FALL2009
HOW DOES HIGHER EDUCATION BLOOM WHERE IT HAS BEEN PLANTED? | 22
| Integrating Faith and Science | 30 Measuring Up | 35 Leaving a Radio Legacy | 39
INADVANCE Choose Thy Neighbor? When it comes to urban and rural campuses, the question shouldn’t be which one is better, but how is each place served. By Kendra Langdon Juskus
Going Urban
22
Three CCCU campuses are planted in the city to connect students to the full metropolitan mosaic. |
By Mike Plunkett
God is in the Details
18
Judson University (IL) is laying the blueprint for students to succeed as architects. By Shanley Knox
Faith & Science in Harmony
30
Campuses are integrating faith and science through new buildings and a multi-varied curriculum. By Christopher Martin
Measuring Up
35
The Composite Financial Index is helping campuses assess and measure fiscal health. By Kami L. Rice
A Reluctant Leader Leaves a Legacy
39
Northwestern College (MN) celebrates the media legacy of its famed second president. By Jenny Collins
THE COUNCIL FOR CHRISTIAN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES (CCCU) is an international higher education association of intentionally Christian colleges and universities. Founded in 1976 with 38 members, the Council has grown to 111 members in North America and 69 affiliates in 23 countries. The CCCU is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. THE MISSION OF THE CCCU is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help transform the lives of students by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth. DISTRIBUTION CCCU Advance is published each year in the fall and spring and is mailed to members, affiliates and friends of the CCCU. It is also available online at www.cccu.org/advance. Direct questions and letters to the editor to advance@cccu.org. ADVERTISING CCCU Advance is now accepting advertising from organizations that serve the students, faculty or administration of our campuses. For more information and/or to receive a Media Kit please email advertising@cccu.org. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CCCU Advance welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters will be edited for clarity and grammar. Send letters to advance@cccu.org. Anonymous letters will not be published. PEOPLE Paul R. Corts, Ph.D.
FROM THE PRESIDENT . . . . . . 03 By Paul R. Corts
EDITOR’S NOTE. . . . . . . . . . . . 04 By Mike Plunkett
AROUND THE COUNCIL. . . . . . 05 The news of the CCCU Offices By the Numbers, 07 AKA, 08 On the Shelf, 09 ON THE HILL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Direct Lending brings change and uncertainty about student aid. By Nate Mouttet
OPEN SOURCE . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 A professor urges students to unplug to connect fully. By Erin Mussolum
GOING GLOBAL. . . . . . . . . . . . 12 An university in Vienna shows it’s truly international. By Mimi Wiggins Perreault
R&D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Several campuses gain prestigious grants and fellowships. By Mimi Wiggins Perreault
THE LAST WORD. . . . . . . . . . . 42 How can we move from irony to meaningful conversations? By Kim Phipps
President Nate Mouttet
Vice President for Communications Mike Plunkett
Editor Brandon Rush
Art Director Jason Hohertz
Web Manager Cecily Farrar Walters
Copy Editor Jordan Buie
Editorial Intern
FROM THE PRESIDENT by Paul R. Corts, Ph.D. CCCU President
The Paths of Conversations Lead to Breakthroughs
I
n 2006, more than 1000
We are reminded by the prophet
current with increasingly rapid
gathered for the International
Jeremiah that the Lord has plans
technological changes; and how to
Forum on Christian Higher
for us, and His plans are for good.
adapt teaching methodologies suitable
Education in Dallas, Texas
While we wait upon the Lord for
for students in this instant and constant
with the theme “Significant
vision and clarity and we pray for
communication society. Our institutions
Conversations.” It was an important
continued wisdom and guidance,
continue diligently to integrate faith
and influential time for the movement
we are doing our part searching for
and learning and that is growing and
of Christ-centered higher education
“Critical Breakthroughs” – the theme
blossoming beautifully in the rise of
and for me as well. As I was announced
for our 2010 International Forum!
state-of-the-art science facilities at a
at the Forum as the next president of the CCCU, I was both thrilled and humbled for the challenges and opportunities which lay before me and before our members and affiliates. Much has happened in these past few years. Expansive growth in technology, methods of pedagogy and the rapid growth and strengthening of global Christian higher education are just some of the major developments. At the same time, we are also facing numerous challenges. In many ways,
“ These are indeed exciting times as we aim to truly understand the full measure of God’s blessing on our movement.”
number of our member campuses. In that vein, we are thrilled to have Dr. Francis Collins, noted geneticist and the new director of the National Institutes of Health, as one of our keynote speakers at the Forum. These are indeed exciting times as we aim to truly understand the full measure of God’s blessing on our movement and our institutions and use the momentum of those successes to further propel academic excellence, thereby giving students every opportunity to succeed
we as a movement took precautionary
in the classroom and in life.
measures to soften the blow of the economic crisis and recession
These are just some of the realities
in order to ensure our long-term
We have big decisions to make, both
we as a movement deal with. I
financial success. We are grateful
within our movement and within each
encourage you to read the articles on
campus. We strive to keep the Main
these and other stories throughout
thing—Christ-centeredness—the
this issue of the CCCU Advance.
that a number of our institutions experienced continued enrollment growth this fall and we give thanks to the Lord for His provisions.
Main thing, while we search for the best and most successful methods
Throughout the past year, our CCCU
for reaching each new generation of
peer group conferences and institutes
students. Our campuses grapple with
have focused on what to do in times of
location, like how to give students
uncertainty, how to gain focus in blurry
a global perspective if the campus
and shifting times. We continue to
is in a rural setting or how to build
stress to our members that challenges
authentic community for student
are also great opportunities.
on an urban campus; how to stay
Paul R. Corts President
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 3
EDITOR’S NOTE What’s Your Text and Context? by MIke Plunkett
In the cover story of this issue of CCCU Advance, the phrase “text and context” appeared in a few ways. It’s an interesting word twist and the meaning turned out to be even more profound.
LETTERS Thanks for the new Advance I just received my copy of the CCCU Advance, and what an advance it is indeed. It adds real value to our membership expense, providing inspiration,
Putting it in a proper context for this issue, the phrase deals with
good information and practical insights into new
the city, how it is both passive and active when it comes to living
programs and solutions to old problems. Thanks
in an urban environment. It both informs and shapes a citizen’s
for taking a big step forward in helping us learn
worldview. The same can be said for rural areas and the difference
from one another. Thanks for your good work.
of pace and style in living life. It’s really an issue of space. The cover story by Kendra Juskus (“Choose Thy Neighbor?” page 22)
–Lee Royce President, Mississippi College (MS)
profiles some CCCU campuses in rural and urban areas and examines
Aim for diversity on campus
the quintessential discussion of location from a Kingdom perspective.
Thank you for Senior Fellow Jim Mannoia’s Last
If the Kingdom of God is meant to be a global reality, what does that
Word about the importance of diversity. Yet as
look like for campuses? How does that fit in with student development,
one who works as a director for intercultural
both in an academic realm, but also in the preparation for life?
programs, I find that many of our institutions are
Also, Chris Martin takes a look at campuses that are building topnotch science facilities and bolstering science curriculum. Shanley Knox features Judson University (IL) and their architectural program, while Kami Rice talks about the Composite Financial Index. Plus, we find out how the 60th anniversary of Northwestern
focusing more on international diversity at the cost of addressing the lack of domestic diversity on our campuses, whether it be students of color or faculty of color who are born and/or raised in the United States. There is no doubt that the contribution of international students, faculty and
College (MN)’s radio station is connected to Billy Graham.
staff are valuable to any college community. Still,
If you haven’t done so already, make sure to register for the 2010
my sense is that it seems “easier” for campuses
International Forum on Christian Higher Education. We are excited for the speakers and sessions being offered. It’s something you don’t want to miss. Go to www.cccu.org/forum2010 to register. Finally, this is the last issue with Brandon Rush as the Art Director. This
to send students off to other countries to learn about diversity rather than invest funding and staff/faculty to teach students to be interculturally competent and mature among their peers who may be African-American, Latino/a, etc.
is Brandon’s second tour in working at the CCCU. From his initial hiring
–Elena Yee Director of Intercultural Programs, Westmont College (CA)
in 2002 to his time at Asbury College (KY) and back to the Council last year, Brandon has designed every single CCCU Advance. He has seen this publication as an eight-page black and white newsletter, a slightly
Correction
larger four-color thematic brochure and as a much bigger magazine.
In the spring 2009 issue of the CCCU
Brandon is leaving Washington, D.C. for Houghton, New York, to become the lead designer at Houghton College (NY). It’s a great move for his family and a fantastic opportunity for him professionally. But, he will be missed at the Council. Cheers to you, man.
Advance, on page 9, the president-elect of East Texas Baptist University (TX) is Dr. Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver, not “Bud.”
SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE RUSSIAN STUDIES PROGRAM in 1994, more than 500 students have traveled to Russia to study under the tutelage of RSP director Harley Wagler.
JASON HOHERTZ
STUDENT PROGRAMS Russian Studies Program to Conclude after Fall 2010 Semester The Russian Studies Program, which has been at the heart
relationships between
of the BestSemester culture-crossing programs for the
Russia, the United States
past 16 years, will close after the fall 2010 semester. The
and the rest of the world.
decision was finalized by the CCCU Board of Directors during their summer meeting at College of the Ozarks (MO).
“Harley Wagler is considered a Russian literary and
“RSP has served us well and its impact will continue in the lives of the participants for many years to come.”
“While Russia continues to be strategically important in
political expert and the
the world today and our appreciation of Russian people
students that have studied
and culture has not diminished, current trends in study
under him have been
abroad have made it increasingly difficult to attract
tremendously shaped
students in sufficient numbers to continue offering
and benefited by his
a high quality culture-crossing experience. RSP has
knowledge and passion,”
served us well and its impact will continue in the lives
said Bussema. “The
of the participants for many years to come,” said Dr.
movement of the CCCU owes a great deal to the
Ken Bussema, vice president for student programs.
leadership he has provided in developing the Russian
Since the creation of the Russian Studies Program in 1994, close to 500 students have traveled to
Dr. Ken Bussema, vice president for student programs, CCCU
Studies Program. We are incredibly thankful for this amazing man and the legacy he will leave to RSP.”
