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Dr. Jeff Ploegstra appointed to serve on Iowa Governor's STEM advisory council
Dr. Jeff Ploegstra has been appointed to serve on the Iowa Governor's STEM advisory council, working alongside other council members to promote STEM education in Iowa.
Dr. Jeff Ploegstra, dean for foundational and health sciences and professor of biology at Ƶ, has recently been appointed to the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council as a Regional Advisory Board.
According to the website, “The STEM Council is Iowa's edu-nomic development initiative to invigorate the PK-12 talent pipeline toward STEM careers.”
In his role, Ploegstra will partner with other council members from education, business, and civic sectors across the state to help promote STEM education in Iowa. “There are several programs that provide support and resources directly to schools,” explains Ploegstra. “Another program provides resources for business-school partnerships, and another provides awards recognizing exemplary STEM teachers.”
“Council members review applications and proposals for these programs and awards, and they also volunteer at Science fairs and other STEM events in schools and at statewide events like county fairs,” he adds.
"“When Christians serve on public boards, we bring not only professional expertise but also a posture of service and renewal that seeks the good of our neighbors."
Ƶ’s faculty remains committed to service and scholarship. According to Dr. Leah Zuidema, vice president for academic affairs at Dordt, Ploegstra’s new role is an example of that commitment. “Dr. Ploegstra’s service on the Iowa STEM Council is a natural extension of Dordt’s mission to equip students, alumni, and the broader community for Christ-centered renewal in all areas of life,” she says. “We need more Christians actively involved in STEM fields, and I appreciate Dr. Ploegstra’s willingness to be involved in shaping the future of STEM education so that there is space for Christian perspectives in STEM.”
“I am happy to be of service to this corner of the state and to build connections with other STEM professionals through my work on the council,” adds Ploegstra.
This appointment is a reminder that Christians are called to use their gifts to serve and promote flourishing in their local communities. “When Christians serve on public boards, we bring not only professional expertise but also a posture of service and renewal that seeks the good of our neighbors,” says Zuidema. “Participation in statewide STEM initiatives is one way that Dordt’s leaders can contribute to shaping education and innovation with wisdom, care, and integrity.”
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.
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