Archives: Press Releases

Contact:
Angie Fratto | Asst. Director, Marketing & Communications | 708.239.4878

For Immediate Release

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL, October 9, 2023 – Trinity Christian College announced today that the Board of Trustees has confirmed Dr. Aaron Kuecker as the College’s ninth president. Kuecker has served as interim president since April 2022.

“Over the past year, Kuecker has shown clear direction and vision for the mission and future of Trinity Christian College. We are excited for this new phase in his leadership and the momentum he has created to carry forward,” stated Cal Tameling, Chair of the Board.

Previously, Kuecker served as the College’s Provost since July 2016. Kuecker previously served as Associate Professor of Theology and Director of General Education at Trinity from 2008-2013 before joining LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, where held several roles, including Dean of the School of Theology & Vocation, Professor of Theology, and Director of the Honors College. Kuecker returned to Trinity as Provost in July 2016.

Kuecker’s academic work has primarily focused on identity formation in the early Christian church, with an emphasis on New Testament studies and biblical theology. He received his Ph.D. in New Testament studies from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, his M.Div. from Western Theological Seminary, and his B.A. in political science from Central College. Before earning his Ph.D., Kuecker served as associate pastor and youth pastor at Community Reformed Church in Zeeland, MI.

Kuecker’s confirmation as President of Trinity comes during an exciting time for the College. In the past year, Trinity launched a set of strategies aimed at radically reducing student loan debt while creating innovative approaches to student wellbeing and vocational formation. The Wellbeing Wednesdays, Earn, Network, and Learn, and Tuition Transparency and Access initiatives have launched a revised economic model that opens the door of access to those who desire Christian higher education.

“Each of the initiatives we set in motion this past year is rooted in the Christian vision of how God made the world to be filled with abundance and gifting that should inspire deep generosity and connection,” said Kuecker. “We are committed to continually asking ourselves, ‘What if a college structured itself with the belief that we were made for cooperation and not competition? What if we dare to believe that there is enough time for students to be well and partnerships to thrive?’ Those Christian convictions were the soil in which each of these initiatives took root. I am excited and honored to lead this community forward toward this vision.”

“It has taken the work of the entire campus to move Trinity in these exciting, mission-driven directions,” Kuecker continued. “The transformation and progress we have seen over the past year is a testament to the expert and dedicated faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, and community we have supporting the mission.”

Tameling concluded, “Trinity is blessed with extraordinary leaders like Kuecker and other executive team members who are well equipped with strong leadership skills, passion, and faithful commitment to lead. We look forward to Kuecker’s leadership in the areas of our current core priorities and the ongoing implementation of Board-endorsed resolutions for diversity and belonging at Trinity.”

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About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs through bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses of study. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture. Trinity was recently ranked in the top tier at #15 for Regional Colleges – Midwest by U.S. News and World Report and a Top Value in the Midwest.

To learn more, visit trnty.edu.

Contact:
Angie Fratto | Marketing and Media Manager | 708.239.4878

For Immediate Release

Palos Heights, Ill. – Yesterday at Trinity Christian College, two college presidents officially forged a long-standing partnership. Interim President Dr. Aaron J. Kuecker of Trinity Christian College and President Sylvia Jenkins of Moraine Valley Community College signed the Guaranteed Admission Partnership (GAP), establishing a smoother transition for Moraine’s students as they enter Trinity. The GAP is primarily designed “to promote the utilization of…resources to offer students a range of educational opportunities [within] a collaborative partnership designed to facilitate successful transfer.”

A significant component of the GAP agreement is a renewable $1,000 scholarship which will be stackable on the students’ merit scholarships and other financial aid. This partnership was established on the heels of Trinity’s expansive reimaging of the collegiate pricing and scheduling structures – all to make private Christian education affordable and accessible. The GAP agreement also maintains that “guaranteed admission pertains to students who have met the stipulated admission requirements [for Trinity]: a cumulative grade point average of 2.5/4.0 from all previous colleges attended, and a successful completion rate of 67% of all college courses attempted.” Moreover, “Trinity prefers that Moraine Valley students transfer in with an associate degree with at least 60 transferable hours. Such students will have junior status conferred upon them at the start of their first semester at Trinity.” While these two institutions had once established a partnership a decade ago, known as the “T-MAC,” the GAP “is more comprehensive in scope and also expresses policies and initiatives that are more congruent with the future relationship between Moraine Valley and Trinity.” The GAP effectively replaces the T-MAC and forms the foundation for further agreements to develop and implement. Some of these include major-specific transfer partnerships, dual enrollment partnerships, as well as joint information sessions, pedagogical exchanges among faculty, and more robust recruiting opportunities for transfer admission counselors.

