The
Cornerstone a publication of Dallas Christian College
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Introducing President Brian D. Smith, PhD An Open Letter to the Board of Trustees An Interview with the President
Why Mentoring Matters DCC's Global Influence: The Debbie Holt Story
An Open Letter to the DCC Board
by Dr. Keith P. Keeran
Dr. Keith P. Keeran is now in his second term on the DCC Board of Trustees. Following President Rubeck’s resignation, he was appointed to chair the Board’s Presidential Search Committee and upon President Rubeck’s departure he was chosen by the Board to serve as the interim President of the College. Previously, Dr. Keeran served as President of Kentucky Christian University for 22 years. He currently holds the position of University Chancellor at KCU where he is also a Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Communication, and an accreditation consultant to colleges and universities throughout the Southern region of the United States.
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Dear Colleagues on the DCC Board of Trustees,
It is with great satisfaction and excitement that I congratulate you on the selection of Dr. Brian D. Smith as DCC’s eleventh president. From the outset, the presidential search was anointed with prayer. All across the country people were praying that the Board would have the wisdom to look beyond surface qualifications and confirm a candidate that was God’s choice for the presidency. The selection of Dr. Smith was the result of both seeking the mind of Christ and prayerful human discernment. The twenty-seven presidential applicants and the exceptionally strong field of seven well-qualified candidates not only speaks to the thoroughness of the search, it gives legitimacy to Dr. Smith’s qualifications for the presidency. Add to this Dr. Smith’s own sense of divine direction, his proven 2
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abilities as a higher education leader, and his deep desire to serve and lead Dallas Christian College, and you have good cause for confidence in the future. The Board has every reason to believe that it has made an excellent choice. The two most important responsibilities of a governing board are (1) the selection of a qualified and capable president, and (2) the review of presidential performance. Boards are quick to breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate when the work of selecting a president is complete, but too often they struggle with the review of presidential performance. In reality, effective presidents are hungry for board confirmation that they are doing well and they are equally eager to have the counsel
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of the board regarding any performance deficiencies that may become evident in specific areas of presidential leadership and administration. The length and effectiveness of a college or university presidency is almost always dependent on the strength and efficiency of the governing board. There is a clear and consistent correlation between the board’s commitment to the institution and the leadership effectiveness of its president. Effective presidential leadership begins with a careful board appointment, but it cannot end there. The board must
take seriously its authority as an active policy-making body for the college and demonstrate that it alone is ultimately responsible for the college’s mission, and for ensuring that the financial resources of the institution are adequate to provide a sound educational program. The greatest concern that I have for the future of Dallas Christian College is not a concern about its newly-appointed president, but a concern about the strength and commitment of its board to relate to its president in ways that will ensure his effectiveness and ultimately the success of the College in achieving its mission. Board intrusion into the administrative responsibilities of the college’s chief executive is never acceptable and constitutes a serious violation of the board-CEO relationship. At the same time, it is critical for the board to assess the effectiveness of its president in keeping with board policy. For this reason, distinctions in the nature, function, and scope of their separate responsibilities must be clearly evident and understood by both the board and the president. I stress these distinctive roles now, at the beginning of a new presidency, because we need to remember, protect, and nourish the relationship that must exist between the board and its president. The only way to protect the integrity of the presidential office from board intrusion, and the only way to ensure that the board is fully and ultimately responsible for the institutional mission, is for the board to fulfill its fiduciary responsibility as a policy-making body. Not only is this critical to the effectiveness of the president, policy governance is implicit within the expectations of the accrediting community. This is especially important as DCC continues its pursuit of regional accreditation with the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The policy-making function and funding responsibility of the board is explicit within the Commission’s Core Requirements and Comprehensive Standards.
