from the president Many people view valor as a gene—they believe they’re either born with it or they are not. This perspective seems justified to the cowardly when they remain ingrown, intimidated and sheltered. However, I believe valor is like a muscle— it simply has to be worked in order to become useful. And just as a person in training starts with a light dumbbell, the challenges that the courageous accept may start small but over time, build to bear more weight—to accomplish even greater things. Less than one year ago, I stepped into my role as Corban’s 10th president, impressed to find that the school’s valor muscle had been working out for a long time. That is to say, those who have gone before me had established a firm and secure foundation of calculated and prayerful risk-taking that achieved great rewards for students, alumni, friends and God’s kingdom as a whole. The school has progressed from college to university status, and we have erected new and beautiful buildings such as the Psalm Performing Arts Center and new residence halls.
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But, like any muscle, if valor rests on the proverbial couch, it loses its mass. We cannot rely only on the hard work of the past. More weight must be added to the bar and new challenges pursued. As it was detailed in the winter issue of this magazine, our Corban Unleashed agenda describes our goals and ambitions, and I am honored to lead the charge to reach our goals as we dedicate our efforts to: • establish Corban University as a recognized Christian Thought Leader in the Pacific Northwest; • enhance and expand the teaching/ learning environment where students are offered a Christ-centered education;
strategic goals called Corban Unleashed so that Corban remains rock solid as a worldchanging, Christ-centered university. Our theme in this issue of Corban magazine is “stepping out.” As we seek to be men and women of valor, stepping out to expand God’s kingdom and equipping Christ’s disciples to go into the world, I ask that you join me in responding boldly to Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Soli Deo Gloria.
• strengthen the application and use of innovative technology throughout the entire organization; and • expand Corban’s global engagement. Our mission is unchanging: to educate Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ. I am humbled and grateful to declare my dedication to each of these four ambitions in our
Sheldon C. Nord President