ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Ross Bouma has been appointed as Northwestern’s faculty athletic representative (FAR), beginning in the 2023-24 academic year.
“I’m thankful that President Christy, Dr. Phinney, and the athletic department administration has entrusted me with this opportunity,” Bouma commented. “Dr. Byron Noordewier has done exceptional work as the FAR for decades and I am grateful for his mentorship in the transition process. I look forward to working with student-athletes, coaches, administration, faculty, and staff as we strive to follow Christ and pursue God’s redeeming work in all areas of our lives.”
In the role, Bouma will be responsible for working with the athletic director, coaches, and the registrar to ensure that all student-athletes are eligible for competition. He will also attend Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) meetings on behalf of Northwestern to discuss legislative changes and uphold the conference’s academic integrity.
“We are excited to have Ross step into this very crucial role,” said Interim Athletic Director Rik Dahl. “His attention to detail and professionalism will help make the transition from Dr. Noordewier a smooth one. He loves Northwestern athletics and will help us continue our pursuit to honor Christ through excellence.”
Bouma has been a professor in Northwestern’s kinesiology department, where he is the department chair, for the last seven years after previously teaching and coaching at Unity Christian High School for 16 years. He is a graduate of Dordt University (formerly Dordt College), and earned a Master’s in Athletic Administration from Idaho State University and an Ed. D. in Kinesiology from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Bouma is a member of the Christian Society for Kinesiology and Leisure Studies (CSKLS) and the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM).
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Bouma is a volunteer EMT for the Orange City Area Health System. He and his wife, Angie, have two children, James and Jenna, who are both student-athletes at Northwestern.
Bouma replaces Dr. Byron Noodewier as Northwestern’s faculty athletic representative, who held the role for 30 years. Noordewier will continue his work as the Eligibility Chair for the GPAC.
