Greg Elzinga Becomes 13th Calvin President
Calvin University is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Elzinga as its 13th president. The appointment was unanimously approved by the Calvin University Board of Trustees based on the recommendation of the presidential search committee.
Elzinga, a long-time member and former deacon and elder of Cascade Fellowship CRC in Grand Rapids, Mich., has been serving as interim president since March 2024. University leaders say he has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, vision, and commitment to the university during a period of significant transition.
“We are delighted to confirm Greg Elzinga as the next president of Calvin University,” said Bruce Los, chair of the board of trustees. “Greg's experience, wisdom, and deep connection to the Calvin community, both in the U.S. and around the world, make him the right leader at this critical time.”
“Every aspect of my life has been profoundly shaped and influenced through my time at Calvin as a student, staff member, and administrator,” said Elzinga. “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as Calvin’s president and feel extraordinarily blessed to work alongside a highly talented and experienced leadership team. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni are what make this such an incredible opportunity. Praise God for his faithfulness. I’m excited to see how the Lord will guide us together in the future.”
Elzinga’s appointment follows an extensive summer of listening, discernment, and prayer. Throughout this process, the search committee sought feedback from students, faculty, staff, and university leadership on the qualities needed in the next president. The committee prioritized attributes, including having a Christian commitment, an ability to serve as a dynamic external ambassador, an influential fundraiser, and as a steadfast advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). They found Elzinga to exemplify these qualities, making him the ideal leader for Calvin's future.
As a first-generation college student with a distinguished background in faith-based global engagement, Elzinga brings a unique perspective to this role. The committee said his leadership is defined by empathy, adaptability, and a clear vision for Calvin's growth. Under his interim leadership, Calvin has focused on expanding enrollment, fostering a vibrant campus culture, and strategically investing in infrastructure.
“In this next season, we are focused on leveraging comprehensive enrollment growth, making disciplined investments in infrastructure, strengthening workplace culture, and fundraising,” said Elzinga. “Our shared strategy will drive us toward success and ensure that Calvin University continues to thrive and serve our community effectively.”
The board of trustees formed a presidential search committee earlier this year, tasking the team with identifying the best candidate to lead Calvin University. While a traditional search might have brought in new external candidates, the feedback from Calvin's stakeholders repeatedly pointed back to the exceptional leadership that Elzinga has provided during his time as interim president. The board and search committee agreed that Elzinga’s proven ability to navigate challenges with resilience and his dedication to Calvin's mission make him the best leader for this moment.
“We are deeply grateful for God's providence in guiding our search process and bringing us to this moment. The dedication and hard work of each committee member has been instrumental in this journey,” stated Perrin Rynders, chair of the presidential search committee. “I thank each of them for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts. Together we have witnessed the unfolding of God's plan for Calvin University.”
As president, Elzinga says he will aim to continue to lead Calvin University with integrity, focusing on strengthening the university’s reputation for Christ-centered academic excellence, fostering innovation, and engaging the broader Calvin community.
