On May 6, 2016, the Hope College Board of Trustees adjourned its two-day spring meeting. The meeting was a time of intense discussion, careful discernment and deep reflection grounded in prayer. 

  • The Board of Trustees reaffirms its commitment to support President John Knapp as leader of Hope College. The board and the president are strongly united in the mission of building a better Hope. Together, they will continue meeting challenges collaboratively and championing the college’s strategic plan, Hope for the World: 2025. The board remains wholeheartedly and unanimously supportive of the vision and goals laid out in the strategic plan.
  • The Board of Trustees and President Knapp are moving forward in a spirit of unity, working toward clarification of mutual expectations. Communication between board leadership and the president has been restored, and President Knapp and the trustees are looking forward to better processes and more fluent communications.
  • The Board of Trustees has elected a new chair. Karl Droppers ’82, a third-generation alumnus of Hope College, will step into the role of board chair immediately. Mark Van Genderen ’90 remains in his position as vice chair. Nancy Dirkse ’81 De Witt has been elected board secretary and will assume her role July 1, 2016.
  • Faith has been foundational to the board’s deliberations and outcomes. Called by their Christian faith, the trustees and the president are forging a path forward with leadership based on grace and trust. They remain dedicated to serving Hope College and distinguishing Hope as a premier liberal arts college and a leader in Christ-centered higher education.