Ƶ was ranked #2 in Best Undergraduate Teaching among Regional Universities Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, recognizing the university’s Christ-centered faculty who equip students to grow in knowledge, wisdom, and faith through exceptional teaching across disciplines.
Ƶ has been ranked #2 in Best Undergraduate Teaching among Regional Universities Midwest in the “” rankings.
The ranking recognizes colleges and universities where faculty and administrators demonstrate an exceptional commitment to teaching undergraduate students. According to U.S. News & World Report, these rankings are based solely on a peer assessment survey conducted in spring and summer 2025, in which top academics were asked to identify schools with faculty who excel in undergraduate teaching.
“The classroom at Ƶis a place where students are encouraged to ask big questions, explore widely, and connect what they’re learning to everyday life—all through the lens of Christ-centered learning,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leah Zuidema says. “Our faculty lead the way in making that experience transformative. I hope this recognition helps more families to consider Ƶ as their college of choice because it is a place where students are equipped not only with knowledge, but also to grow in wisdom and in their Christian faith.”
That commitment to teaching is lived out across disciplines. Professor of Engineering Dr. Kevin Timmer says that Ƶstudents bring both curiosity and conviction to the classroom. “Our students come from all over North America and the world, and it’s exciting to discover that they, just like me, are eager to explore how to serve God and neighbor through the gifts God has given them,” he says. “At its core, teaching is mentoring the heart.”
Dr. Abby De Groot, associate professor of education, is most excited when she sees students’ genuine passion and interest shine through. “I love my work because I am daily unfolding God’s creation,” she says. “It is an act of worship and a sacred experience to teach these college students, pray for and with them, and be a small part of shaping the way that they know God and His world.”
For Professor of Business Dr. Brian Hoekstra, helping students see their work as service to God and neighbor is central to his teaching. “Students come to Ƶbecause they want to live meaningful, purposeful lives that matter to God,” he says. “Doing business is one expression of that calling. It’s a way to live out the Cultural Mandate and the Great Commission by loving God through serving others.”
Ƶ continues to be recognized among the top regional universities in the Midwest, ranking #5 overall and #5 in Best Value Schools in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s regional rankings.
About Ƶ
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Ƶ equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Ƶis a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
Ƶ hosted 102 high school students from 11 schools for the 2025 Math Challenge on October 9, where participants competed in individual and team math exams, attended breakout sessions with Ƶfaculty, and explored future opportunities in mathematics.
Maren Hettinga, a senior studying K-12 music education at Ƶ, will give a trumpet recital on Saturday, November 1. The recital will feature a variety of arrangements, including an original trumpet fanfare by Dr. Onsby Rose.
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