I am a donor, stakeholder, and member A board governance manual is not exciting reading, but without it there is no of the board at DCC, and if I notice an order, only chaos, uncertainty, and lines of inconsistency between policy and practice, I want to know who authorized the responsibility and accountability that are change, especially if it has the potential easily confused and crossed. Boards that to affect the character, direction, financial fail to remain aware of their own policies stability, or mission of the institution. are often unaware when institutional Like all concerned stakeholders, I will changes occur that are in violation of hold the board responsible. The president policy. Board turnover contributes to may recommend a policy change, but it this problem and so special care needs to is ultimately the governing board that be taken to properly recruit and orient approves or rejects the recommendation. new board members. The members of Careful attention to institutional policy non-profit boards are notoriously busy. is only one aspect of the board-president For many of these volunteers, it is easy to relationship and only one of several assume that other members with longer considerations during the board’s periodic years of service will spot inconsistencies review of presidential performance. In between policy and practice. Sometimes, my experience with a variety of highera board’s enthusiastic confidence in its education institutions, this area is often president can have the effect of producing neglected and requires an intentional a lethargic attitude in which there is both effort on the part of both the board and an assumption of well-being and a failure the president. Policy governance can only to verify policy compliance. work if the board and the president work Without clearly crafted and together to make sure this foundation comprehensive institutional policies, is secure. and the careful implementation of those In addition to this focus on policy policies by the president, the mission can be compromised without anyone noticing, governance, there is another defining value that deserves the board’s full and and if the same continues over time, the continuous attention and which will college will take on a character that was provide important never intended and its very existence can support for be threatened. Only when boards and our newly presidents hold each "The character of DCC is based on a appointed other firm commitment to the integration president and the effective accountable of faith and learning." and work together with implementation of his leadership careful attention to policy is the mission responsibilities. protected as a sacred trust. The DCC Board has agreed, and the There is an obvious link between College’s constituency has affirmed, that approved board policies, the presidential the character of the institution is based implementation of board policies, and the on a firm commitment to the integration presidential performance review process. of faith and learning. This is one of the While the board is responsible for the 10 qualities or institutional commitments establishment of policy and the president that was stressed during the College’s is responsible for policy implementation, recent presidential search. It should the presidential review provides an opportunity to confirm and verify that the never be assumed that this integration automatically happens just because a college’s policies are useful in sustaining college uses the term “Christian” as its and accomplishing the institutional middle name, or requires a certain number mission. Through the presidential review of Bible hours. There is no magic name process, the board is able to evaluate its or number. I am not at all advocating for own policies and make changes that will the reduction of credit hours in the Bible enhance the pursuit of its mission. Dallas Christian College
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and theology core. In fact, I could easily argue for more, not less, but there needs to be a reasonable and rational balance. I am challenging the board and its president to define and describe what it means when it uses the expression – the integration of faith and learning. As a board member, I want to know how this integration happens and how it is measured and assessed. What we measure matters and what matters most becomes our polar star, setting the direction for the institution and guaranteeing the future fidelity of its mission. From a historical perspective, Dallas Christian College was given birth by the Church and is today an extended arm of the independent nondenominational fellowship generally known as Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. True to its roots, DCC continues to place a high value on biblical and theological studies, and has done so with the full conviction that the integration of faith and learning cannot happen without a firm foundation that is deeply imbedded in the revealed truth concerning the person and redeeming work of Jesus Christ. However, it must be understood that the College does not exist to offer only biblical and theological studies. The Church was brought into existence to reach the world as it is, by loving people with broken lives, and by teaching and establishing strongholds for the gospel throughout the world. The College exists to support this mission by educating students in a way that allows them to see not only clear connections between biblical faith and the arts and sciences, but 4
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how these connections take on an even more powerful and influential dynamic when viewed through the lens of a redeeming Christian perspective. A common problem with a strong biblical and theological core is that it tends to run along side, often isolated from, the humanities, the arts, and the soft and hard sciences, without any legitimate and intentional integration of faith and learning. The two simply co-exist on the same campus. From time to time the two may intersect and interact, but this occasional interaction should not be interpreted or argued to be integrative. Many Christian colleges and universities cite the integration of faith and learning as a core value in their slick public relations and recruitment materials, but they have not spent the time or made the effort required to make a faith-learning connection that is truly integrative in nature. This integration is dependent on the ability of students to think critically. For this to happen, students need faculty in all of the offered disciplines who are well informed in the difficult critical issues of the discipline and have developed a mature Christian perspective that can clearly and intentionally inform their treatment of these issues. Indoctrination is the opposite of critical thinking. Students need faculty guides that can help them identify and confront the challenges of our time with critical and perceptive minds. Only then will we educate graduates that are capable of having a redeeming and transformative influence in our homes, schools, churches, work places, and communities. This is a goal that the president and board must continue to refine and sharpen in the