Nizhnii Novgorod to study and reside at Nizhnii
The program will continue to accept students for the
Novgorod State University.
spring 2010 and fall 2010 semesters. Those interested
Under the direction of Harley Wagler, students have learned the Russian language, began to understand the vastness of Russian history and appreciate the nuances of the
are encouraged to go to www.bestsemester.com to get more information. and begin the application process. continued on page 6>>
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 5
AROUND THE COUNCIL from page 5 >>
Applications Open for 2010 Uganda Study Tour The CCCU will offer a professional development study tour for faculty and staff in Uganda, Africa in May 2010. Called “Experiencing Uganda and Rwanda: An Encounter with Contemporary East African Issues,” the objective of this study tour is to provide participants with a short-term immersion experience based on the activities, methods and objectives of the Uganda Studies Program. TOM WILFORD
The tour will focus on key issues, such as HIV/AIDS in Uganda; reconciliation and forgiveness in postgenocide Rwanda; missions in an evangelized country and Christian liberal arts in the African context. The tour is centered at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, Uganda, site of the Uganda Studies Program.
JERRY AND JEANNIE HERBERT, with former CCCU president Myron Augsburger and his wife Esther. A celebration in honor of Herbert’s 28 years of service as director of the American Studies Program took place in August 2009.
Past Colleagues, ASP Alums Honor Herbert More than 100 former colleagues and alums of the American
DEADLINES for the BestSemester faculty study tour:
Studies Program gathered at the Council offices on Aug.
Dec. 14, 2009 Feb. 1, 2010
13 to celebrate the work of Jerry Herbert, former ASP
Early Application Regular Application
director. In comments from CCCU President Paul R. Corts and former colleagues Richard Gathro and John Bernbaum,
The early application deadline is Dec. 14, 2009, while the
Herbert was honored for the more than 2,000 students
regular application deadline is Feb. 1, 2010. Those interested
who came through ASP and learned under his tutelage.
may apply at www.bestsemester.com/uspstudytourapp. Contact Danara Schurch, campus relations coordinator, at 202-548-5201 or at dschurch@cccu.org with any questions.
Student Programs Welcomes New Members The CCCU welcomes Danara Schurch and Mandi Warren to the Student Programs team. Taylor University (IN) graduate Danara Schurch joins the BestSemester team in the post of campus relations coordinator. While a student at Taylor, she attended both the Contemporary Music Center (CMC) and Middle East Studies Program (MESP). She holds an M.A. in Music Business from New York University and previously was a marketing manager for Sony Music. Most recently, Danara served as adjunct faculty at the CMC. Mandi Warren joined the CCCU staff as student programs coordinator. Mandi attended California Baptist University (CA) and Crichton College (TN) and holds a degree in education. Mandi has a variety of work experiences, including teaching kindergarten and administrative work
Herbert is continuing his work with students at the Washington, D.C. campus of Nyack College (NY) in an adjunct capacity.
PD&R International Trips, Institutes Held During Summer On June 25, CCCU North American and African faculty participated in the CCCU-Nagel-Plowshares faculty development trip to South Africa, studying “Public Theology.” Bob and Alice Evans, founders of the Plowshares Institute; Joel Carpenter, director of the Nagel Institute at Calvin College (MI), and Mimi Barnard, vice president for professional development and research for the CCCU, accompanied faculty to Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, where they met with senior government, church and higher education leaders. For many, this was their first experience in South Africa, a beautiful country with a lovely people and young democracy. Topics included xenophobia, AIDS, gender and political theology.
in the medical research field. Previously, Mandi worked
Also in June, approximately 60 women who currently serve
at Gordon College (MA), where she served for three
in faculty and administrative leadership positions across the
years as e-recruiter and senior admissions counselor.
CCCU participated in two Advanced Leadership Institutes
6 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
AROUND THE COUNCIL (ALIs) at Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center, located near
A mixed-gender Leadership Development Institute,
Sumas, Wash. The institutes were coordinated by Dr. Karen
Advanced Leadership Institutes and Women’s Leadership
Longman, professor of higher education at Azusa Pacific
Development Institutes are scheduled for June 2010.
University (CA) and former VP for professional development
Go to www.cccu.org/conferences for more details.
and research for the Council. Presenters included Mary Kate Morse, George Fox University (OR); Shirley Hoogstra, Calvin
IWU Holds First Women’s Leadership Initiative
College (MI); Carla Sanderson, Union University (TN);
In spring 2008, 20 women were identified from across
Debby White, Lee University (TN); Sondra Cave, MidAmerica
Indiana Wesleyan University (IN)’s faculty and staff as
Nazarene University (KS); Deana Porterfield, Azusa Pacific
emerging leaders. For their kickoff event, participants
University (CA); Mimi Barnard of the CCCU; Pat Anderson,
met for a weekend retreat with Shirley Mullen, president
retired provost of Fresno Pacific University (CA) and Eileen
of Houghton College (NY), as their speaker. Meeting
Hulme and Karen Longman, both of Azusa Pacific.
throughout the year, each participant was paired with a
“It was a privilege to be immersed in the 2009 Advanced Leadership Institutes as a window into the enormous capacity of these gifted women. Among the 60 ALI participants, many have moved into more significant leadership roles since their original involvement in the WLDI/LDI programs over the past decade. Interacting with these women about the latest leadership research and literature, as well as allowing them to learn from an impressive array of cabinetlevel leaders, was transformational,” Longman said.
BY THE NUMBERS GENDER IN THE CCCU: FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON, 2003-07 compiled by Nita Stemmler
mentor for a shadowing experience; Mimi Barnard, vice president of professional development and research for the CCCU, was the speaker for the concluding retreat held in Indianapolis. Cynthia Tweedell, director of the CCCU Center for Research in Adult Learning at IWU, Karen Hoffman, associate dean for arts and sciences, and Sharon Drury, former dean of IWU’s Adult and Professional Studies Program and now full-time faculty, co-led the initiative and are in discussion about expanding the program within the region.
Call for Proposals Welcome for CRAL Conference The Center for Research in Adult Learning is calling for proposals for “Enhancing the Quality of ChristCentered Adult Education,” a conference to be held May 11-12, 2010 at the Hyatt Place in Florence, K.Y.
FULL-TIME STUDENTS WOMEN MEN PART-TIME STUDENTS WOMEN MEN
2003
2007
(157,873)
(170,559)
59%
59%
(93,227)
41%
(64,646)
(100,796)
41%
(69,763)
2003
2007
(30,824)
(31,370)
59%
(18,227)
41%
(12,597)
61%
(19,186)
39%
(12,184)
DIFFERENCE
Proposals on any topic related to Adult Learning are encouraged. The Steering Committee is particularly
NO CHANGE NO CHANGE
interested in research presentations on the following topics: • Alumni surveys—Impact on career, faith • Branch campus verses main campus outcomes • Spiritual transformation of adults
DIFFERENCE
• Student learning outcomes • Alumni giving for adult programs
+2% -2%
• Adult persistence in graduate programs • Grade inflation • Best practices in technology (web enhanced courses) • Teaching diverse adult learners • Outcome assessment of adult programs compared to traditional programs Proposals will be accepted up to Nov. 30, 2009. For more information, visit www.indwes.edu/cral. continued on page 8>>
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 7
AROUND THE COUNCIL Grants Database Up and Running A new database to help students find prestigious grants and scholarships, as well as guidance in getting into graduate school, is now available online. Facilitated by the Centre for Scholarship and Christianity in Oxford (SCIO), the new database includes training on graduate school admissions, as well as best practices in procuring grant monies. The database
This fall, the CCCU is pleased to unveil
is free and available to students, faculty and staff and parents.
a new tool for online collaboration for
“Endeavoring to aid the participants at understanding the vision and
peer groups. The CCCU Networking
ethos and culture of a research university, develop the tools to successfully navigate the change from a small liberal arts school in the Christian tradition, we want to encourage a vision and understanding of vocation that can enable students to positively engage the opportunities and calling graduate
Communities enables you to collaborate with your peers in community groups via list-servs and with new tools including blogs, wikis, community
school presents,” said Stan Rosenberg, Ph.D., director of SCIO.
directory and a group-based file library
The database currently contains information for approximately 600 grants,
www.cccu.org/networking
to share documents and images.
with the goal to include nearly 2000 grants and scholarships. To visit the database, go to http://www.bestsemester.com/sso/ssogrants.
AKA Presidential Changes HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY (TX) The Board of Trustees of Howard Payne University named Dr. William (Bill) Ellis as the 19th president of the 120 year-old institution. Ellis has served as provost and chief academic officer at HardinSimmons University (TX) since 2001. PALM BEACH ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY (FL) Palm Beach Atlantic University trustees voted
the executive vice president of Crichton College in Memphis, Tenn., was unanimously elected to the position by the Greenville College Board of Trustees after a year-long, nationwide presidential search. Linamen succeeds retired president Dr. V. James Mannoia and interim president Dr. Edwin Blue. Linamen has extensive experience in higher education. Previous posts include dean of Graduate Business Programs at Taylor University, provost at Colorado Christian University and provost at Dallas Baptist University (TX).
presidential search committee to appoint Lu Hardin,
Institutional Name Changes
J.D. as PBA’s seventh president. President Hardin
Bible College (New Zealand) is now Laidlaw College.
began his term of service July 1, 2009. An educator
The Web site was changed to www.laidlaw.ac.nz.
unanimously to accept the recommendation of the
who became a state senator, Hardin, 57, is the former president of the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). GREENVILLE COLLEGE (IL) On July 1, 2009, Dr. Larry H. Linamen became the 11th president of Greenville College. Linamen, previously
8 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
Southern Cross College (Australia) is now Alphacrucis College. The Web site is changed to http://alphacrucis.edu.au.
AROUND THE COUNCIL
ONTHESHELF
Editor’s Note: As part of our ongoing efforts to provide a publication that truly meets the needs of our membership, we are expanding On the Shelf. The aim is to highlight what people are reading and why. In upcoming issues, those who have made significant contributions to Christ-centered higher education, as well as in the larger cultural realm, will be sharing what’s on their bookshelves and what’s catching their eye. First up is Dr. Philip Eaton, president of Seattle Pacific University (WA). An avid reader, President Eaton loves books — of all kinds. Here are a few of his recent favorites, taken from The President’s Bookshelf, which can be found in SPU’s Response magazine at www.spu.edu/response and on his new blog at http://blog.spu.edu/eaton/.
Hannah Coulter
Surprised by Hope
Wendell Berry
N.T. Wright
(Counterpoint, 2005)
(HarperOne, 2008).
This is one piece of Berry’s
I have been deeply impacted
marvelous saga of rural life in
by this fresh, stimulating,
Southern Kentucky—families
provocative view of the
caught up in social and cultural
resurrection. I know some of
forces of profound change beyond
this is a bit controversial, a
their control. This is the tragic
challenge to our conventional
passing, in Berry’s view, of the
views of heaven. But Wright
deep agrarian roots of American culture. Hannah watches
reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that
her children leave the farm to pursue their own vocations
mysterious claim at the center of our faith, is profoundly
and comes to the painful realization that she will be the
fundamental to the way we carry out the mission of
last to live and flourish, even through the hardships, on
God’s people in the present. There is hope out ahead––
this precious land. The book is beautiful, reminding us of
and so we can and we must live as hopeful people,
deep, important values of an agrarian society —hard work,
changing the world in anticipation of what’s yet to come.
perseverance, living without debt, keeping on in the face of hardship and loss, celebration of bounty, stamina during lean times. This book mourns the loss of the passing of a way of life. We have much to learn from Hannah Coulter.