These are just small examples of how the GAP will effectively bridge the “gap” for transfer students seeking degree completion at Trinity, an institution that has been providing quality, Christian-based education since 1959. For President Jenkins, the signing ceremony served as her last official duty as Moraine’s President – while President Kuecker experienced his very first ceremony, with many more to come. In many ways, it was a passing of the torch for many significant partnerships to come between these two schools.

For more information on this and other partnerships at Trinity, click here.

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs through bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture. It is continually ranked in the top tier among Regional Colleges—Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more, visit trnty.edu.

Contact:
Angie Fratto | Marketing and Media Manager | 708.239.4878

For Immediate Release

Palos Heights, Ill. – Every year, Trinity accepts extraordinary students dedicated to making a difference in the world. The College welcomes two Founders’ Scholars among each freshman class, whose extraordinary spiritual, academic, and social leadership sets them apart. Trinity is pleased to announce our most recent Founders’ Scholars for the incoming class of 2027, Nana Oye Adansi-Ofori from Joliet, Illinois, and Jessica Byrdak from Alsip, Illinois. As Founders’ Scholars, Adansi-Ofori and Byrdak have both been awarded full-tuition scholarships to the College.

Adansi-Ofori, who attends Plainfield South High School, plans to major in Nursing and looks forward to getting involved in multiple campus organizations, including Nursing Student Organization and Multicultural Leadership Team. She is currently involved in her local church’s praise and worship team and leads a Christian club at her high school. Adansi-Ofori is actively involved in multiple clubs in high school, such as the National Honor Society, Robotics Team, and Black Student Association, to name a few.

“On my first visit to Trinity Christian College, I was overwhelmed with the amazing welcome and vibrant love it radiated. It emitted great love for God and for others,” Adansi-Oforsi stated.

Byrdak, who attends Alan B. Shepard High School, plans to major in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. She looks forward to getting involved on the campus of Trinity, including the Future Teachers Associate and Women Empowered, to name a few. She is currently involved at her local church as a greeter and usher. At her high school, she is President of the NHS, Leo Club, and Educators Rising and plays Varsity Badminton.

“Trinity has been my top college for as long as I can remember. I have grown up in the area and have always loved Trinity’s campus,” stated Byrdak.

“We are so excited to have Jessica and Nana Oye become a part of the Trinity community this fall,” said Tina Tate, Visit and Event Coordinator for Trinity. “This year’s Founders candidates were dynamic and strong. Jessica and Nana Oye demonstrated strong gifts, and we look forward to seeing how they will each impact our community and flourish.”

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs through bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture and is continually ranked in the top tier among Regional Colleges—Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more, visit trnty.edu.

Media Contact:
Paul Boice, Vice President for Operations, Marketing and Communications
Phone:  708.239.4837
Email: paul.boice@trnty.edu

For Immediate Release

Palos Heights, Ill.– Trinity Christian College’s Board of Trustees announced today that President Kurt D. Dykstra has accepted a position to become president and chief executive officer of the Independent Colleges of Indiana, an Indianapolis-based organization representing Indiana’s 29 private, non-profit colleges and universities. Dykstra will assume his new position in July and depart Trinity at the conclusion of the current spring semester.

“Since 2015, President Dykstra has led Trinity during a period of challenge and change,” said Trinity Board of Trustees Chair Cal Tameling ’72.  “Despite significant challenges facing private institutions up to and throughout the COVID pandemic, he led Trinity to launch new undergraduate and graduate programs, transformed its core curriculum, increased new student enrollment, and improved campus facilities while advancing Trinity’s mission to provide an outstanding Christ-centered education.

