Calvin College Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Calvin College has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, information technology, operations, and academic leadership.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development, Calvin College equips students to think deeply, act justly, and live wholeheartedly as Christ's agents of renewal in the world, impacting global communities through robust academic programs and extensive international engagement.

Leadership Roles at Calvin College

  • Chief Financial Officer - Phill Derberge
  • Interim Chief Operating Officer - Laura Coulier
  • President - Terry Plantinga
  • Residence Hall Executive Team President - Janice Htwe
  • President - Samuel Asamoah
  • University President - Gregory Elzinga
  • Founder & President - Emily Steen
  • Co President - Shannon McNerney
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Robert Bobeldyk
  • Associate Chief Information Officer, Technology & Infrastructure - Lucas Moore
  • Phill Derberge - Chief Financial Officer

    Phill Derberge, the Chief Financial Officer at Calvin College, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, Derberge ensures the institution's long-term financial health and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing revenue streams, and maintaining compliance with all financial regulations. By analyzing financial data and forecasting future needs, Phill Derberge directly supports the college's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to campus-wide financial management, ensuring efficient use of resources across all departments and academic programs, thereby reinforcing the college's commitment to its students and stakeholders.

    Laura Coulier - Interim Chief Operating Officer

    Laura Coulier, the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Calvin College, directs the comprehensive operational framework supporting the college's academic and administrative functions. Coulier oversees campus services, facilities management, human resources, and strategic planning implementation, ensuring efficient resource utilization and operational excellence across all departments. This leadership position involves optimizing daily operations to enhance the student and employee experience, while also driving initiatives that align with the college's mission. By managing key operational areas, Laura Coulier ensures that the campus environment effectively supports learning, research, and community engagement. The Interim Chief Operating Officer's focus on operational efficiency and strategic execution is vital to Calvin College's continued growth and impact.

    Terry Plantinga - President

    Terry Plantinga, the President at Calvin College, provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Plantinga guides the college's mission, academic programs, and community engagement, fostering an environment of intellectual rigor and spiritual formation. This paramount role involves representing Calvin College to external stakeholders, including alumni, donors, and the broader community, while championing its core values. By setting the institutional agenda, Terry Plantinga ensures that Calvin College continues to equip students to think deeply, act justly, and live wholeheartedly as Christ's agents of renewal. The President's leadership is central to advancing the college's reputation and its commitment to transformative education.

    Janice Htwe - Residence Hall Executive Team President

    Janice Htwe, the Residence Hall Executive Team President at Calvin College, leads initiatives focused on enhancing the residential student experience and fostering community within campus housing. Htwe oversees the development and implementation of programs and policies designed to support student well-being, safety, and engagement in residence halls. This role involves collaborating with student leaders and administrative staff to create a positive and inclusive living-learning environment. By championing student needs and advocating for improvements in residential life, Janice Htwe directly contributes to the holistic development of Calvin College students. The Residence Hall Executive Team President's dedication ensures that campus housing serves as a vibrant and supportive space for all residents.

    Samuel Asamoah - President

    Samuel Asamoah, the President at Calvin College, drives the strategic vision and operational execution of the institution's academic and administrative endeavors. Asamoah focuses on advancing the college's mission to prepare students for lives of service and leadership, fostering an environment of academic excellence and Christian commitment. This key leadership position involves overseeing all facets of college operations, from curriculum development to campus expansion, ensuring alignment with institutional goals. By guiding strategic initiatives, Samuel Asamoah strengthens Calvin College's position as a leading liberal arts institution. The President's commitment to innovation and student success is fundamental to the college's ongoing impact and its ability to serve a diverse student body.

    Gregory Elzinga - University President

    Gregory Elzinga, the University President at Calvin College, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the institution's academic and administrative functions. Elzinga is dedicated to upholding and advancing the college's mission, fostering an environment that encourages deep thinking, just action, and wholehearted living. This critical role involves guiding institutional priorities, overseeing faculty and staff development, and ensuring the financial stability and growth of the university. By championing academic innovation and student success, Gregory Elzinga reinforces Calvin College's commitment to preparing graduates for meaningful contributions to the world. The University President's vision is instrumental in shaping the future of the institution and its impact on higher education.

    Emily Steen - Founder & President

    Emily Steen, the Founder & President at Calvin College, established and continues to lead the institution with a vision for transformative education. Steen is dedicated to cultivating an academic environment that empowers students to engage critically with the world and to live out their faith through service. This foundational role involves setting the strategic direction, fostering a strong institutional culture, and ensuring the college remains true to its founding principles. By guiding the college's development, Emily Steen ensures that Calvin College consistently equips its students to be agents of renewal in their communities and professions. The Founder & President's enduring commitment shapes the college's identity and its profound impact on its students.

    Shannon McNerney - Co President

    Shannon McNerney, the Co President at Calvin College, shares leadership responsibilities, focusing on advancing the institution's strategic objectives and operational effectiveness. McNerney collaborates to enhance academic programs, foster student success, and strengthen the college's community engagement initiatives. This role involves working closely with other leaders to ensure cohesive decision-making and efficient resource allocation across all departments. By contributing to the college's leadership, Shannon McNerney supports Calvin College's mission to prepare students for lives of purpose and impact. The Co President's dedication to collaborative leadership ensures the continued growth and vitality of the institution.

    Robert Bobeldyk - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Robert Bobeldyk, the Associate Chief Information Officer at Calvin College, spearheads critical aspects of the institution's technology infrastructure and digital services. Bobeldyk focuses on enhancing the technological capabilities that support academic research, student learning, and administrative functions. This involves managing IT projects, ensuring system reliability, and implementing innovative solutions to meet evolving educational demands. By collaborating with faculty and staff, Robert Bobeldyk drives the integration of technology to improve operational efficiency and enrich the overall campus experience. The Associate Chief Information Officer's strategic direction ensures that Calvin College remains at the forefront of technological advancement in higher education, supporting its mission to equip students for impactful lives.

    Lucas Moore - Associate Chief Information Officer, Technology & Infrastructure

    Lucas Moore, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Technology & Infrastructure at Calvin College, architects and maintains the foundational technology systems that power the institution. Moore's responsibilities encompass the management of network infrastructure, server environments, cybersecurity protocols, and hardware lifecycle. This critical role ensures the stability, security, and scalability of Calvin College's digital backbone, directly supporting academic continuity and administrative operations. By overseeing technology infrastructure, Lucas Moore enables seamless access to digital resources for students, faculty, and staff across campus and globally. The Associate Chief Information Officer's dedication to robust infrastructure underpins the college's ability to deliver cutting-edge educational experiences and maintain operational excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Calvin College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Calvin College?
    Calvin College is led by Phill Derberge (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Laura Coulier (Interim Chief Operating Officer) and Terry Plantinga (President).
    Who is part of Calvin College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Calvin College includes leaders such as Phill Derberge (Chief Financial Officer), Laura Coulier (Interim Chief Operating Officer), Terry Plantinga (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Calvin College have?
    Calvin College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Calvin College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Calvin College includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Interim Chief Operating Officer, President, Residence Hall Executive Team President, President.