5 December 2022

Jan Kloosterman new member of the executive board Driestar Christian University

Jan Kloosterman has been appointed as member of the executive board of Driestar Christian University for Teacher Education. A vacancy arose in the executive board due to the upcoming retirement of Rens Rottier. With effect from 1 February 2023, Jan Kloosterman and Robert Zoutendijk will form the executive board. 

Mr Jan Kloosterman MBA is 44 years old, married, and lives in Apeldoorn. He has many years experience in secondary education and social-political organisations. He is currently on the board of directors of the Christian trade union Reformatorisch Maatschappelijke Unie (RMU). 

“Jan Kloosterman has considerable experience in church, education and across society, and that provides a great match with the profile we were looking for”, says Wim Büdgen, chair of the Driestar Christian University governing board. “The task he and Robert Zoutendijk have been given cannot be neglected. In a secularised and polarised society, it is necessary we search, together with our stakeholders, for answers to current questions and strengthen the position of Driestar Christian University in the broad field of education. This requires leadership rooted in God’s Word, in line with the tradition in which Driestar University has stood since its foundation. As a governing body, we confidently place this task in the hands of both directors, knowing that we need the Lord’s blessing.” 

Jan Kloosterman is thankful for the trust placed on him. “I look forward to serving Christian Reformed education and the supporting community in my new role. In educating teachers, developing educational materials and providing educational advisory services, the Biblical foundation for Christian education is vital. We greatly need each other in the midst of secularisation and polarisation. In parenting and education, this calls for clear articulation in today’s words and deep dependence on God’s Spirit.” 

About Driestar Christian University for Teacher Education 

Driestar Christian University for Teacher education is a practice-oriented knowledge centre that makes an inspiring contribution to education at home and abroad based on its Christian Reformed identity. Driestar University does this through training teachers, school leaders and other educational professionals, and through the Driestar educational advice centre providing support and guidance for educational professionals, schools and pupils. The research centre Christian Teaching feeds the training and professional practice with practice-oriented research and the knowledge gained from it. Driestar Christian University is based in Gouda (the main location), Amersfoort and Kapelle. Driestar Christian University also has two subsidiaries, CPS BV and Gouwe Academie BV, both of which have a leading position in the educational guidance sector and work for and with all schools.