“We are grateful for Kurt and his wife Leah’s service over the past seven years.  We wish them success as they leave Trinity and move into new roles of leadership and service.”

Said Dykstra, “It has been an incredible honor to serve Trinity. Trinity’s successes over these years are shared among our outstanding faculty, staff, students, and community.  Leah and I leave with terrific memories and deep love for Trinity and its people.  We remain Trinity parents and supporters of this outstanding College.”

Trinity’s Board of Trustees also announced that Trinity Provost Dr. Aaron Kuecker will serve as interim president of the College, effective immediately.  Kuecker served as a member of Trinity’s Theology faculty from 2008 to 2013, returning to Trinity in 2016 as its Provost.  Kuecker has been instrumental in many of the significant achievements in the life of the College during his tenure as provost, including, sustaining and supporting vibrant and flourishing academic programs, leading Trinity through an innovative transformation of its Foundations General Education Curriculum, and providing vision for Trinity’s transformed approach to its Chicagoland presence through innovation in scheduling, internships, and pricing.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to step into the role of interim president at Trinity,” Kuecker said. “We are on the cusp of an exciting season of transformation energized by our Christ-centered vision of education that will re-shape education at Trinity, realize more fully the power of our partnerships, and extend Christian higher education accessibility to all students.”

“Trinity is blessed with extraordinary leaders like Dr. Kuecker and other members of the executive team who are well equipped with the requisite leadership skills, passion and faithful commitment to lead through this transition and provide forward momentum during this time of transformational work,” said Tameling. “The Board looks forward to Aaron’s leadership in the areas of our current core priorities: the launch of a transformed academic schedule, and network of internships and partnerships for the benefit of our students, a revised economic model that puts Trinity within reach of all students, and the ongoing work of the Board task force on diversity and belonging at Trinity.”

About Trinity Christian College
Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs by way of bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses of study. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture and is continually ranked in the top tier among Regional Colleges—Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more, visit trnty.edu.

Media contact:

Amy Stickel, Communications Manager

708.293.4918

amy.stickel@trnty.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Palos Heights, Ill.–

An education from Trinity Christian College doesn’t just change lives—our graduates go on to change the world. And the life-changing value of a Trinity education has once again been recognized by U.S. News and World Report, which named Trinity to several of its “best” lists for 2022, including among the Top 20 Regional Colleges Midwest and #15 for social mobility. And in U.S. News’ inaugural ranking, Trinity’s nursing program has been ranked among the top 300 of all undergraduate nursing programs in the United States. 

U.S. News uses multiple criteria for its highly regarded rankings. To be named among the “Best Colleges,” Trinity was rated for its graduation and retention rates; social mobility; academic reputation; student selectivity; financial resources; alumni giving; and graduate debt, among other factors. 

“I am confident that, under the tutelage of a talented and dedicated faculty, Trinity students work hard and learn well as they prepare for a lifetime of opportunity and service,” said President Kurt D. Dykstra. “While no one set of data can measure that kind of transformative experience in full, it is gratifying to, once again, be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top college in the Midwest.” 

Trinity’s performance on social mobility deserved its own category, according to U.S. News, which looked at Trinity’s ability to enroll and graduate students from less-advantaged backgrounds. U.S. News also recognized Trinity’s undergraduate nursing program. (see “U.S. News Recognizes BSN Program among Best in Country”) 

“We are honored and excited to be recognized as an institution that excels at making a college education possible for students from all backgrounds,” said Provost Aaron Kuecker, Ph.D. “This recognition is the result of the significant dedication of an excellent faculty and staff – but, most truly, it is a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and amazing gifts of Trinity’s students. It is such a privilege to serve the students who come to Trinity to learn, to be challenged, to be transformed, and to discover the joy of their vocation.”  

Along with the U.S. News rankings, Trinity is frequently recognized by many organizations for preparing students for a world that needs them. The College’s honors include being named a “College of Distinction;” routinely ranked the best BSN programs in the state of Illinois; part of the “National Strength and Conditioning Association Education Recognition Program;” and a “best value” among special education programs. 

