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On a clear and sunny Southern California day, the leadership of Providence Christian College changed hands as Dr. J. Derek Halvorson assumed his official duties as college president. President Halvorson has anticipated this day since his appointment to the presidential post in January, and after months of planning for his move to California, President Halvorson stated that he is thrilled to finally be on campus.
“I am excited about the mission of the college and the opportunities that lie in front of us," he said, "and am delighted to be joining such a gifted and passionate group of people in an endeavor that I believe to be of strategic importance for the kingdom of Christ.
"The world needs thoughtful, grounded, engaged Christians, and Providence is positioned—with its commitment to the authority of Scripture, its access to the theological riches of the Reformed tradition, and a faculty dedicated to discipling students in heart and mind—to offer those sorts of graduates to complex and ever-changing global society.”
President Halvorson will be joined by his wife Wendy, his son Banks (7) and daughter Whitman (4) in late July. The Halvorsons are looking forward to a family road trip across the country and to settling into the Providence family and the surrounding community. The Halvorsons are enrolling their children at Ontario Christian School for the fall term.
Former President Jim Den Ouden completed his 37 years in Christian education on Tuesday, June 30. One of his final acts while in office was signing the diplomas of the 14 students in the first graduating class of Providence as he commented what a blessing and privilege it was to be used by the Lord in this way.
President Halvorson is joined by other staff and faculty joining the college or changing positions on July 1. These include Troy Lamberth, Assistant Professor of Communications; Ruby Snieder (Providence alumna), Resident Director and Development Assistant; Justin Bleeker, transitioning from Assistant Director of Admissions to Director of Student Activities; Sandy Nanninga, Event Coordinator; David Ligtenberg, Resident Director; and Lynn Hoekstra, Academic Support Center and Instructor of Education. Max Belz will also join the staff as an Admissions Counselor in late August.
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