Aaron Roerdink, a 1997 Central graduate, has been named the inaugural associate dean of learning enrichment and associate professor-in-residence of chemistry at Central College. He will begin at Central in mid-July.
“Aaron brings exceptional skills to this new position created to help assess and plan for Central’s academic future,” according to Mary E.M. Strey, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “Aaron’s respected leadership as a faculty member and his partnership with administrators at his previous institution have prepared him well for this role. As an alumnus, he understands Central’s history and its important role in educating today’s students. He is well prepared to join the academic affairs leadership team and our community as a leader to help shape Central’s future.”
Roerdink’s responsibilities include the development and implementation of a strategy for summer academic programs, including undergraduate research, internships, workshops and courses. In his role, he will develop and implement a strategic direction for Geisler Library to serve new generations of students.
“I was looking to transition into an administrative role. It just happened there was a position that sounded really exciting to me, and it was at Central,” Roerdink says. “I hope to bring abilities that will help Central deal with the challenges facing higher education nationally. I want to help Central continue to have the impact on current students like it did for me, and for generations to come.”
Roerdink earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central with a major in chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2004. He most recently served as the professor of chemistry at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio, where he chaired the department of chemistry and biochemistry.
Roerdink held a dual appointment at Heidelberg University with the chemistry department and at the National Center for Water Quality Research. He developed and implemented new analytical methods to analyze environmental samples and developed environmental study plans in collaboration with other research scientists.
He had been recognized as a faculty leader and served as chairperson of the faculty, following his election as faculty secretary. He has served on the faculty personnel, shared governance, strategic budget, co-curricular program development, community engagement and honors program curriculum committees. Roerdink also served on the Reaffirmation of Accreditation Steering Committee.
“My career path is nontraditional for an academic. I worked for two and a half years as a chemist in Des Moines after graduating from Central,” Roerdink says. “My wife, who is also a Central alum, was in Des Moines completing her nursing degree. After she received her RN, I went back to get my Ph.D. I had such a positive experience at Central and I really wanted to see if I could teach at a small liberal arts college. I found an opportunity and have been at Heidelberg for 17 years.”
“Being a college professor is a privilege but there’s a lot of responsibility with it,” Roerdink says. “I enjoy seeing the success of the students that I have mentored and guided. Students have returned and thanked me for pushing them or believing in them. I like being able to work with students and see them do amazing things after they leave the college.”
Roerdink is married to Andrea Westra Roerdink, a 1997 Central graduate. They have three children. Abbigail Roerdink is in Central’s Class of 2024. Alivia Roerdink will begin at Central in August with the Class of 2027. Their son, Alexander, will be a junior in high school.