In addition, two CCCU Senior Fellows have recently published books.
Mutual Treasure: Seeking Better Ways for Christians and Culture to Converse Edited by Harold Heie & Michael A. King (Cascadia Publishing, 2009).
God Hides in Plain Sight: How to See the Sacred in a Chaotic World Dean Nelson (BrazosPress: 2009).
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 9
ON THE HILL Direct Lending: The Holy Grail for Student Aid Advocates by Nate Mouttet
T
he past few years for student lending have been
loans, at the same low interest rates, terms and conditions,
a steady diet of uncertainty and new norms.
no matter what happens in the economy…The legislation
Both the Bush and the Obama Administrations
will ensure that all federal student loan borrowers receive the
have set their sights on changing the status quo
best possible customer service when repaying their loans by
of student lending. Under Secretary Spellings
forging a new public-private partnership that allows private
the goal was to reform the business relationships campuses
lenders to compete for contracts to service loans. Additionally,
had with lenders to remove possible ethical concerns. Now
it will ensure that non-profit lenders have the opportunity to
under Secretary Duncan there is a desire to find new budget
continue servicing loans – preserving a role for lenders and
monies by removing the lending industry and their financial
maintaining jobs in communities throughout the country.”2
incentives from the student lending process.
Yet a few days after the initial bill was introduced, an article in
The goal of changing student lending is a mutual aspiration
InsideHigherEd.com identified that “…as the Obama proposal
those in higher education can look to as a high ideal by reducing
has morphed into House legislation (H.R. 3221), Democratic
financial waste and increasing the federal funding for students
lawmakers would direct less than half of the money that could
to attend college. Yet, the proposal is not without controversy.
be generated by the legislation to increasing the Pell Grant,
The 111th Congress brings the latest round of changes to the forefront and it comes with a tantalizing dream of creating a Pell Grant entitlement. However, with those promises come mixed blessings. The Labor and Education committee in the House of Representatives introduced a massive restructuring of student aid. The desired result as stated by committee Chair Rep. George Miller (D-CA) is, that “the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 will generate almost $100 billion in savings over the next ten years that will be used to boost Pell Grant scholarships, keep interest rates on federal loans
and tens of billions of dollars would go to purposes outside higher education, including early childhood learning and reducing the federal deficit.” The higher education community is torn over the ultimate value of the bill. Associations like those of the American Association of Community Colleges have fully endorsed this legislation yet others, like the National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities, have significant reservations. The concerns over the bill are most significant in the areas of where the funding is directed, and some logistical concerns with simply changing the way that business is done.
affordable, safeguard federal student loan access for families,
The funding concerns remain because as Pell Grants are
and enact President Obama’s key education priorities.”1
increased, they may not be “entitled” as the savings from
A release from the House Labor and Education committee, further explains the value of the legislations. “Similar to what President Obama proposed in his FY 2010 budget, the bill will originate all new federal student loans through the Direct
students lenders are not specifically sectioned off for Pell Grants. Additionally, greater amounts of funding are being directed towards community colleges and two-year colleges and as part of a larger higher education funding priority.
Loan program starting in 2010, instead of through lenders
The CCCU, like NAICU, continues to watch the concern
subsidized by taxpayers in the federally-guaranteed student
over funding priorities as the bill goes to the Senate after its
loan program. Unlike the lender-based program, the Direct
passage in the House.
Loan program is entirely insulated from market swings and
1
can therefore guarantee students access to affordable college
2
10 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
edlabor.house.gov/markups/2009/07/the-student-aid-and-fiscal-res.shtml edlabor.house.gov/newsroom/2009/07/chairman-miller-introduces-leg.shtml
OPEN SOURCE Professor Urges Students to Unplug to Get Truly Connected By Erin Mussolum
E
ach spring, Associate Professor of Philosophy Robert Doede
responding to people
at Trinity Western University (Vancouver, British Columbia)
and projecting the
puts social media addiction to the test. For a 5 percent
right image of yourself.
bonus credit, his Philosophy 210 students are challenged
I was anxious about
to abstain from all social and traditional media throughout
making sure I had the
the three-month semester and to journal about their experiences.
right photos up.”
In giving up media like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, video games, television
“Attention is something
and movies, it becomes clear that only the strong succeed. Doede says
that diminishes as
that out of a typical class of 35, only about 12 seek the challenge, and
there are more demands on students’ time in
by the end of the semester, only four to six are still “media abstinent.”
terms of information access and our world.
In a fit of irony, Doede’s challenge has garnered him media attention, including a mention in The Metro of Vancouver and The Wired Campus, part of The Chronicle for Higher Education’s technology coverage.
PROFESSOR ROBERT DOEDE
Our culture provides an over abundance of information access. We have so much we can’t linger on anything in particular or access anything for long because then we
While social media sites like Facebook provide an easy
are losing out,” Doede said. “This creates a
connection to significant people in our lives, Doede
subtle anxiety from within us as we try to be
sees the downside of these sites first-hand.
as efficient and as rapid-fire as possible in
“Students can’t wait to get out of class to update, find out if anyone
as many domains of our life as possible.”
commented on their page or sent them anything,” Doede said. “Their spare
Doede believes social networking sites are
time is being more and more devoted to keeping so-called friends apprised
only going to get more sophisticated and
of their lives and satisfying their own voyeuristic interests in others’ lives, to
will in fact morph into new forms of social
the point that schoolwork can be surrounded by the anxieties of updating.”
mediation that will entice us to keep up
Doede mentioned that students partaking in the fast share with him
with their increasingly inhuman pace.
in their journals that, as they abstain from media, they see a decrease
“If we are not extremely careful in how we
in anxiety, have more time, notice their sleeping habits change and
allow these sites to enter our lives, we will find
lose weight. Their grade point average generally increases.
our capacities to attend to other humans with
Hannah Jenkins, a junior at TWU, decided to take Doede up on his challenge. Until taking the class she, like all her peers, had been a
the care and sensitivity they deserve subtly yet profoundly diminished,” he said.
big user of Facebook. Jenkins shares how she would spend hours non-stop playing around on Facebook and recalls that, “afterward I felt completely numb, drained and devoid of all humanity.” “At first when I went off Facebook I found it really difficult,” Jenkins said. “A big feature of it was events and when you aren’t on Facebook, you are disconnected from invitations. There is also a lot of anxiety around
Erin Mussolum is the senior media relations specialist at Trinity Western University (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada).
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 11
GOING GLOBAL Global Partnerships Make Vienna University Truly International by Mimi Wiggins Perreault
T
he International University in Vienna, Austria is a
“They also have incredible connections in both
unique place of learning in large part because of its
fields for those American institutions considering
connections with other international schools.
off-campus study and mission tours in Central
“Our student body is very international and we [currently have] approximately 75 different nations [represented] among
our students,” said Sabrina Nill, director of marketing/admissions at IUV. The university was established in 1981 and has more than 100 different nationalities attending. According to Nill, a typical class of 15 students will have 10 different nationalities, creating an environment of cultural training within itself. IUV prides itself on its diverse community and international focus that caters to the student wanting a more global perspective. There are several international schools affiliated with IUV, including several CCCU member schools. Ed Ericson, a business professor at John Brown University (AR), spent 10 days last spring as the Dellenback Fellow, composing a report for the CCCU and his university at IUV.
and Eastern Europe,” commented Ericson. During his time, Ericson wrote several reports about IUV’s programs, physical spaces, its assessment processes and what directions the school might take regarding accreditation. He also had the opportunity to meet several students who were studying at IUV. ”The students at IUV were amazing,” he said. “The Romanian student working in admissions speaks five or six languages fluently. The North Korean woman I interviewed was a complete bookworm who helped run the library and loved it. Students like these had a passion for the freedom, opportunities
Ericson’s work consisted of serving as an outside consultant
and intellectual stimulation that I don’t see
helping the institution by setting up an effective assessment
as much of in our American context, and
system, preparing for its first major accreditation exploration,
American students attending IUV would grow
analyzing its strengths and weaknesses and exploring possible
tremendously from being around such a
connections it might make with other organizations.
diverse and exciting group of individuals.”
“Dr. Ericson’s help was very practical in many ways, including
Ericson found, however, that there are things the
help us to trim down a too-large outcomes assessment plan with
international students could learn from American
more instruments than would have been sustainable. Since we
students who might attend the school as well.
were new at the outcomes assessment process, this help was and remains critical to our success in our accreditation process now more than a year later,” said Dr. Linda Boyer, dean at IUV.
“Our American students are more wellrounded and thoughtful about life in general and the Christian understanding of life in
Through his research, Ericson found that students at the university
particular,” he said. “They typically have
faced several challenges because of the history of the country
more formal education and more background
and the structure of the faculty. The university offers a variety of
in the liberal arts. As such, our American
programs, including those in business and international relations
students would have much to share with
both in Vienna and in the former Soviet Union. This makes IUV the
these students from around the globe.”
ideal place to learn about diplomacy and cross cultural relations.
12 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
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R&D CCCU Students, Faculty Awarded as Fulbright Scholars by Mimi Wiggins Perreault
T
aylor University (IN) computer science
English Teaching Assistantship grants to teach English as
professor Stefan Brandle was awarded a
a foreign language. Hamilton will teach in Malaysia for at
Fulbright Fellowship and spent August 2008
least seven months, and Whisenand will teach in Germany
through July 2009 working in Mauritius, an
for 10 months. These two bring the number of Fulbright
island off the east coast of Madagascar.
student winners from Whitworth to nine since 2000.
“It reminded me of the importance of feedback in learning,”
Lipscomb University (TN) graduate Katie Jacoby also
Brandle said. “I learned the importance of being forced to
received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to
explain something through your actions. Without the feedback
teach English for a year at a college in Colombia.
and assessment loop lower quality learning is happening. This was something I was reminded of during my time there.”
This year Calvin College’s (MI) Fulbright honorees included three professors and a recent graduate. Geographer Janel
Brandle did his work at the University of Mauritius, where he
Curry, a previous Fulbright award recipient, will be based
helped the school to adopt automatic grading of computer
at the City University of Hong Kong. Philosopher David
science programs. The program was designed to grade
Hoekema will spend a semester teaching and researching
computer science programs, because at the university, the
African political philosophies at Daystar University in
professor-to-student ratio was very large and faculty members
Kenya. History professor Jim Bratt was awarded the
had very little time to grade computer programs as a result.