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pursuit of our mission as a Christian college. Another problem that is common to Christian higher education is what I describe as an uncontrolled shift in campus culture. When outside influences are welcomed into a culture in the absence of carefully-planned interventions, an uncontrolled cultural shift naturally occurs and the established culture changes. Depending on the nature of these influences, the core values that were once revered as the guiding principles of the institution can easily erode. If these influences are contradictory to the college’s mission and are left uncontained, the impact on the integration of faith and learning can be catastrophic. Why is uncontrolled cultural shift occurring on Christian college campuses? These are times of crisis and great change in faith-based higher education. Dwindling financial resources, including declining church support, combined with shrinking pools of students that fit a preferred admissions profile, have caused many Christian colleges to rethink their enrollment strategies as a way to survive. In some instances they have turned a large portion of their recruitment effort over to athletic directors and coaches who struggle to field competitive teams on small campuses. In the process, admissions standards are often compromised and student athletes are recruited irrespective of their college readiness or personal faith commitment, not to mention the financial liabilities that too often show up on the balance sheet as unpaid student accounts. These problems are often pervasive on small, financially-strapped campuses and are certainly not limited to athletics alone. There are many consequences to this enrollment strategy, not the least of which is a tendency to sacrifice the faith-learning integration paradigm. Students arriving on campus underprepared academically, financially, and with little if any faith commitment are a very high attrition risk and have little motivation to be accountable except to stay in the game a little longer. Defenders of the strategy often sight encouraging anecdotal examples as
exceptions to this scenario, but the overall impact of this approach on enrollment growth is troublesome. It is troublesome because it represents an uncontrolled cultural shift on campus that too often results in altering both the institution’s academic rigor and its focus on the spiritual disciplines. When adversarial cultures intersect, one will eventually overwhelm the other. The early warning signs of cultural erosion may include such things as: an increase in moral and ethical problems, suggestions that the Bible and theology requirement is too heavy or demanding, and the felling that that campus worship and chapel services should be less frequent or no longer required. If we fail to give proper attention to these warning signs, we do so to our peril and we most certainly fail in our mission to educate students under God’s influence. Creating an environment in which faith-learning integration can happen is fundamental to our distinctive mission within higher education. When faith and learning are integrated and made the centerpiece of the undergraduate experience, we expect certain things to happen, not the least of which is a love for truth and the abhorrence of intellectual dishonesty and shoddiness. When our students embrace the belief that everything they do intellectually, socially, and spiritually is sacred, not only will they embody the ideal suggested in our mission, they will live out the full and abundant life God has intended. Moreover, this conflict between competing campus cultures is naturally divisive as students line up behind two or more incompatible sets of core values. It is with penetrating clarity that Parker Palmer writes, “Institutions are projections of what goes on in the human heart. To ignore the inward sources of our human dilemmas is only to objectify the problem – and thereby multiply it” (from To Know as We are Known.) If this scenario follows its natural course in the absence of adequate interventions, the integration of faith and learning can become much more difficult. When enrollment strategies are not based on a firm set of mission-
driven admissions standards that are well managed and fully embraced by the entire college community, an uncontrolled cultural shift will inevitably occur. If left unchecked, the historic nature and character of the institution will change and both its mission and its existence will be jeopardized. What is it that shapes the human heart and gives life to the mind? What explains a person’s behavior and his sense of accountability and responsibility if it is not the ideas, the beliefs, and the convictions on which his life is grounded? The distinctive of Christian higher education is its focus on the intellectual and spiritual nurturing of the mind in keeping with the Apostle Paul’s biblical injunction that we are not to be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:1-2); and found again in his admonition to “let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus...” (Phil. 2:5). The College’s commitment to infusing each thread of the campus tapestry with the “mind of Christ” must begin with its governing board. The warp-and-woof of faith-learning integration begins here. I want to remind my colleagues on the DCC board that ultimately we are the guardians and gatekeepers for ensuring the integrity of the mission and as such we need to take seriously all matters pertaining to enrollment strategies, the curriculum, the co-curriculum, and faculty and staff hires. These are the properties that make the integration of faith and learning work. We have properly given this oversight to the president of the College, but he must not bear this burden alone. He must know that we are committed to genuine and ubiquitous faith-learning integration in every program on campus and online and that we are making it an ongoing board agenda priority – a priority that must also be clearly expressed in the governance policies of the board. It is too easy for boards that meet only two or three times each year for one-day meetings to become disconnected from the institution and leave these tough missional issues to the president alone. These are perilous days for Christian higher education. There is too much at stake and
