By Timothy Ritterbusch
Wheaton College has hired Jacob Hoekstra as assistant director of residence life, replacing Steven Cartwright, who now serves as campus pastor at Trinity Christian College. Hoekstra, who has worked in on-campus student life since he was an undergraduate at Moody Bible Institute (MBI), will work with graduate resident assistants and Dean of Residence Life Justin Heth to oversee campus houses and apartments and meet student needs.
Following Hoekstra’s two years as a resident assistant at MBI, his passion for cultivating student life took him to the mile high elevation of Lakewood, Colo., where he served as resident director of Colorado Christian University. After that, he went far north to Alaska Christian College, where he served as a resident director of student life.
As he reflected on those experiences, Hoekstra said, “I think that has really helped prepare me to be present and understand as much as I can and serve and support students as they’re navigating classes and work and family and all the things.”
Heth said Residence Life staff were looking for someone who aligned with Wheaton’s mission to foster authentic community and personal transformation. “I’m looking for someone who fits the mission of Wheaton College and specifically residence life, and has the people skills and relational abilities to do the work well.”
Hoekstra’s background in counseling made him an especially suitable candidate. “ Jake comes with a clinical, medical and mental health counseling background, and a lot of residence life experience.”
Cartwright, who held the role before Hoekstra, expressed confidence in the transition. “It wasn’t easy deciding to leave, but since I did, I couldn’t be happier that Jake is stepping in and continuing the work.”
Chad Lowe, resident director of Smith-Traber Hall, said Hoekstra already feels like a natural fit, despite it being his first year. “ He has a unique wealth of experience from a host of different institutional backgrounds, but feels very familiar to Wheaton’s culture,” Lowe said.
Hoekstra said that variety is one of his primary draws to residence life. “Some days it’s in the office on your laptop, typing away,” he said. “Some days it’s going to the coffee shop with a student and having an hour-long, deep conversation about theology or life or family or things like that.”
“I love the opportunity to be able to kind of balance the two and bounce back and forth,” Hoekstra said.
Through his various roles, Hoekstra has stayed committed to his love for student development and discipleship, and he hopes to bring that to the Wheaton community.
“That’s part of my heart and personal story of being here is wanting to do everything I can and work with my team and other departments to help students as much as we can to reach their goals and to get the support and resources that they need to be successful.”
Editor’s Note: A former version of the article said that Hoekstra worked at Colorado Christian University after Alaska Christian College. The record regrets the error.