Fulbright-Dow Distinguished Research Chair Award and
Brandle is just one example of the gains made in the academic realm this past year. With several schools celebrating Fulbright Scholars Program Awards, schools are putting their academic programs, as well as alumni and faculty, on the map. The Fulbright Scholars Program, named for Sen. William J. Fulbright in 1946, began as a way for people to develop their academic interests. The program gives out several grants through the U.S. State Department that provide pr students and professors opportunities to learn about
will be working at the Roosevelt Study Center in the Netherlands for the spring semester of 2010. Recent graduate Eric Bratt will be studying Chinese language in Manchuria; he began his study of Mandarin in July. Calvin students also were recipients of the Goldwater Fellowship, named after the former senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona. The scholarship is awarded to about 300 college sophomores and juniors nationwide for a maximum of $7,500 per academic year. Those students were Luke Leisman, Alexandra Cok, Sarah Tasker, Tim Ferdinands and Melissa Haegert.
outside cultures. This year there is a long list of awards
Azusa Pacific University (CA) graduate Kelsey Maass also
given by the Fulbright Scholars Program to CCCU schools.
received the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship grant.
Malone University’s (OH) Ken Stoltzfus plans to research the ways that Russian social workers integrate spirituality and religion in their social work practices. Stoltzfus and his family will be in Russia January through June 2010. Two recent graduates of Whitworth University (WA), Kendra Hamilton and Amy Whisenand, were awarded Fulbright
14 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
Maass has studied Spanish and Catalan, the native language of Andorra, where she will be teaching during the next year. Mimi Wiggins Perreault lives in downtown, Washington, D.C. with her husband Greg. In addition to working part-time for Agence France Press as a media producer, she is pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Communication Culture and Technology at Georgetown University. Mimi is an alumna of the Washington Journalism Center (’04) and graduate of Baylor University (TX), BA ’05.
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T
he Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
God through word and deed. It was three students from
marks October as Christian Higher Education
a CCCU campus who began Acting on AIDS and it will
Month. Since 1999, the CCCU has celebrated
be many more students who start new initiatives; we
the work of its members and affiliates in
invite students at CCCU campuses to get involved in the
promoting Christ-centered higher education
political process and find ways to curb the tides of injustice
worldwide and the accomplishments of faculty, students and alumni. This year, the Council promoted various partnerships with leading organizations in the fields of humanitarian relief, education and sustainability.
World Vision: A Day of Prayer, Call to Action The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities was proud to partner with
in our world,” said CCCU President Paul R. Corts. In addition to the Day of Prayer, Oct. 1 marked the introduction of the World Vision ACT:s college activism network. Formerly Acting on AIDS, ACT:s is a movement of college students committed to exploring what our faith says about poverty and injustice using creative activism to bring issues to life and change hearts on campus, and using our voices to advocate our elected leaders and communities to help end poverty, injustice, and human suffering.
World Vision and students at CCCU institutions as they
“There is no doubt that college students today are passionate
fight to end extreme poverty and injustice. This year, the
and influential. World Vision believes it is essential to engage
CCCU and World Vision encouraged students on CCCU
with Christian college students in using their voices and
campuses to participate in the Day of Prayer and Action.
energy to speak out and take action on behalf of the poor
“The passion for social justice on CCCU campuses is palpable and present in many facets. Activism through engagement is growing and thriving and the CCCU is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with World Vision, an organization who is focused on showing the love of
16 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
and suffering. Our partnership with the CCCU both past and future is a key part in our engagement with the future generation of the church,” said Richard Stearns, president of World Vision. Learn more at www.worldvisionacts.org.
CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION MONTH Richard Stearns will also be speaking at the 2010 International Forum on Christian Higher Education, Feb. 23-26, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.
the second annual Day of Prayer for God’s Creation. As part of the Day of Prayer, the students of Renewal invited all Christians to join in fasting from one source of energy use for the day. Examples include: not driving for the day, shutting off lights, fasting from cell phones, television, computers, or other sources of electricity,
Teach for America: Record Students Join Growing Organization
eating vegetarian for the day and other measures.
As part of Christian Higher Education Month, the Council
other efforts with leading sustainability organizations, working
of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) announced
to further the work of being good stewards of God’s Creation.
In addition to the work with Renewal, the CCCU is rooted in
that 98 recent graduates from CCCU institutions joined Teach For America’s 2009 teacher corps, more than
Creation Care Fund
double the number who joined in 2008. The increase
Buoyed by generous funding from the Creation Care Fund,
stems from a strategic partnership launched last year by
the CCCU awarded six institutions mini-grants to
Teach For America and the CCCU to help recruit even more
begin the process of sustainability. More information
outstanding seniors who are eager to have an immediate
on the progress of the six institutions will be
impact on the academic achievement gap that exists
coming in a future issue of CCCU Advance.
between children growing up in low-income communities and their peers in higher-income neighborhoods. ”Teach For America is pleased to see more young people joining the fight to eliminate education inequity,” said Nicole Baker Fulgham, vice president of Teach For America’s faith community relations initiative. “Students at CCCU schools exemplify a commit to social justice that is, in part, motivated by their faith tradition. Those who join Teach For America are working alongside thousands of other dedicated teachers to ensure that their students have access to the high-quality education they deserve.”
Evangelical Environmental Network CCCU President Paul R. Corts and many presidents and top officials of CCCU institutions have joined the Evangelical Climate Initiative and signed its landmark statement “Climate Change: An Evangelical Call to Action,” which has 270 signatures to
Wendy Kopp, the founder and CEO of Teach For America,
date. Another growing movement is the “Presidents Climate
will be a plenary speaker at the 2010 International Forum
Commitment.” To date several CCCU schools are signatories.
on Christian Higher Education, set for Feb. 24-26, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information about the Forum, go to www.cccu.org/forum2010.
Sustainability: Celebrating Efforts, Pressing to Do More
BestSemester OffCampus Programs Several of the BestSemester off-campus study programs are thinking globally and
In recognizing the
acting hopefully. Through our curriculum and efforts,
partnerships of various
students understand that in policy initiatives and personal
organizations dedicated
decisions, each decision matters. To read more, go to the
to issues of sustainability
current issue of BestSemester Magazine. That issue and
and creation care, the
past issues can be found at www.bestsemester.com.
Council for Christian Colleges & Universities was proud to celebrate Campus Sustainability Day as part of its efforts in Christian Higher Education Month. In addition to Campus Sustainability Day, the CCCU joined with groups such as Renewal for
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 17
G O D I T
S
I
H
N E
D E T A I L S 18 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
ARCHITECTURE
As the only CCCU institution to offer a degree in architecture, Judson University (IL) is building the foundation for faithfulness and excellence in the field. by Shanley Knox | Photos provided by Keelan Kaiser
A
side from celebrity architects such as Mies van der Rohe and the two Franks (Gehry and Lloyd Wright), the field of architecture is often underplayed and undervalued. Most don’t know the complexities architects grapple with in planning and construction.
Moreover, most lists for top architecture programs mention large public and private institutions such as Harvard, Virginia Tech and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in central California. When viewed through a secular lens, small institutions, let alone small religious institutions, aren’t apparently competitive with larger campuses. Which makes Judson University (IL) all the more interesting. Aside from being the only CCCU campus and only one of two institutions in the United States with a Christian mission to offer bachelor and master’s degrees in architecture, Judson is also much smaller than most universities with architecture programs. Despite its enrollment figures, the program makes its own place in the world of architecture schools through nurturing a unique studio atmosphere, internship program and a LEED-Gold facility.
OPENED IN 2007, the Weber Center, which houses the architecture department and the Central Library. Judson’s facility is the only campus in the country, religious or secular, to have a LEED-certified gold rated building.
The Journey to Accreditation Judson University’s road to a degree began in 1997 as the result of a year-long feasibility study to determine the legitimacy of an architecture school. The study revealed that around 20,000 students per year would continued on page 20>>
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 19
ARCHITECTURE
“There was a real niche of demand for a program that both could meet people’s professional goals as well as have the exposure of working on a Christian culture and campus.” – Royce Earnest,
Judson University graduate program coordinator
from page 19>>
be interested in studying architecture in the context of a Christian school. Judson responded with a program that began with 20 students, and has grown into an accredited
JUDSON’S EMPHASIS ON BALANCE AND COLLABORATION allows for students to be competitive in the studio without being cutthroat. It’s an approach many campuses are adopting for their own respective programs.
program of 225 students and 10 full-time faculty.
Architecture degrees are accredited by the National
“[The growth] was painful and exhilarating at the same time. A
Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB), of which Kaiser
lot of institutional changes had to happen in order for [growth]
is a national board member, by a process that took Judson
to happen. The program has been dynamic the whole time,”
seven years to complete, the minimum time required.
said Keelan Kaiser, chair of the department of architecture.
Earnest notes that many smaller campuses cannot bear
As graduate program coordinator Royce Earnest notes, it isn’t surprising that students originally chose
the financial burden of the unique requirements necessary to successfully deliver a degree in architecture.
Judson first for its Christian atmosphere, and secondly
Although it is not mandatory for students to attend Judson
for its program. However, the degree in architecture
for both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees, many
is one of Judson’s most popular degrees today.
students choose to stay at Judson for all six years of
“There was a real niche of demand for a program that both could meet people’s professional goals as well as have the exposure of working on a Christian culture and campus,” Earnest said. “You’re not allowed to talk about your faith at public institution, [but] we think we’re a place where you don’t have to not talk about those things. You
schooling required for earning the accredited degree. Aside from graduating from an accredited degree program with an architecture degree, licensed architects are required to complete a three-year working internship and pass a series of examinations. Usually, architecture programs streamline students straight into graduate school before
can talk about how your faith impacts your approach to
allowing time for them to begin their internships. Judson
sustainability and the responsible use of resources.”
requires students to complete a nine-to- 12 month
Judson’s solitariness as an architecture program within
internship before entering Judson’s graduate school.
the CCCU is largely due to the difficulty involved in
“Very few schools require as extensive of professional practice
accreditation. Universities are required to have faculty for
as we do to complete the master’s degree,” Kaiser said.
all four (or, in Judson’s case, six) years of the architectural
“Students graduate with job experience and thus are much
program, as well as library staff in support of the program.
more competitive for job placement upon graduation. But
20 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
ARCHITECTURE more importantly, students return to graduate studies with a
use of resources,” Earnest said. “We want to do that, and
much broader understanding of the discipline and practice of
at the same time provide a setting that fosters the needs
architecture as a result of their diverse practice experiences.”
of those who want to further their faith in doing it.”