one lone CEO should not be expected to solve these Herculean problems without the collegial support and informed reflection of the board. Again, I remind my colleagues that it is ultimately the board, not the president, that is charged with this sacred and public trust to defend, protect, and advance the mission of Dallas Christian College. Yes, the challenges are great, but I am very excited to be a member of the board at Dallas Christian College. The potential that this college has in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is astounding! I am especially proud to be associated with the members of this board and with our outstanding, loyal, and too often overworked faculty and staff. We are all very busy people, but have you noticed from Scripture that God only calls busy people into His service? You have been called for such a time as this. We are about to begin a new chapter in presidential leadership. Dr. Brian D. Smith is the right person at the right time. You have chosen wisely and the future appears secure, but your involvement on the board has never been more critical than it is in this moment. There will always be governance matters that need to be addressed. I have attempted to lay out a few in this letter, but there will be many more as the landscape of Christian higher education is constantly changing. Let us commit ourselves fully to the mission of Dallas Christian College, and after praying for Divine guidance let us trust God to lead us when the way is difficult and our sight is dim. May those who come behind us find that we have been faithful in the discharge of our duties as the keepers of this sacred trust. To the praise of His glorious grace! Keith P. Keeran, PhD Member of the Board of Trustees Dallas Christian College
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he DCC Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Brian D. Smith as the College’s next president. The decision was made on Saturday, September 6th, following a national search that began nearly one year ago following the resignation of President Dusty Rubeck. Dr. Keith P. Keeran, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, said, “The field of candidates was really quite remarkable. The Search Committee interviewed seven well-qualified individuals, but in the end only Dr. Brian Smith advanced to a final interview with the Board of Trustees.” Following a lengthy interview with the finalist and the Board’s enthusiastic and unanimous decision, Dr. Keeran said, “Clearly the Lord’s hand was on the search process from the beginning. The Board is confident that the selection and appointment of Dr. Smith was the result of earnest prayer, careful deliberation, and divine guidance. We are very pleased and excited for the future of Dallas Christian College.” Following his selection and appointment by the DCC Board, Dr. Smith said, “My prayer has always been that God would use me to advance the Gospel of Christ. I have had the honor to serve that cause through the work of Christian higher education with my fellow servants at Florida Christian College and Johnson University, who have played a
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significant role, along with my family and many others, in developing me into the kind of leader that is ready for the task ahead. I am grateful to the DCC Board of Trustees for giving me the honor of working with the faculty, staff, and administration of Dallas Christian College in order to further advance its mission in service to Christ’s Great Commission. ” Dr. Smith comes to DCC from Johnson University Florida, where he has served most recently as Associate Provost. (Dr. Smith was with Florida Christian College from 2003–2013 when it merged with Johnson University of Knoxville, Tennessee to become Johnson University Florida.) Prior to serving as Associate Provost, he also served as Vice President of Academics at Florida Christian College, where he had previously held the positions of Associate Dean of Academics and Institutional Effectiveness, and Registrar. Dr. Smith is an alumnus of Florida Christian College. Dr. Smith earned a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Exeter (England) in 2011, an M.A. in Contemporary Christian Theology and Philosophy from Lincoln Christian University in 2005, and a B.A. in Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry from Florida Christian College in 2003. He has also contributed to his discipline several scholarly works, including chapters in published academic works. Among his professional accomplishments, Dr. Smith led Florida Christian
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College through successful accreditation processes with the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Association for Biblical Higher Education. He was the primary author of the institutional compliance documents and follow-up reports that were submitted to these regional and national agencies. He also led in the implementation of FCC’s Quality Enhancement Plan, which is the centerpiece of the SACS reaffirmation process. Board Chair Paul Diaz of Austin, TX, expressed the sentiment of the entire Board when he said, “DCC is poised for a promising future. Not only is this a great leadership opportunity for Dr. Smith, but we believe he is the right person at just the right time for DCC. We are confident that his youthful energy and enthusiastic collegial spirit combined with his significant Christian higher education leadership experience will successfully enable the College to achieve its institutional goals and more effectively fulfill its mission.” Dr. Smith is married and has four children: one boy (Jason) and three girls (Aliyah, Kylee, and Isabella), ages 2 thru 8. He has been married to his wife Samantha since 2001. Dr. Brian D. Smith will begin his tenure as President of the College on November 1, 2014.
