broek, a 2002 Northwestern alumna who previously served as outreach librarian at Cornerstone University, joins the staff as an admissions counselor.

Two employees in the registrar’s office have been promoted as Charlie Couch, registrar and director of institutional research, has assumed more research responsibilities. Sandy Van Kley, a member of the staff since 2001, has been named associate registrar. Deb Wolthuizen, who joined the office in 2003, is serving as assistant registrar.

Barry Lawrensen returns to the audiovisual department after a two-year leave to teach at Black Forest Academy, a school for missionary kids in Germany.

In student affairs, Marlon Haverdink has been appointed director of leadership development and resident director of Bolks Apartments. A 1997 graduate of Northwestern, he previously served his alma mater as an admissions counselor and as resident director of Colenbrander Hall. He returns to campus after earning a master’s degree in higher education at Geneva College in Pennsylvania.

Other new full-time staff members include Brandon Van Marel, a 2002 Northwestern graduate who recently completed a master’s degree in higher education at Geneva College, as resident director of Colenbrander Hall; Lisa Barber, a graduate of Taylor University, as resident director of Fern Smith Hall; Gina Greene, a certified athletic trainer who graduated from Northwestern in 2001, as clinical coordinator and assistant athletic trainer; and Isaiah Lockard, a 2005 Northwestern alumnus, as help desk manager in the computing services department.

Previously announced new administrators include Dr. Jasper Lesage, vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. John Brogan, vice president for student development. Announcements were also made earlier about two new coaches, Kyle Van Den Bosch in volleyball, and Matt McCartney, defensive coordinator in football.