LEEDing by Example Students at Judson can choose from two concentrations:
A Blueprint for Community Outreach
traditional and urbanism or sustainable design. The program’s
Judson’s Christian principles have made it a leader in its
material is widespread, teaching students everything from
field, according to Earnest. For many years, architecture
residential architecture to commercial, civic and institutional
school has been considered a grueling rite of passage.
design, along with both traditional and contemporary styles.
Judson, in contrast, designed its program to be the
“Traditional is the study of classical architecture and more
model of a healthy working environment. Kaiser said the
historically considered. Sustainable has to do more with low
school’s restriction on access to its studio, a measure
energy design strategies, buildings that require less energy
almost unheard of at architecture schools, shows its
to operate,” Kaiser said. “Buildings, regionally specific
seriousness. Architecture education has begun to shift to
architecture, low and zero energy building, a lot of it has to do
a model similar to Judson’s, a sign the staff at Judson have
with technology, but some have to do with good basic design
taken to mean they are headed in the right direction.
orientation skills which, of course, we feel we are experts at.”
“Where other schools tend to be very competitive, even to the
All schools have program distinctions, according to Kaiser,
point of being cutthroat, I have found the people at Judson
but Judson is interested in not only being distinctive in its
to be much more collaborative and helpful,” Joe Juhl, a grad
institutional mission, but in the educational experience
student at Judson, said. “If you need to borrow a tool, marker
of students. Part of that provision comes in Judson’s
set or ruler, people are usually happy to help you out. Once I
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
even had one of my classmates help me build a model I was
gold rated architecture building, a third party rating
struggling to finish on time after he had completed his own.”
honoring excellence in environmental design. Judson is the only architecture school in the country, secular or religious, housed in a LEED gold rated building. The building only uses 50 percent of the power in natural gas that a typical building does, uses natural lighting during the day, is naturally ventilated and generates its own solar power. Extensive prairie landscape surrounding the building serves as habitat restoration.
One of Judson’s defining qualities is its focus on community outreach. Students learn the art of design through pro bono work on projects for organizations or churches that cannot afford to hire architectural workers. “There’s a community and public involvement in everything we do,” Kaiser said. “We do try to take advantage and do those kinds of outreach. That might be working with YMCA on renovating their facilities,
“Our goal is to meet all the needs of the profession, and to
or we’ve done some work with the local Habitat for
do what ethically responsible architects do, and to encourage
Humanity chapter with designing their facilities.”
better use of materials and energy and the responsible
Kaiser sees architecture as a way to capitalize on opportunities to be a light in the community
Judson is the only architecture school in the country, secular or religious, housed in a LEED gold rated building.
of Elgin, the city where Judson is located. “The program has been an all-over benefit to the institution,” Kaiser said. “We have a very competitive program, so we have always enjoyed high enrollments and activity in our freshman and transfer student intakes. We’re still the only evangelical university with an architecture program and there’s a market for that.” Shanley Knox is a journalism student at Biola University (CA) and a freelance writer currently working and living in northern California.
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 21
COURTESY OF DORDT COLLEGE
TOP: DORDT COLLEGE (IA) is one of the few campuses in the CCCU to offer a robust agricultural program, complete with an off-campus farm. BOTTOM: NYACK COLLEGE (NY) serves more than half of its student body in its satellite campuses, including one in Manhattan.
22 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
COURTESY OF NYACK COLLEGE
CHOOSE THY NEIGHBOR?
Contemporary discussions about location revolve around issues of population migrations and economic drivers and how higher education fits amidst the shifting patterns. Some institutions want to make a sense of place irrelevant, while some cling to place as paramount to identity. Whether a campus is rooted in a rural setting or planted in an urban environment, the focus should be more than just place, but rather embodying the space for the Kingdom. By Kendra Langdon Juskus
T
he Web site for the city of Sioux Center,
Dordt is not alone in this effort. More and more, Christian
Iowa speaks of paved roads, well-kept
colleges are encouraging—through their philosophies,
homes and a community of “people who
their programming and their policies—a familiarity
like to live and educate their children in
with the value and influence of their particular local
a wholesome Christian environment.”
cultures, as well as engagement with a global wealth of
The town is also home to Dordt College (IA), which
augments the local population of 6500 citizens by an
diversity and experience. And they are doing so within the larger context of an increasingly polarized country.
additional 1300 young people each August, and stretches
At the same time that globalization and the interaction of
both its student population and its larger community
a panoply of cultures and ideas has swept the world, U.S.
to see and think beyond their bucolic surroundings.
citizens have watched recent elections turn their electoral
“God’s world is global,” explained Michael Ten Haken, Dordt’s marketing and public relations coordinator. “It’s not a matter of we’ve got all the answers right here in our 115 acres.”
map increasingly red in the center and blue on the margins. Research shows that such polarization is working at an even more nuanced level, as growing wealth and education allow citizens to live near a choice of schools, stores and cultural institutions that accord with their political and
In trying to follow this idea, Ten Haken stated that
ideological standards. By making these choices, and by
Dordt strives to balance its students’ exposure to
corralling the materials they read, the news they watch and
the rich textures of the world with their involvement
the Internet sites they frequent into those same standards,
in the details of Sioux Center’s daily life.
citizens also, in effect, choose like-minded neighbors.
continued on page 24>>
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 23
CHOOSE THY NEIGHBOR?
CAROL GANT
from page 23>>
also from an enduring commitment to local relevance.
The role that Christian institutions of higher education
North Park is embedded in one of the most ethnically
are striving to play in this atmosphere is dictated by an
diverse neighborhoods in the United States, so students
understanding of God’s kingdom as, like Ten Haken said,
can’t help but live an urban lifestyle among lots of
a global one. In particular, in two often very disparate
different languages, traditions and life situations.
contexts—rural and urban settings—CCCU campuses
“Our president likes to use the phrase that the city is
are choosing not to sequester students with other likeminded individuals, or to keep them from unfamiliar experiences; in contrast to the larger culture’s trends, these
both our text and our context,” explained Johnson. “So that means it is the environment in which we’re learning, it’s our context here in the city, and as students go to
schools are purposefully weaving differing viewpoints,
class and participate in co-curricular programming and
backgrounds and experiences into their communities.
explore, they are exploring the city of Chicago and all of its
The Space as Text and Context
diversity. But it’s also our text, in the sense that we’re in the process of intentionally incorporating elements of our
“There’s just an understanding that the kingdom
urban surroundings and our city into coursework, into the
gospel is one in which every tribe and nation would be
classroom and … into our co-curricular programming.”
worshiping God together and in community together,” explained Richard Johnson about North Park University (IL), where he is the director of university ministries. North Park has been situated in the city of Chicago since its establishment by the Evangelical Covenant Church in 1891. Today its tagline is “Christian, Urban, Multicultural,” and the school takes this mission seriously.
A similar diversity seems to come naturally to Nyack College (NY). Nyack has a traditional campus in campus in South Nyack, N.Y, about 20 miles northwest of New York City, as well as several satellite campuses—the most significant of which is located in downtown Manhattan. Over half of Nyack’s student body is non-white—a percentage that is nearly mirrored by the diversity of its faculty—and draws
Two of these characteristics—urban and multicultural—
students from 60 different countries. And while its New York
arise not only out of an institutional desire to acquaint
City locale has influenced those numbers, Provost David
many students with a broad range of experiences, but
Turk said that Nyack’s population wasn’t always so eclectic.
24 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
CHOOSE THY NEIGHBOR?
In contrast to the larger culture’s trends, [CCCU] schools are purposefully weaving differing viewpoints, backgrounds and experiences into their communities.
COURTESY OF NYACK COLLEGE
TOP LEFT: STUDENTS AT MONTREAT COLLEGE (NC) have the dual luxury of living and studying in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but also being within close range to Asheville, N.C. ABOVE: ESTABLISHED IN 1995, NYACK’S NYC CAMPUS SERVES A COMMUNITY OF ADULT STUDENTS who are already in ministry at churches and organizations throughout the city. “We did, as a matter of policy back in the early nineties, begin
rights monuments of the South. Montreat College, in the
actively recruiting from New York City,” he explained. “And
mountains of western North Carolina, regularly commissions
that was recruiting to the Rockland campus. Previous to that,
students on BestSemester off-campus programs, and
it was a very white campus. And we also, in the early part
Dordt encourages both students and faculty to spend
of this decade, laid out a statement about diversifying the
semesters teaching or learning away from Sioux Center.
faculty. There are ... Christian college campuses that are right in cities and still very, very white, so you can maintain that, if you wish, but you have to decide: This is where we’re going.”
“It’s very much part of the mission of who we are,” explained Ten Haken about Dordt’s motivation for expanding students’ perspectives, “to say we want to help students who go out
In addition to making that decision to foster a diversity of
into God’s world and want to make a difference; in their
thought and background on campus, most institutions are
own back yard, yes, but around the world, certainly.”
increasingly invested in displacing students from their familiar of people who may live in completely different places and
Being in the Space, But Not Necessarily of the Space
situations, but who are nonetheless their neighbors.
But when a school intentionally invites or pursues such a
contexts in order to provide them with the perspectives
Nyack’s service learning program attempts to move all juniors and seniors—from both its traditional and its urban campuses, so that students from the two mingle—overseas for three weeks. One of North Park’s most popular programs is Sankofa, where black and white students partner for four weeks of classes on civil rights in the United States. The experience culminates in a four-day bus trip through the civil
variety of background and experience as a part of its identity, it may, in some ways, be at odds with its back yard context. Schools can become ghettoized even in their diversity, sealing themselves and their assortment of cultural and intellectual resources off from the local areas that host them. The incorporation of the local culture into the life and ethos continued on page 26>>
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 25
CHOOSE THY NEIGHBOR?
“ The kingdom gospel is one in which every tribe and nation would be worshiping God together and in community together.” —Richard Johnson Director of university ministries North Park University (IL)
from page 25>>
of both rural and urban campuses is the flip-side of schools’
the larger city of Charlotte. Consequently, serving the local
efforts to transcend national trends of homogenization.
community can mean a variety of things, and it looks different
Dordt’s programming, for example, is directly tied to its agricultural setting, even as campus life extends students’ experiences beyond that setting. It is one of the few Christian schools that offers an agriculture program and maintains an off-campus farm. It also encourages students to seek church families in Sioux Center or other nearby towns, and invites local businesses to promote
from one community to the next. In Asheville, students from Montreat’s traditional campus serve in shelters and at a soup kitchen they initiated for local homeless citizens. Meanwhile, in the mountains, Montreat as an institution and a student body come alongside local town councils and community members to partner in environmental stewardship initiatives like trail maintenance and water conservation practices.
their services on campus when school first starts, so that
“[These] are community-led initiatives that our students
students can take advantage of in-town resources.
get on board with,” explained campus chaplain
But the posture in which Christian colleges most often
Steve Woodworth about this more rural community
relate to their local towns, cities or villages is that of service.
involvement, “and now I think that’s become a regular
Nyack’s city campus serves a community of adult students
part of how we think about our new projects here on
who are already in ministry in churches and organizations
campus and how it’s going to affect the town.”
throughout the city. Because of the small size and relative isolation of Sioux Center, Dordt offers shared use of its recreation and cultural facilities with the city, and also invites citizens to all of its speaking and cultural events.
