Aloha friends,
I am sharing this announcement from Ardis to Doug’s Celebration of Life on November 8. Please
share with members of your organizations, some of whom knew Doug well, and who had a shared goal of supporting students at Windward Community College. I hope we see you at his celebration of life. Below is Ardis’ announcement and a UH story link to read and share if you wish to:
https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2025/09/23/in-memoriam-douglas-dykstra/
Aloha mai kākou,
Please join us in honoring the life and legacy of our former chancellor, Doug Dykstra, who led Windward Community College from 2009 to 2018.
Doug Dykstra’s Celebration of Life
Saturday, November 8
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hale ‘Akoakoa 101–105
Doug was both a fierce advocate and a gentle soul—an innovative leader who cared deeply for students, faculty, and staff. We welcome you to gather, reflect, and share your memories of Doug as we celebrate his remarkable life and contributions to our college community.
Respectfully,
Ardis
Chancellor
Windward Community College
Note: Doug Dykstra’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Windward Community College, in Hale ʻAkoakoa 101–105.
Douglas Dykstra, former chancellor of Windward Community College, died on September 20, 2025. He was 77. Known for his warmth, humor and deep compassion, Dykstra led Windward CC from 2009 until his retirement in 2018, shaping the campus into a vibrant college serving the Windward region and beyond.
“Doug was an incredibly kind man; his kindness walked in front of him into every room,” current Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg shared in a message to the campus community. “His leadership style was gentle and compassionate, but still decisive. Doug worked hard to be transparent and understanding. … He really knew us. He took the time, cared and had insight into humanity.”
- More on Dykstra: New Childcare Center breaks ground at Windward CC, April 11, 2017
According to an article published when he retired, Dykstra was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and raised in New York. He was deeply influenced by his father, a Columbia University linguistics professor whose career brought the family to Kabul, Afghanistan, and eventually to Hawaiʻi. After earning a master’s degree in history from Kent State University and later a second master’s degree in education from UH Mānoa, Dykstra began teaching history at UH community colleges, most notably at Leeward CC, where he later became an administrator. In 2004, he was appointed vice chancellor for academic affairs at Hawaiʻi CC, a role that prepared him for the chancellorship at Windward.
A ‘gentleman giant’
At 6 feet 4 inches tall, with a trademark broad smile, Dykstra quickly became a familiar presence at Windward CC. Students, faculty and staff fondly remembered his mix of humor, humility and fierce advocacy for the college. According to the article, during the 2012 accreditation process, Dykstra personally authored a 20-plus page response that turned a sanction into a commendation.
- More on Dykstra: Windward chancellor shaves head for the hungry, April 29, 2013
Colleagues often described him as a “gentleman giant,” one who could be both a soft-hearted listener and a strong, decisive leader when needed. He was known to show up at countless campus events, always asking after students and colleagues, making sure they felt seen and supported.
Eschenberg, who succeeded him as chancellor, called Dykstra an inspiring mentor when he retired. “Doug is unafraid. He bases decisions on what best serves our college and promotes student success, never on what is easiest. … Doug is a leader. He has made each of us better by working together.”
Dykstra retired in 2018 to spend more time swimming, traveling and reading, and to be with his wife, Elitte. He is survived by Elitte and their son, Nathan.
“Doug made an outsized impact through his caring and love,” Eschenberg said. “As those who knew him and benefitted from his leadership, we carry on that legacy of caring and compassion.”