Media contact:

Amy Stickel, Communications Manager

708.293.4918

amy.stickel@trnty.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Palos Heights, Ill.–Students who receive their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees from Trinity aren’t just graduating from the best nursing program in the state of Illinois. In its inaugural rankings, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Trinity’s program as among the best in the country, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the largest universities in the United States. 

U.S. News also named the College to several other prestigious lists, including among the Top 20 Regional Colleges Midwest and #15 for social mobility. (see “U.S. News Names Trinity a Top 20 School”) 

In the latest U.S. News rankings, Trinity was named among the top 300 of all undergraduate nursing programs in the United States, taking its place among far larger colleges and universities. 

“Trinity’s Department of Nursing is dedicated to preparing nurses who are both academically excellent, and also ready to face the demands of providing hands on patient care. Our commitment to training nurses to excel in both theory and clinical practice, makes our graduates stand out when they enter the workforce all over the world,” said Associate Professor of Nursing and Department Chair Dr. Tina Decker ’06. “We prepare great BSN nurses who are ready to provide Christ-like care to those in need. This recognition from U.S. News affirms that. It is an honor to have the hard work of the students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the broader Trinity community recognized in this way.” 

The College’s program has set the bar for nursing programs in many ways. In 2020, Trinity nursing graduates achieved a perfect first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam for the fifth time in six years. This success for Trinity’s top-ranked program represents the highest six-year NCLEX average of any BSN or ADN program in Illinois.

Trinity’s Nursing program is also regularly ranked among the best BSN programs in Illinois, including by RegisteredNursing.org and RN to BSN.  

For Amy Nagelkirk ’92, president of the Trinity Alumni Nursing Association (TANA), it is exciting to see Trinity’s nursing department recognized once again for its excellence. “It’s a tradition that I’ve always felt proud of while working in both Chicago and West Michigan.” 

One of the great strengths of Trinity’s nursing program is the generosity of its dedicated nursing alumni, including TANA members who support the Department of Nursing through student-related activities and fundraising, and foster personal and professional relationships among alumni, she said.  “At the height of the pandemic surge last November, we saw an increased number of nursing alumni volunteer to be part of our TANA mentoring program. Even as many were in the thick of it, struggling to get through their shifts and extra mandate shifts, they were still wanting to support students.”

TANA also provides endowed scholarships for nursing students. “This, year, TANA was able to award two $1,000 scholarships from that fund,” she said. “A program with that kind of support behind it is going to continue to thrive.”  

Aug. 25, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Palos Heights, Ill.–Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce the Spring 2022 launch of a Bachelor of Social Work degree geared towards adult students and taking place entirely online. This new degree program, specifically designed for adults with some college credit who are aged 23 or older, offers greater accessibility to a BSW degree for individuals who may otherwise not be able to engage with social work education due to various barriers such as work and family responsibilities.

This new program, along with the College’s traditional undergraduate BSW program, answers the call for the growing need for social workers with a focus on liberal arts education that prepares Trinity’s graduates for a world that needs them. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% employment growth rate for all social workers from 2019-29. Students who earn their BSW degree at Trinity Christian College are eligible to earn their MSW degree in 1-year through the advanced standing placement enrollment option at other higher education institutions with a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program.

Said Associate Professor of Social Work; Director of Social Work Program; and Department Chair Cini Bretzlaff-Holstein, DSW, “This new degree completion program offers adult learners’ access to an exciting opportunity beyond the traditional face-to-face undergraduate program. More specifically, this new online program provides greater access to an accredited Bachelor of Social Work program in which the integration of faith and practice is central to its mission and identity.”

This new online option for adult learners amplifies Trinity’s current BSW program, according to Bretzlaff-Holstein. “Assisting students in the development and discernment of their vocational call to be Christ-like change agents through the social work profession is at the heart of Trinity’s social work program.”

The program will continue the history of excellence demonstrated by those who have earned their BSW degrees from Trinity, according to Amy Tiemersma, MSW, LCSW, clinical social worker at Trinity agency partner Bethshan Association. “Trinity offers an excellent on-campus Bachelor of Social Work program, and I am excited about the increased accessibility the online program will offer, with flexible timing and location for adults who may be working full time or who may not able to access Trinity’s campus due to geography,” said Tiemersma, who has served on the advisory committee for the Trinity social work department, taught social work classes as an adjunct faculty member, and supervised many Trinity BSW interns during their field placements.