Many schools’ relationships with their local communities are also based upon recruitment. North Park, Dordt, Nyack and Montreat all draw many incoming freshmen from their home states and nearby cities. But after four
Montreat College (NC) is in a unique geographical position:
years spent learning the value of perspectives they may
it sits in the wilderness of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but
have never encountered before, many students decide
is within 15 miles of the city of Asheville, where it has an
not to return to their home communities, or at least to
adult education campus. It also hosts similar programs in
carry those perspectives back with them when they do.
26 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
CHOOSE THY NEIGHBOR?
“ There are ... Christian college campuses that are right in cities and still very, very white, so you can maintain that, if you wish, but you have to decide: This is where we’re going.” –David Turk
provost, Nyack College (NY)
FOR BOTH NYACK COLLEGE (NY) AND NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY (IL), the cities where the schools reside are interwoven with the identity of each school. “More and more,” said North Park’s Johnson, “I hear about students who, by the end of their four years, love the city and choose to stay here after they graduate. There’s certainly the opportunity for them to take what they’ve learned and advocate, educate and champion those values—even to be able to go back to their communities and talk about them from a Biblical perspective, a kingdom perspective.” A kingdom perspective is never a popular one, but with the circumstantial diversity of American neighborhoods being replaced by the privilege of choice, immersion in communities of diverse eccentricities, personalities and situations is especially rare. Yet Christian colleges and universities are instilling their student bodies with the virtue of diversity in all of its iterations—thought, faith tradition, political ideology, ethnicity—because Jesus’ requirement of his followers is not that they choose their neighbors, but that they love them, no matter who they are. Kendra Langdon Juskus is a graduate of Wheaton College (IL) and is the managing editor of Flourish, a Christian environmental stewardship initiative. She writes from Illinois, where she lives with her husband, Ryan.
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 27
CHOOSE THY NEIGHBOR?
CCCU campuses work to build a bridge between campus life and city life. by Mike Plunkett
S
tudents are in the city, but how are
Particularly for our students, they don’t see the city as
students a part of the city?
our grandfather’s place of missionary enterprise.”
That was the question put forth in the
Since 2002, campuses aren’t just embracing greater chances
cover story of the winter 2002-2003
for academic and applied learning opportunities in urban
CCCU Advance. The article spoke of
cities, but are making a concerted effort to train students
some CCCU campuses creating urban campuses,
to prepare for urban life. The current population migration
satellite centers away from the main campus. Either
speaks to the need. The year 2008 marked the first time in
in the formation of new degree programs or posited
human history where more humans lived in urban areas than
as study abroad experiences, many institutions that were in rural, suburban or even urban settings were making a move into a city environment, with the hopes that students learn civic engagement and cross-cultural ministry.
in rural areas. Research known as “the Big Sort,” popularized by journalist Bill Bishop and others, points to the shifting of people groups amongst mega urban regions, displaying commonalities of economic development, industry niches, even personality traits. While the danger of like-mindeness is
Although some urban centers, such as the San
present and growing, the reality is that humans are moving—
Francisco Urban Program at Westmont College (CA),
literally and figuratively—toward an urban existence.
have been around since the 1970s, the concept of urban engagement at that time was a bit of a novelty, fueled by perspectives of the city as the mission field, the local foreign. While that view still resonates within the Christian commitment to engaging and influencing
“Wherever we are living, we are urban people. The kind of culture and lifestyle, even in a rural context, has been urbanized,” said Timothy Peterson, director of the Philadelphia Campus of Messiah College (PA). “No longer
culture, the overt training for missions is dissipating.
are we agriculturally-based in a rural lifestyle in terms of
“I feel the concept of the city for many evangelicals in
with an urban type of consciousness. The city fits them.”
the past 50 years has meant returning back to the
work and life. As a consequence, students are coming in
home of their grandparents missionary practice,” said
Peterson noted back in the 2002 article that students coming
Craig McMullen, director of the Gordon of Boston
to urban semesters were working toward a career in urban
program, part of Gordon College (MA). “For many of
planning or along the lines of sociology, not exclusively to get
the older faculty members, that’s how they were trained:
a taste of the city. Today, the diversity of students is in line
urban meant missions. New faculty members are now
with the diversity of Philadelphia. Peterson stated that while
trained at multicultural metropolitan universities.
the majority of students who came to the urban semesters
28 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
CHOOSE THY NEIGHBOR?
when he began as director over a decade ago came to fulfill course requirements, the majority of students now come to experience life in Philadelphia for their own life enhancement. Like Messiah’s programs, many urban semesters are multi varied in available courses, including with partnerships with neighboring universities.
URBAN PROGRAMS, SUCH AS THE ONES IN SAN FRANCISCO, BOSTON AND PHILADELPHIA, help students understand the city environment and see the urban place as not only a place for missions, but also a place to live. it might be looked upon with some hostility, but it is important for students to observe and deal with. In a
More so, extensive internships are a focal point of the
lot of ways, it’s similar to what the early church in the
urban programs, catering to the wide variety of academic
first Century encountered, being a witness in a city
pursuits students bring to the urban experience. The
who doesn’t want to deal with it,” said McClelland.
classes and internships work in concert with community partnerships and engagement, as well as residential facilities where students live, be it in a communal home or in residencies run by local churches or service agencies.
While the “Christian college bubble” instills the idea of closeness of community to promote spiritual and academic growth, it doesn’t address the continual bridge colleges and universities must be prudent to show
As Scott McClelland, director of Westmont’s San Francisco
students in making the transitions from the classroom to
program, said, “Part of this off-campus experience for
the workforce and from the campus to the city square.
students is doing something that would be a rehearsal
Even more so for Christ-centered institutions, the bridge
for what their future is going to be, what their bachelor’s
is in influencing the city—and the world—for Christ.
degree is going to be worth. Students’ education can
“The mission statement of most Christian colleges and
be taken for a test drive and see how it flies in the
universities suggests that they exist for the benefit and
real world and the good news is that it flies well.”
support of church and society,” Peterson said. “With
In encountering the urban population, students from CCCU campuses are finding a distinct reality of an environment with similarities to what early Christians encountered in the fledgling moments of the Church.
society having become urbanized we are obligated to find new and effective ways of preparing students for engaging in, learning from and contributing to the health and vibrancy of city life. When the city becomes our text and context for learning and service, either through
“Our goal is to get students out of the monochrome
partnerships or through our own efforts, we are better
environment and into a colorful mosaic. In a city like
able to fulfill our institutional mission and to empower our
San Francisco, which is post-modern and post-Christian,
students to be agents of Kingdom-based change.”
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 29
With the construction of new science buildings and the strengthening of curricula, CCCU campuses are integrating faith and science in a stronger facet. by Christopher Martin
30 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
W
COURTESY OF GORDON COLLEGE
hen President Obama nominated Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D.—the physicist highly regarded for his work in leading the Human Genome Project—as the director of the National Institutes of Health in July, many praised the move and
complimented Collins’ expertise as both a world-class scientist and
ABOVE: GORDON COLLEGE (MA), dedicated the Ken Olsen Science Center in August 2008. OPPOSING PAGE: AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (CA) unveiled the Segerstrom Science Center last April.
public policy expert. The nomination raised eyebrows in some circles, however, because Collins, who will speak at the CCCU’s International Forum next February, possesses not only unimpeachable scientific credentials, but also a strong and outspoken Christian faith. This perceived incompatibility of faith and science has historical precedents as old as Galileo yet as current as the issues dominating today’s headlines. In the midst of this ongoing debate, many CCCU institutions have committed to demonstrating that science and faith are not incompatible, as they strengthen their science programs and unveil multimillion dollar science and technology centers. In August 2008, Gordon College (MA) celebrated its commitment to scientific study with the dedication of the Ken Olsen Science Center. The center is an 80,000 square foot facility that cost $30 continued on page 32>>
LEFT: PHOTO BY LON HARDING, COURTESY OF AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 31
FAITH & SCIENCE
“ Many evangelicals remain wary of scientific study and some scientists feel as though the church does not have a place for them.” —Karl Giberson, Ph.D.
Professor, Eastern Nazarene College (MA)
Karl Giberson, Ph.D., professor at Eastern Nazarene College (MA) and the director of the Forum on Faith & Science at Gordon College, agrees with Blend’s assessment of the science program at Gordon College, but believes that Gordon is an outlier in its acceptance of science when compared to some Christian institutions. “Many evangelicals remain wary of scientific study and some scientists feel as though the church does not have a place for them,” Giberson said. COURTESY OF GORDON COLLEGE
THE SECOND PHASE of the construction for the Olsen Science Center is set to be completed by fall 2010. from page 31>>
million and will upon final completion house the college’s math and science departments, along with two libraries and a 400-seat lecture hall.
It is this quandary that led Collins and others to create the BioLogos Foundation, an association dedicated to promoting the harmonious connections between faith and science. Giberson is executive vice president of BioLogos. Giberson remains optimistic that CCCU institutions can influence the church toward a greater understanding of science. “Universities have always led,” Giberson said. “For a school like Gordon
“Everyone at Gordon should be very proud of this
College to finish a magnificent $30 million facility
facility,” said Chuck Blend, Ph.D., assistant professor
that serves as the signature building on campus
of marine biology and parasitology at Gordon. “Every
shows a tremendous commitment to science.”
detail helps make it conducive for both research and learning and we’re blessed to have it.”
Collins echoed similar sentiments when speaking at the dedication of the Olsen Science Center last
According to Blend, the success of Olsen Science
fall. “Do we have to choose between the worldviews
Center represents the commitment the college has
of science or faith?” Collins asked in his dedication
shown to the study of science. “The administration
speech. “Though some would argue that’s the way
and faculty have shown a great commitment to our
it has to be, my scientific worldview and my spiritual
study of scientific principles,” said Blend. “I don’t get
worldview do not have a wall between them. As I’m
the sense that anyone here is uncomfortable with or
working in the lab or as I’m reading my Bible, there are
intimidated by what I call the scientific enterprise.”
opportunities for discovering God’s truth. To imagine
32 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
FAITH & SCIENCE
that those types of truths must be kept separate
Seattle Pacific University (WA), which opened
does not fit with the long traditions of science.”
its Science Center is 2003, has shown that
Much like Gordon College, Azusa Pacific University (CA) recently opened its new science building with
such a facility can have a major impact on the quality of a university’s science program.
the unveiling of the Segerstrom Science Center last
According to Timothy Nelson, Ph.D., professor in the
April. The building houses a 90-seat lecture hall,
department of biology at SPU, the Science Center
discipline-specific classrooms and laboratories,
has particularly helped students and professors with
nuclear magnetic resonance and electron microscope
their research. “The bar for competency has risen
rooms and an animal research facility. In addition, the
across the board at liberal arts colleges,” said Nelson.
