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As the vice president for student formation and dean of students at Hope College, Becky Starkenburg leads the co-curricular student experience, which includes Athletics, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Health Center, and the offices of Residential Life & Housing, Student Life and Integrative Learning. 

Education

• M.A., Student Affairs Administration, summa cum laude, Michigan State University, 2002
• B.A., English, magna cum laude, Northwestern College, 1996

Professional Experience

Becky has been working in higher education for more than 25 years, and, prior to Hope, at four different colleges and universities including Trinity Christian College and the University of Virginia. She has served on national student affairs committees, such as the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Commission for Senior Student Affairs Officers, has been a frequent national presenter on joy and vocation, and has trained college faculty, staff and students on matters of student care, community, belonging and equity. Becky currently leads leadership development initiatives for organizations such as Association for Christians in Student Development. She is also a co-founder of the Mapping Generosity Project, which cultivates networks of generosity with a dozen faith leaders from across the country through an innovative practice of ecosystem mapping. In 2023, Becky delivered the . 

Becky’s extensive experience is now directed toward fostering the vibrant community at Hope College that prioritizes student wellbeing and formation. In the course of any given day, Becky’s work might include some of the following opportunities to walk alongside Hope students: as an advisor to Student Congress, as she helps students navigate their Hope experience, as she supports student initiatives, as she interfaces with parents, or as she works with the student formation council to provide strategic leadership for the college’s co-curricular experience. Hope’s vibrant residential campus is flourishing. Under Becky’s leadership, the student formation team is creating and sustaining an exceptional environment for students to develop as generous leaders who will bring hope to the world.

Why I Love Hope

Becky cares deeply about Hope College as a Christian institution that embodies a generous vision. And, at the center of that are Hope’s amazing students. Becky loves to see students lead, perform, act, dance, participate, present, as well as rest, pray, recover and restore. She finds great joy in participating in the transformation of lives that happens at Hope.

Outside The College

Becky has been married to Keith since 1995 and they have three kids.  She loves living and walking in the Michigan woods, drinking good coffee and listening to great music.