Dr. Rachel Venema, recognized in the Grand Rapids area for her social research and program evaluation work with non-profit organizations, has been appointed the director of surveys and research at the Frost Center for Data and Research at Hope College.
The Frost Center has provided research and survey services to West Michigan for more than 30 years, utilizing faculty expertise, undergraduate researchers, and professional staff to conduct community-based research for non-profit, for-profit and government organizations. The Frost Center is best known for its work completing resident surveys, client/customer satisfaction research and program evaluation.
Venema was previously at Calvin University, where she had been a faculty member since 2009 and directed the Bachelor of Social Work Program in the Department of Sociology and Social Work. Her 20 years of experience completing community-based research includes partnerships with Family Futures, Habitat for Humanity, Gilda’s Club, Eastown Community Association and the WestSide Collaborative. Her academic research has focused on gendered violence and criminal justice system responses, and has been published in academic journals, presented at professional conferences and community venues, and featured in local media.
A graduate of Calvin University with a Bachelor of Social Work degree and a minor in political science, Venema completed her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Michigan with a concentration in policy and evaluation with communities and social systems. Her Ph.D. in Social Work was awarded by the University of Illinois at Chicago.
The Frost Center for Data and Research is on the second floor of the Anderson-Werkman Financial Center, located at 100 E. Eighth St. in downtown Holland. More information about the center can be found at hope.edu/frostcenter or by email at frostcenter@hope.edu.