David Zietsma
Dr. David Zietsma
President, Redeemer University
Hamilton, ON
About the Presenter
Dr. Zietsma brings a wealth of experience, passion and vision to the president position. Prior to his current role, he had served as Redeemer’s interim president since May 2021, and as provost and vice president, academic prior to that, helping to accomplish Redeemer’s mission through a comprehensive vision that integrates university education and student development where faith, life and learning are vitally connected. As interim president, he provided crucial leadership in building an effective administrative team, leading the university’s Covid-19 response, and continuing to enhance a cohesive partnership between curricular and co-curricular programs, activities and staff.
Previous to 2020, Dr. Zietsma served in the vice president, external relations and enrolment position, working closely with stakeholders to increase Redeemer’s reach and impact. He also served as dean of humanities from 2010 to 2015, while also holding the appointment of associate provost, curriculum from 2013 to 2015. As a member of president’s council, he was deeply involved in developing the Redeemer 2020 Strategic Plan. He also led the development of the new core curriculum, which has been instrumental in getting students to think beyond the boundaries of their major area of study, integrating faith, life and learning. As vice president, external relations and enrolment, Dr. Zietsma helped lead new efforts in student recruitment, fundraising, and marketing, including tuition restructuring and the Re Campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in Redeemer’s history.
About the Presentation
Title: Higher Education, Faith, and Innovation: Navigating Challenges in a Rapidly-Changing Sector
Higher education has been transformed in the past decades with changes in modes of delivery, online technologies, the importance of in-person instruction, blended delivery models, the role of foreign student enrolment and recently the impact of AI. Higher education institutions have been buffeted and Christian higher education institutions have had their financial models challenged. In addition, Christian higher education institutions face the additional challenges of increasing antagonism from governments and society who see them as not aligned with mainstream societal values. How to navigate these challenges and what are the lessons for Christian leaders of businesses and non-profit organizations?
In this session, Rick Goossen will discuss with Dr. David Zietsma, President, Redeemer University, Hamilton, ON, the shifting landscape of higher education and the necessity of entrepreneurial leadership within Christian institutions. Dr. Zietsma will share how Redeemer reversed a period of declining enrolment by implementing bold strategies, such as revenue restructuring and helping to develop a “university” designation process in Ontario.
The conversation highlights the value of Christian universities to the marketplace, noting their role in developing high-integrity employees and providing essential economic opportunities for local businesses. In addition, the discussion will highlight how thriving Christian universities serve as a vital frontline for protecting religious freedoms and equipping the next generation of leaders across all sectors of society.