Chattanooga Commencement 2018December 5, 2018 (Chattanooga, Tenn.) - Belhaven University's Chattanooga Campus will honor its graduating students during the Chattanooga Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 14, 7 p.m. at The Colonnade, 264 Catoosa Circle.

The commencement speaker this year is Mr. Chad Dirkse, president of Chattanooga Christian School. Dirkse has served in Christian education for 25 years in roles that include math and science teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, head of school, and board member. He is currently the president of Chattanooga Christian School where he serves more than 1,100 students and 130 faculty and staff.

Prior to his current position, he served as the superintendent at Westminster Christian School in Elgin, Illinois. Dirkse earned a bachelor's degree in education from Covenant College and a M.B.A. with a specialization in school leadership from LeTourneau University. He speaks regularly to groups about school sustainability and the importance of consistency in the process and content of Christian schooling.

Dirkse also serves as a senior fellow for the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education and has written numerous articles focused on the importance of Christian education and sharing best practices. He moved from Illinois to Chattanooga in 2009 with his wife, Heather, and three children. The Dirkses live in the Hixson area and are members of Northshore Fellowship.