Center is the new home of APU’s Center for Research
“Particularly in the natural sciences, being an active
in Science (CRIS), a community of scholars devoted
participant in research is critical for maintaining
to addressing the relationship between science and
competency in the lecture hall. Faculty are now
culture and the dialogue between faith and science.
required and expected to really be active scholars.”
According to Leslie Wickman, Ph.D., director of
Nelson points out that this has brought tangible
CRIS, the Segerstrom Science Center will greatly
benefits to SPU’s science students. “We now have
benefit the science programs at APU. “I am excited
more faculty engaged in research than in the past
that our administration put such a priority on this
and our students are engaged as active partners
project and was able to complete it in such a short
in that research, and are listed as co-authors on
period of time,” Wickman said, who noted that
papers,” Nelson said. “We’re getting top-tier research
housing all of the science departments in one central
grants to fund student involvement, and the result
location has energized the APU science faculty.
is graduates who are particularly well-educated and
“We now have the necessary lab space not only for teaching, but also for research,”
capable. These folks go out into the workforce or graduate schools and impress their supervisors.”
said Wickman. “This has led to more faculty expecting to conduct research. We can now more effectively couple classroom teaching with hands-on research, which will benefit our students tremendously. There is nothing like hands-on experience to prepare and educate students.” Wickman believes the Segerstrom Science Center is indicative of not just the vision at APU to strengthen the school’s science programs, but also of a greater acceptance of scientific theory and study throughout the evangelical church. “The Bible encourages us to test everything and hold onto the good,” Wickman said. “If you love and believe in God, you have nothing to fear by studying his creation. I think we’re seeing a greater realization of this throughout the Christian community.” Just as Gordon and APU expect to reap dividends from their investment in new science centers,
“ The bar for competency has risen across the board at liberal arts colleges… Particularly in the natural sciences, being an active participant in research is critical for maintaining competency in the lecture hall. Faculty are now required and expected to really be active scholars.” Timothy Nelson, Ph.D.
Biology Professor, Seattle Pacific University (WA)
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 33
FAITH & SCIENCE One example is James Rosser, a 2008 SPU graduate
institutions come at a time when the need for Christians
who produced groundbreaking research analyzing the
to excel in the sciences is especially necessary. “There
genome of Azotobacter vinelandii strain DJ, a nitrogen-
are people who do excellent work in the sciences at many
fixing bacterium. Rosser, who is pursuing doctoral studies
of these institutions,” Giberson said. “But the overall
in microbiology at the School of Molecular Biosciences
perception of Christians in the sciences is rather dreadful
at Washington State University, presented his research to
and we need to constantly work to change that.”
Capitol Hill lawmakers earlier this year and is just one of the many examples cited by SPU faculty and administration of the positive results from their investment in the sciences.
Giberson hopes the strides made at Gordon, APU, SPU and many other CCCU campuses will result in more Christians working and making an impact as professional scientists.
“Just at the time when we desperately need more scientists
“There is no doubt that there are Christian schools where a
to remain competitive in the world, we have invested hugely
student can get a top-notch science education,” Giberson
in our science facilities, and our science programs are flat-out
said. “The days of thinking ‘I have to go to MIT or a school
exploding,” said Philip W. Eaton, Ph.D., president of SPU.
like that in order to study science’ have passed.”
“Through an intensive program of hands-on research, we are among the leaders in the nation for undergraduate science.” According to Giberson, the efforts to strengthen their science programs made by these schools and other CCCU
34 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
Christopher Martin is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University (CA). He is senior director at a television agency, managing areas of production and international distribution. He, his wife April and their two twins live in Washington, D.C.
The Composite Financial Index is a key metric Council institutions use to assess financial health. Questions on how and why to use the CFI help sharpen its usefulness. by Kami L. Rice
N
early a decade ago, Messiah College’s (PA) board of trustees was first introduced to the Composite Financial Index (CFI) by the college’s auditor, KPMG. Dr. Lois Voigt, current vice president for finance at Messiah, wasn’t working for the college then but has been told the board’s initial response was fairly cool, whether
because it didn’t fully understand the index or because it didn’t have good options for comparing Messiah’s CFI score with other institutions’ scores. But that has changed. After her arrival at the college in 2002, Voigt selected the CFI from a range of financial health tools, concluding that, though all approaches for measuring financial health have flaws, the composite index number generated by the CFI offers one of the easiest means for illustrating health indicators to college stakeholders who don’t have financial backgrounds. continued on page 36>>
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 35
MEASURING UP
from page 35>>
Soon after she began using this tool, the
Strategic Financial Analysis for Higher Education, their book describing
CCCU began calculating the indexes for their
the evolving use of ratio analysis in higher education, is currently in its
memberships. Voigt said this “significantly
sixth edition. The CFI is built from the values of four component ratios:
enhanced the usefulness of the tool for
the Primary Reserve Ratio, which measures an institution’s level of
conversations with non-finance-minded
financial flexibility; the Net Income Ratio, which measures its operating
employees and board members, especially
performance; the Return on Net Assets Ratio, which measures overall
because it incorporated time-series data.”
asset return and performance; and the Viability Ratio, which measures
Even with the explosive growth of enrollment
an institution’s ability to cover debt with available resources.
of CCCU institutions in the past two
The CCCU’s endorsement of the CFI began during then-president Dr. Bob
decades, campuses often have struggled
Andringa’s tenure. He was concerned about member institutions’ debt
with having a fairly objective standard to
loads, high discount rates and low endowments, among other factors.
measure financial health. While many standards have and are being used, the advent of the CFI has become one of the leading indicators of financial wholeness. “The old slogan ‘Everything that is watched,
“Literally, I did not believe in my gut that some would make it financially over the next decade or two,” he acknowledged. Member campuses have always been very interested in data that show where they stand with respect to other campuses, from
improves,’ is attributed to John D. Rockefeller, who claimed that principle was crucial to his business success. I believe that our institutions are improving their financial management as a result of this ratio analysis and financial index report,” said Paul R. Corts, president of the CCCU. “The CCCU is providing a very valuable service to our institutions by providing this financial analysis and giving it a score that is benchmarked. An analysis of some of the particular ratios also enables a president, board member or others to identify potential areas of an institution’s finances that deserve special focus and attention.” KPMG, along with Prager, Sealy & Co. and BearingPoint, developed the Composite Financial Index as a tool for providing an overall picture of an institution’s financial health.
36 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
“ I believe that our institutions are improving their financial management as a result of this ratio analysis and financial index report.” Paul R. Corts, CCCU president
MEASURING UP
faculty and presidential salaries to admissions data and so on, Andringa said. However, no one had any idea which campuses were more or less financially solid based on objective data. His extensive experience with governing boards added a sense that “few trustees understood their own campus finances…I felt they needed a ‘heads-up’ or even a wake-up call.” Finding a good tool for measuring comparative financial health was important for giving these trustees “a measure of ‘reality’ compared to many other campuses, so they would take more seriously their fiduciary responsibilities and increase their ownership of the financial options available to them.” Andringa’s search led him to the CFI and to Mike Williams at The Austen Group, which conducts institutional research for private colleges and universities and thus, began planning regarding how to provide CFI data for all CCCU member schools. The first Financial Analysis Report was published in 2006 and covered the 2000-2005 fiscal years. This initial report was a joint pilot project of the CCCU and Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). Since then, the CCCU has updated the report each year. The CFI helped inform the types of giving goals and operating surplus targets included in Messiah’s last strategic plan. It’s also been adopted as a strategic plan financial indicator that is shared annually with trustees and employee governance groups. Voigt notes that too
The Index is based upon four ratios: • Primary Reserve - A measure of the level of financial flexibility • Net Income - A measure of the operating performance • Return on Net Assets - A measure of overall asset return and performance • Viability - A measure of the organization’s ability to cover debt with available resources The four ratios are calculated, and each ratio is then translated into a “strength factor,” weighted and then aggregated to create the composite score. Below are explanations for the composite score.
CFI SCALE RANGE
STRATEGY
9 to 10
Deploy resources to achieve robust mission
7 to 8
Allow experimentation with new initiatives
5 to 6
Focus resources to compete in future state
3 to 4
Direct resources to allow transformation
of -1 to 10, is the threshold for financial health and stability, while
1 to 2
Re-engineer the institution
an average score of 7 or 8 achieved over a three- to five-year period
-1 to 0
Assess viability to survive
often, higher education institutions focus almost exclusively on their operating plan activity because it’s the area most budget managers have the most experience with and control over. However, non-operating activities have huge impacts on institutional financial health. Using the CFI, Voigt has illustrated for decision-makers what it would take in terms of operating and non-operating gifts, investment returns, debt management and so on for Messiah to regularly attain a CFI of 7. The CFI’s developers have determined that a CFI of 3, on the CFI scale
indicates that an institution’s resources are flexible enough to permit experimentation with new initiatives. Average scores below 0 indicate drastic measures may be necessary to secure institutional survival. continued on page 38>>
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 37
MEASURING UP from page 37>>
they were before they hit a crisis.” A crisis
“One of the beauties of the ratio process is that it’s got this notion
always comes, since business cycles always
of different strategic activity at different levels of the scale…
go up and down, he notes, and tools like
It triggers the right questions,” noted Nick Wallace, national
the CFI help schools prepare for the crisis.
director of higher education services at CapinCrouse.
“Schools have to be healthy enough to
The data necessary for computing institutional CFIs for the CCCU’s Financial Analysis Report have so far been drawn from public data
withstand that downturn, so they don’t close their doors at the bottom of that cycle.”
acquired via the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary
Concern for institutional financial health is
Education Data System (IPEDS) and GuideStar, which makes available
necessary because of its direct relationship
the Form 990 required by the IRS for all not-for-profit colleges and
with institutions’ ability to carry out their
universities. However, Wallace noted that this has generated one of
mission. “Financial health undergirds our
the downsides of the CFI. For institutions with multiple entities—radio
ability to provide stable and predictable
stations, seminaries and foundations, for example—necessary data aren’t
financing for our activities over the long haul
included in the publicly reported data set. To adjust for this, the next
and our ability to take advantage of mission
CFIs will draw data from each institution’s audited financial statements.
opportunities as they arise,” Koontz said.
