Calvin College Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Calvin College has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, information technology, and university 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 agents of renewal in the world, fostering a vibrant academic community on its Grand Rapids campus.

Leadership Roles at Calvin College

  • Chief Financial Officer - Phill Derberge
  • Interim Chief Operating Officer - Laura Coulier
  • University President - Gregory Elzinga
  • Co President - Shannon McNerney
  • Residence Hall Executive Team President - Janice Htwe
  • Co President - Tanya Peter
  • Founder & President - Emily Steen
  • President - Terry Plantinga
  • 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 fiscal operations and financial strategy. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, Derberge ensures the fiscal health and sustainability of the institution. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing revenue streams, and maintaining compliance with financial regulations. By analyzing financial data, Phill Derberge provides critical insights to support institutional decision-making and long-term strategic goals. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to managing endowments, grants, and all financial reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability across the college's operations. This position is vital for maintaining the college's operational capacity and supporting its educational mission.

    Laura Coulier - Interim Chief Operating Officer

    Laura Coulier, the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Calvin College, manages the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the university. This executive role encompasses oversight of campus facilities, human resources, and essential support services that enable the academic mission. Coulier drives operational efficiency and effectiveness across various departments, ensuring seamless integration of services. The Interim Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include developing and implementing policies that support the college's strategic objectives and enhance the campus environment for students and faculty. By coordinating cross-departmental initiatives, Laura Coulier ensures that operational resources are aligned with the college's commitment to academic excellence and student success. This leadership position is crucial for maintaining a functional and supportive campus infrastructure.

    Gregory Elzinga - University President

    Gregory Elzinga, the University President at Calvin College, provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. This paramount role involves setting the overarching mission, values, and long-term goals for the college, ensuring its continued academic excellence and institutional integrity. Elzinga engages with stakeholders across the university and broader community, fostering relationships and advocating for the college's mission. The University President's responsibilities include overseeing all academic and administrative functions, guiding faculty and staff, and ensuring the financial stability and growth of the college. By championing innovation and upholding the college's foundational principles, Gregory Elzinga drives Calvin College's commitment to educating students for service and leadership in the world. This position is central to the college's identity and future trajectory.

    Shannon McNerney - Co President

    Shannon McNerney, the Co President at Calvin College, shares executive leadership responsibilities, contributing to the strategic vision and operational oversight of the university. This collaborative role involves working closely with other leaders to advance the college's mission and enhance its academic programs and student experience. McNerney focuses on key initiatives that support institutional growth and development, ensuring alignment with the college's core values. The Co President's duties include fostering a positive campus culture, engaging with the wider community, and supporting faculty and staff in their endeavors. By jointly guiding the institution, Shannon McNerney helps to ensure that Calvin College continues to equip students to think deeply and act justly. This shared leadership position is vital for driving forward the college's objectives.

    Janice Htwe - Residence Hall Executive Team President

    Janice Htwe, the Residence Hall Executive Team President at Calvin College, leads the student leadership team responsible for residential life operations. This role focuses on enhancing the living-learning environment within the college's residence halls, ensuring a supportive and engaging experience for students. Htwe oversees initiatives related to student well-being, community building, and the enforcement of residence hall policies. The Residence Hall Executive Team President's responsibilities include managing student staff, coordinating programming, and serving as a liaison between students and college administration. By championing student needs and fostering a sense of belonging, Janice Htwe contributes significantly to the overall student experience at Calvin College. This leadership position is crucial for maintaining vibrant and safe residential communities.

    Tanya Peter - Co President

    Tanya Peter, the Co President at Calvin College, collaborates with fellow leaders to shape the strategic direction and operational execution of the university. This executive function involves contributing to the development and implementation of institutional priorities, ensuring the college effectively serves its student body. Peter works to foster an environment of academic rigor and personal growth, aligning departmental efforts with the college's mission. The Co President's responsibilities include overseeing specific strategic areas, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing the college's reputation. By jointly leading the institution, Tanya Peter supports Calvin College's commitment to preparing students for meaningful lives of service and leadership. This shared leadership role is essential for advancing the college's comprehensive goals.

    Emily Steen - Founder & President

    Emily Steen, the Founder & President at Calvin College, established the institution with a foundational vision for higher education. This pioneering role involves setting the initial strategic direction and establishing the core values that guide the college's operations and academic pursuits. Steen's leadership focuses on cultivating an environment that fosters deep thinking, just action, and wholehearted living among students. The Founder & President's responsibilities include championing the college's unique educational philosophy and ensuring its enduring impact on students and the wider world. By providing foundational leadership, Emily Steen has shaped Calvin College into an institution dedicated to forming Christ's agents of renewal. This historic role continues to influence the college's enduring mission and legacy.

    Terry Plantinga - President

    Terry Plantinga, the President at Calvin College, provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for the university's comprehensive operations. This critical role involves guiding the institution's mission, fostering academic excellence, and ensuring the college's continued growth and development. Plantinga directs efforts to enhance the student experience, support faculty research, and strengthen the college's community engagement. The President's responsibilities include managing institutional resources, advocating for the college's interests, and upholding its core values. By leading with a focus on innovation and integrity, Terry Plantinga ensures that Calvin College remains a distinguished institution committed to preparing students for impactful lives. This leadership position is fundamental to the college's ongoing success and its commitment to its founding principles.

    Robert Bobeldyk - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Robert Bobeldyk, the Associate Chief Information Officer at Calvin College, supports the strategic direction and execution of information technology initiatives. This role focuses on enhancing the technological infrastructure and digital services that underpin the college's academic and administrative functions. Bobeldyk collaborates on developing IT policies and procedures, ensuring the security and reliability of the college's digital assets. The Associate Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include managing IT projects, evaluating new technologies, and ensuring that technology solutions effectively support the college's mission. By overseeing key IT operations, Robert Bobeldyk contributes to creating a robust and modern technological environment that empowers students and faculty. This position is integral to advancing the college's digital capabilities and operational resilience.

    Lucas Moore - Associate Chief Information Officer, Technology & Infrastructure

    Lucas Moore, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Technology & Infrastructure at Calvin College, directs the development and maintenance of the college's technological backbone. This executive function involves managing the physical and virtual infrastructure that supports all campus IT services, including networks, servers, and data storage. Moore oversees projects related to hardware upgrades, system integrations, and ensuring the scalability and security of the college's technology environment. The Associate Chief Information Officer, Technology & Infrastructure's leadership ensures that the college's IT systems are robust, reliable, and capable of supporting current and future academic and administrative needs. By focusing on infrastructure resilience, Lucas Moore plays a critical role in safeguarding institutional data and ensuring continuous access to essential digital resources for the Calvin College community.

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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 Gregory Elzinga (University 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), Gregory Elzinga (University 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, University President, Co President, Residence Hall Executive Team President.