Former Dordt University athletic director and men’s basketball coach Dr. Ross Douma is returning to the Sioux Center university as its executive director of development.
Douma will lead Dordt’s development programs, including major gifts, corporate and foundation donations, the Annual Fund, and alumni relations. His appointment is part of a succession plan as longtime Director of Development Lyle Huisman transitions into a senior gift officer role.
Douma has served as president of Avail Academy in Minnesota’s Twin Cities since December 2023. He previously served as Dordt’s director of athletics from 2019 to 2023 and head men’s basketball coach from 2009 to 2018.
“Dordt profoundly shaped me, both personally and professionally, so I am genuinely excited to return to a community and mission that have meant so much to my family and me,” Douma says.
Experience in Leadership and Fundraising
Dordt Vice President for Advancement and Marketing Dr. Brandon Huisman says Douma brings an understanding of the university developed through several leadership roles.
“Having spent 15 years at Dordt as a coach, athletic director, cabinet member, and instructor, Ross has a unique understanding of our mission, culture, alumni, and supporters,” Huisman says.
According to the university, Douma helped increase fundraising efforts at Avail by 105% from 2024 to 2026.
During his earlier tenure at Dordt, he helped grow the Defender Gold Club, which supports university athletics. He also helped facilitate the partnership with the City of Sioux Center that led to construction of the American State Bank Sports Complex and assisted with early fundraising for the university’s athletic center renovation.
Douma says relationships will be central to his new role.
“Development work is ultimately about relationships: listening to people, learning their stories, understanding why they care about Dordt, and inviting them to support a mission with eternal implications,” Douma says.
Transition for Development Leadership
Douma will work closely with Lyle Huisman during the leadership transition. Huisman has served Dordt for 18 years, mentoring the major gifts team and developing donor relationships across North America.
“I am eager to see how Ross’ proven leadership and positive impact will continue to cultivate excellence within the Dordt Development Team,” Lyle Huisman says. “He is passionate about Dordt and the bright future of our mission.”
Dordt President Dr. Erik Hoekstra says Douma’s previous university leadership roles and experience in Christian education prepare him for the position. Douma is also the parent of Dordt graduates and a current student.
Earlier in his career, Douma served as an administrator and athletic coach at Southwest Chicago Christian Schools and taught and coached in the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District.
He holds doctoral and educational specialist degrees in educational leadership and administration from the University of South Dakota, a master’s degree in education from Governors State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College in Iowa.