It’s in areas related to this challenge of collecting and comparing
Williams, president of The Austen Group,
data when different entities are involved that Dave Koontz, senior
suggests that measures of financial health
director of financial management and reporting at Biola University
matter most for moving institutions from
(CA), expresses reservations about depending too heavily on the CFI.
adequacy to excellence. Financially weak
“Differences in organizations and how they view their operations make
institutions don’t need a report to tell them
it difficult to compare one organization to another,” he explained.
they’re weak, but helping schools move from
“Rapidly changing accounting standards make it difficult to compare
stable foundations to strong foundations
one year to another.” He indicates there’s also still much room for
provides for excellent programs.
more thought to be given to how ratios are understood and used.
“While Christian colleges try not to make
While Biola doesn’t use the CFI in a formal way, the financial staff does still
finances the main focus, it is impossible to
review the annual reports, since they add to their general understanding
offer a credible academic program at the price
of how Biola’s financial numbers compare with some of their peers. And
most charge when the underlying financial
Koontz added, “In my experience, financial managers assimilate data and
parameters are weak,” added Andringa. In
evaluate best practices from a variety of sources. CFI and its components
the current economic climate, “it is imperative
are valuable arrows in the quiver.” Voigt also acknowledged that using
that presidents, CFOs and their boards have
the ratios requires discernment. “If you focus on only one year’s score,
more facts on overall financial stability…
[rather than] a longer-term average or trend, and if your finance/accounting
The CFI is one such tool. It, alone, will not
professionals don’t understand the underlying dynamics of the scores,
provide all the answers. But hopefully, it will
then a ‘once in time’ number can be useless or even dangerous.”
stimulate the most important questions each
In challenging economic seasons like the current one, short-term indicators like a single year’s CFI are skewed. However, Voigt explained, the CFI is still helpful as long as there’s access to a good source of time series
campus should be asking itself, leading to better consensus around what the wisest decisions are for today and the future.”
comparative data that helps institutions know if they are managing at least as well as other institutions. It’s also necessary to understand the underlying dynamics of the calculations. In these times, it’s especially helpful to look more closely at the component ratios of the index, particularly the ratios that are most heavily weighted in determining the CFI. Wallace thinks the timing of the CCCU’s roll-out of the CFI was providential, coming as it did shortly before the economy fell apart. “The opportunity was there [for institutions] to know where they were and how healthy
38 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
Kami Rice (www.kamirice.com), a 1997 graduate of Asbury College (KY) and an alumna of the American Studies Program, is based in Nashville and loves working as a freelance writer.
FEATURE
A RELUCTANT LEADER
by Jenny Collins
COURTESY OF NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE COLLECTION.
In the early days of his evangelistic ministry, Billy Graham accepted an unlikely position as president of a college. Unlikely, that is, to all except Dr. William Bell Riley, the man determined to make Graham his successor. TOP: AS THE NEWLY-NAMED PRESIDENT AT AGE 29, Billy Graham would lead Northwestern College (MN) from 1948-1952. His tenure included the start of KTIS, the campus radio station and the founding of Northwestern media.
continued on page 40>>
FALL2009 CCCUADVANCE 39
FEATURE
from page 39>>
“As we look around campus, we see buildings named
As one of the 20th century’s leading architects of fundamentalism, Riley was a well-known evangelist and theologian. As pastor of Minneapolis’ First Baptist Church and founder of the Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training School [now Northwestern College (MN),] Riley believed Graham
for several past presidents of Northwestern,” said Alan S. Cureton, Ph.D., president of Northwestern College. “It is only fitting we name the Community Life Commons for Billy Graham, our second president and a man who embodies the spirit of evangelism and biblical leadership we hope
was God’s clear choice as the man to whom he
to instill in every student at Northwestern.”
would pass the torch of leading Northwestern.
At the start of his tenure of his presidency,
“When I was an evangelist for Youth for Christ, [I was]
Northwestern students immediately took to their
invited to come to Minneapolis,” recalled Billy Graham,
new leader’s magnetism and his passion for souls.
“and it was during that time that Dr. Riley became
Everyone, including Graham himself, knew he didn’t
interested in me. He almost became obsessed with the
fit the mold of a traditional college president. He was
idea that I should be his successor at Northwestern.
youthful, casual (addressing the faculty in memos with
While I was honored, I knew I was not qualified….”
“Dear Gang”) and inexperienced in administration. But Graham’s name brought prominence to Northwestern,
But Riley was persistent, seeing qualifications in the young southern evangelist he didn’t yet see in himself. Graham eventually agreed, assuring Riley he would accept the leadership for Northwestern. Following Riley’s death in December 1947, Northwestern’s board
Northwestern students immediately took to their new leader’s magnetism and his passion for souls.
of directors honored
drawing students to the school because of his association. And he himself was thrilled about the opportunity to ignite among students a fire for sharing the Gospel. While the idea to launch a Northwestern radio station had begun several years before Graham’s arrival, it was
their founder’s wishes and at 29 years old, Graham
during his presidency that the vision took to the air,
became the youngest college president in history.
literally. At a Northwestern chapel service in early
Sixty years later, Northwestern celebrates the great
1948, in his second month on the job, Graham
heritage of its second president and the legacy he
issued a challenge to the student body to give a
installed in KTIS. With the announcement of the
dollar a week to start a Northwestern radio station.
new commons building to be named in his honor,
“The challenge really worked,” said Kyle
Rev. Graham’s influence will forever be keenly felt on campus. The 70,000-square-foot facility will serve as a centerpiece of the college, providing students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests a vibrant community gathering space. The building was
Wilson, class of 1951, “and the students gave over a thousand dollars a week. Students and staff [who raised $44,000] put Northwestern on the air through that weekly offering.”
planned in November 2007 as part of Northwestern’s
On Monday afternoon, Feb. 7, 1949, one year
Capital Campaign for Student Spiritual Life. The
after the challenge was issued, KTIS signed
college raised a total of $23 million and was awarded
on the air. President Billy Graham was the first
a $750,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation.
to speak, dedicating the station in prayer:
40 CCCUADVANCE FALL2009
FEATURE
“This station stands as a monument to answered
we don’t look back. We look forward to generations
prayer and the sacrificial giving of the greatest gang
of students that are yet to come, should Christ tarry.
of students, faculty and staff in all the world.”
And I want to recommit my support to you and to
While the sphere of Northwestern’s ministry expanded with KTIS, Graham’s own evangelistic
Northwestern today. I count it a privilege to be a part of your history and I want to be a part of your future.”
ministry was also on a fast track, reaching a
Although Graham’s tenure was brief, his influence
pivotal moment at the Los Angeles crusade later
upon the college ripples to today’s students
that year that would transform the future for both
and every listener who tunes in to KTIS. Today,
Graham himself and Northwestern. After four years
the Northwestern College family agrees—it
as president, Graham resigned his position in
is both a privilege and an honor to know Billy
1952, in order to pursue evangelism full time.
Graham as a man who partnered with God to
Twenty-five years after his departure, Graham returned for the college’s 75th anniversary in the fall of 1977. During his keynote address, Graham reflected on his time at Northwestern:
help shape the legacy of faith for individuals, families, cities, nations and even a college. This article is compiled from excerpts from the spring 2009 issue of the Pilot, the magazine of Northwestern College (MN). The full story is available online at nwc.edu/pilot.
“Seventy-five years to look back to—glorious, thrilling, hard, challenging, sometimes desperate years. To God be the glory for what has happened. But today
Jenny Collins is a communications specialist and an editor for the Pilot in the Office of Marketing & Communications at her alma mater, Northwestern College (MN).
THE LAST WORD
by Kim Phipps, Ph.D. President of Messiah College (PA)
The Need for Authentic Conversation
T
his past spring during a gathering in our
at the hottest time of the day, to avoid the other women
home, I listened to students discuss a
who looked down on her because, as Jesus reminded
variety of topics from health care to the
her, she had five husbands and the man she was living
war in Afghanistan to the virtues of the
with was not her husband. But after she encountered
iPhone. As the evening progressed, I was
Jesus, her identity changed from town sinner to a herald
struck by their references to and quotations of iconic
of the good news. She led the people of the village out to
and irreverent comedian newscasters Jon Stewart and
meet this man “who told her everything she ever did!”
Stephen Colbert as evidence for their arguments.
It is also important, and even a bit ironic, to note
A recent article in Relevant magazine illuminates a larger
that the disciples didn’t get it—they were surprised
truth demonstrated by these students: irony has become a
by Jesus’ actions. They critiqued Jesus’ actions and
veritable American industry because it is a way of helping
questioned his willingness to have a conversation.
this generation of young adults work through the world’s absurdity and our inability to conduct authentic and civil conversation. The conventional idealism that things will
As Jesus exemplified, true education must include authentic conversation framed by humble listening and
get better is difficult for this generation to believe.
truth speaking. A primary reason Christian college students
“I think so many of us Christians have become cynical and
believe that the Church yielded her right to speak truth
ironic because it’s something safe to hide behind,” said
to power when she knowingly collapsed the dividing lines
Matthew Paul Turner (Relevant magazine May/June 2009). While a measure of irony can provide levity and a healthy dose of realism, a Christ-centered education should empower students to shift their focus beyond the ironic to meaningful conversations with each other and with folks beyond our campus borders. We need to counter paralyzing cynicism by demonstrating an ability to listen, learn and proactively respond. We need to create meaningful educational experiences that require students to act on their commitments and their learning based on gracious listening.
have become cynical and lost about the Church is that they
between perceived religious truth and political truth. Challenging our students to engage in authentic, hospitable conversation is not simply a way of promoting civil dialogue and countering the irony and cynicism of our age. Fostering authentic connections goes to the very heart of our educational mission and, indeed, our calling as Christians. Because of Christ’s interaction with the Samaritan woman “many more became believers.” Humble listening and bold truth-telling can lead to dramatic transformations. The new believers told the Samaritan
One of my favorite New Testament accounts is the
woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you
encounter of Jesus and the Samaritan woman, a story
said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know
in which Jesus models authentic conversation. Rather
that this man really is the Savior of the world.” May our
than caustically accusing the woman at the well,
students’ education challenge them to live their lives in such
Jesus invited her into a remarkably honest, hospitable
a way that they too are transformed, and, in the process,
conversation and spoke truths that transformed her life.
inspire others to experience Christ for themselves.
In this account there was not only a change in the woman’s understanding of who Jesus is, there was a change in the woman herself. She probably frequented the well
Dr. Kim Phipps is the president of Messiah College (PA). She also is vice chair of the CCCU Board of Directors.
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