ACE is proud to announce that Shirley V. Hoogstra, former president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) and a visionary leader in Christian higher education, will serve as an ACE Senior Fellow.
Hoogstra is co-chair of the
ACE Commission on Faith-Based Colleges and Universities, which is set to host its second convening on June 9 in Washington, DC.
Shirley V. Hoogstra
A passionate advocate for the role of Christian higher education in advancing the common good, Hoogstra began her tenure as CCCU’s seventh president in September 2014. Her leadership was marked by a strong commitment to high-quality, Christ-centered liberal arts education that holistically shapes students.
As CCCU president, Hoogstra skillfully represented member institutions in Washington, DC, advocating for the role of Christian colleges and universities within the broader higher education landscape. Her leadership emphasized the importance of formative communities and the development of students’ hearts, souls, and minds. A lifelong educator, she championed professional development for campus leaders, supported faculty scholarship and teaching, and promoted the CCCU’s immersive BestSemester programs. Notably, she prioritized efforts to expand diversity and inclusion on CCCU campuses, working to ensure that students and faculty of color are fully integrated members of their academic communities.
Hoogstra holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Calvin College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She spent over a decade as a litigation partner before answering a call to serve Christian higher education full-time at her alma mater, Calvin College, where she became vice president for student life. While at Calvin, she also co-hosted the nationally televised PBS show
Inner Compass, engaging in insightful conversations with more than 150 thought leaders.
“Shirley Hoogstra is a truly visionary leader whose passion for Christian higher education and its vital role in society is deeply inspiring,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “Her extensive experience in law, higher education administration, and national advocacy—coupled with her unwavering commitment to student development and inclusive excellence—will make her an invaluable Senior Fellow. We are eager to welcome her insights and expertise as we work to strengthen the entire higher education ecosystem.”
“I am delighted to join ACE as a Senior Fellow and contribute to its important mission of advancing knowledge, equity, and social progress through postsecondary education,” said Hoogstra. “I look forward to collaborating with ACE and colleagues across the nation to champion the unique contributions of diverse institutions, including those rooted in Christian faith, and to foster environments where all students can flourish and reach their full potential.”
“Shirley’s understanding of the complexities and opportunities within faith-based higher education, combined with her proven ability to bridge diverse perspectives, will be a significant asset to ACE,” said ACE Senior Vice President Derrick Anderson. “Her leadership in promoting both academic excellence and inclusive communities aligns perfectly with ACE’s goals, and we are thrilled to have her join us.”
The 2025 convening of the ACE Commission on Faith-Based Colleges and Universities at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will feature keynote speakers and sessions aimed at elevating the contributions of religious and faith-based institutions and encouraging collaboration with non-religious colleges and universities.
The convening is free to attend, but due to space limitations, registration is required by May 26.
Click here to learn more and to register.