Tiemersma said she is confident that the online program will maintain the excellence that allows Trinity’s social work program to stand apart from others. “I can attest first hand to the excellence of instruction overseen by the social work professors, the provision of valuable social work learning experiences for students, and the incorporation of a Christian world view for informing social work practice, and I really encourage adults considering a BSW to look into this new option at Trinity.”

Applications are currently being accepted for the Spring 2022 semester. To learn more about Trinity’s new Adult BSW program, visit our website.

For further information, contact:
Amy Stickel
Communications Manager
amy.stickel@trnty.edu
708.293.4918

Contact:
Amy Stickel, Communications Manager
708.293.4918

For Immediate Release

Palos Heights, Ill.–Every year, Trinity accepts extraordinary students who are dedicated to making a difference in the world. And among each freshman class, the College welcomes two Founders’ Scholars, whose extraordinary spiritual, academic, and social leadership sets them apart. Trinity is pleased to announce our most recent Founders’ Scholars for the incoming class of 2025, Tyren Brown of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Kara Van Dyke of Fishers, Ind. As Founders’ Scholars, Brown and Van Dyke have both been awarded full-tuition scholarships to the College.

Brown, who attends Chesapeake Math and IT Public Charter South in Upper Marlboro, plans to major in biology and play basketball at the College. He is involved in National Honor Society and the Congressional Leadership Program. Brown has also taken part in the Spanish ministry at his church, offering translation services to those who do not speak English as a native language.

Van Dyke attends Fishers High School and is active in the Students in Action service club, volunteers as a children’s ministry teacher, and participates in dance. She actively volunteers to help victims of human trafficking and plans to major in psychology as a way to help those who need healing. Van Dyke represents the third generation of her family to be part of Troll Nation, since her father Leon Van Dyke ’86, is an alumnus and her grandfather Gerrit Van Dyke, Ph.D., is an emeritus professor in the Biology program.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tyren and Kara into the Trinity community this fall,” said Jeanine Mozie, director of admissions. “From our largest, most competitive pool of Founders candidates yet, they emerged from the group not only as exceptionally gifted students academically, but also as students who have great potential to shape this campus through their thoughtful leadership. The interview committee found both Tyren and Kara to be dedicated, passionate, and impressive students whose enthusiasm for others and commitment to community will make a lasting impact on this place.”

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs by way of bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses of study. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture and is continually ranked in the top tier among Regional Colleges—Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more, visit trnty.edu.

Contact:
Amy Stickel, Communications Manager
708.293.4918

For Immediate Release

Palos Heights, Ill.– When nursing students choose Trinity Christian College, they choose the program that is consistently recognized as the best in the state of Illinois.

Trinity has once again received that honor from nursing advocacy organization RegisteredNursing.org, which has named our program first among nearly 80 other nursing programs across the state.

“While so much has changed this last year, it feels extra special to know that our academic excellence in nursing education continues to be recognized,” said Department Chair and Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Tina Decker ’06. “We are proud that our graduates continue to be prepared to pass the NCLEX on their first attempt to enable them to work as the nurses that the world so desperately needs right now.”

Among many examples of how Trinity’s BSN program has demonstrated its commitment to graduating the best nurses, nursing students have continued to participate in in-person clinicals during the COVID-19 pandemic. “There are many schools that have gone virtual or remote for clinicals, which we stand firmly against,” said Decker. “The department is a strong advocate for having students continue with in-person clinical experiences, preparing them to be nurses during the pandemic.”

In giving Trinity the top ranking, the organization cited how Trinity’s BSN program prepares students both academically and clinically to care for patients’ physical, spiritual, and mental needs. “Students are able to gain hands-on learning in the simulation lab, allowing them to hone their skills in a safe and controlled environment,” the organization noted.

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs by way of bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses of study. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture and is continually ranked in the top tier among Regional Colleges—Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more, visit trnty.edu.