Staff photo Doug VanderhoofCentral Christian College of Kansas is proud to announce the promotion of Colonel Doug Vanderhoof to the position of Chief Strategic Operations Officer. In this role, Colonel Vanderhoof will work closely with other members of the Executive Cabinet to ensure the successful realization of the Strategic Plan. Colonel Vanderhoof will provide immediate oversight of the technological infrastructure, information security, and the physical plant.

Prior to assuming this new role, Vanderhoof served as the Director of Information Technology at Central Christian College of Kansas since September 2006.  Prior to arriving at Central Christian, Doug served in a number of IT roles as an instructor, manager, and consultant. Occasionally, as opportunity permits, Vanderhoof applies his experience as an adjunct instructor teaching website design.

In his time at Central Christian, Doug has expanded the wireless network from three residential routers to a centrally managed ubiquitous system, moved the campus to Office 365, improved the security of our network through the addition of firewalls, implementation of VLANs, and Antivirus protection, and has assisted the institution in its transition to a virtual campus.

Vanderhoof is a 1986 graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College, in Rochester, NY earning a BS degree in Business Administration and, in 2004, a Master of Science in Information Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology. In 2019 he completed a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

Colonel Vanderhoof has served in the Army Reserve since 1985. Since beginning his service he has served in a multitude of varied roles in this capacity including: maintenance officer, human resources officer, operations officer, and engineer officer. As an engineer, he served as an Officer in Charge of the Bagram (Afghanistan) area office for the Army Corps of Engineers where he oversaw $500 million in construction projects covering roads and airfields, a prison, an airfield terminal, and many others. Prior to that time, he served as the Chief Operations Officer of a 636-person unit. He’s currently assigned as the State Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer for the state of Missouri where he coordinates the Department of Defense response to natural disasters for the state in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In a demonstration of his commitment to the CORE4, Vanderhoof serves the local community through his participation in the Boy Scouts as both Cub-master for Cub Scout Pack 133 and as Committee Member for Troop 133. He has also been a high school basketball official for over 20 years. Vanderhoof, and his wife Lara (20-years) attend the McPherson Free Methodist Church, with their two children, Rhys and Jordan.

President Favara stated, “I look forward to partnering with Colonel Vanderhoof. In many ways he has been a hidden gem in the structure of CCCK. His experience and training clearly support his ability to provide strategic leadership across the institution. His service to this country, the church, the local community, and this campus demonstrates an individual of strong character, exceptional skill, and notable service.”

ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF KANSAS

Central Christian College of Kansas is a four-year collegiate institution that strives to offer Christ-centered education for the whole person through four core characteristics: heart, soul, mind, and strength. Its history dates back to 1884, and it is located in the friendly town of McPherson, Kansas. Central is a strategically small college that offers over forty areas of residential study and a thriving online program for non-traditional students. To learn more about Central, go to centralchristian.edu/about. Visit the Foundation of Central Christian College to see what projects and events are coming up.