And now, here is a quick and personal inside look at Dr. Brian D. Smith in his own words: On the College-Church Relationship
On Visionary Leadership and Institutional Improvement I am a visionary leader who seeks to collaborate and build consensus with internal and external constituents in order to effectively accomplish the mission. My visionary and entrepreneurial qualities are coupled with my abilities to organize and execute strategic planning initiatives, which are based upon assessment and research. I have significant experience in institutional effectiveness as well as in strategic planning and collaboration with key stakeholders in planning and refining mission, vision, institutional and departmental objectives, and institutional and programmatic student learning outcomes. I have successfully led in moving from these articulated statements to assessing the extent to which the institution is accomplishing them, to developing and executing institutional improvement.
On Living the Authentic Christian Life I seek to live a humble, authentic life of faith, under the grace of Christ Jesus. Though I fail, I strive to live a life of integrity and faithfulness in all matters, and to live above reproach so that the Body of Christ, my Lord, my local church, my college, and my family are not harmed by unrighteous actions and the shame and disrepute they can bring. I have made it my practice to live within accountability structures that help me to maintain a solid reputation. I have a gracious and encouraging set of family and friends that are invaluable to this task.
On Team Building and Collaboration My experience has taught me that a strong team usually makes the difference between success and failure, and that seeking to lead by oneself is usually a recipe for disaster. One of the key successes of my career in leadership has been my ability to form teams around a common vision and mission by selecting high-quality team members, empowering them, and then continuing to provide vision, direction, and resources to accomplish the task at hand. I make corrections gently and give credit where it is due, rather than building my reputation upon the merits of others. The team succeeds or fails together.
On the Matter of Christian Unity I am firmly grounded within the independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, both on terms of fellowship and theological perspective. The Restoration Plea, if I may be so bold, is perhaps more apt for contemporary culture than it was 200 years ago. The unity of the Body of Christ, based upon core, essential truths gleaned from the canonical Scriptures, rather than on matters of opinion and conviction that lead to denominationalism and separatism, makes a lot more sense to, especially, the Millennial generation, than any other plea. I think the Restoration Movement has the ability to lead in domestic and global evangelistic and church growth efforts like no other strand of Christianity, and has the greatest hope in bringing about genuine unity among believers in the future.
I highly value serving the Kingdom through the work of Christian higher education and enjoy the special role Christian colleges and universities serve in advancing both the work of the local church and the work of the Church in its global efforts to accomplish the Great Commission. I am sure the relationship between the local church and their institutions of higher education will never be perfect, but I am convinced that a robust and abiding partnership is vital to the success of both entities and their forward movement toward accomplishing their respective missions. To this end, I have devoted my personal and professional life to the effort of becoming a leader that can motivate and equip those with whom I serve to live out their personal missions in service of our greater mission. The specific mission of DCC resonates optimally with both my passions and my calling. Frankly, I believe this mission is dead center in the will of God, both in terms of my role as President and in the larger context of the Kingdom of God.
On the Integration of Faith and Learning I am able to articulate the mission, vision, and the unique educational philosophy of Christian higher education. I am convinced that faith, both in terms of theological truth and Christian practice, integrated with the task of teaching and learning, is the supreme example of how education should be accomplished. Christian higher education institutions are uniquely positioned and capable of bringing about true transformation, both in individuals, and in the larger culture.
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Soon after Dr. Smith was appointed President-elect, Interim President, Dr. Keith P. Keeran, interviewed him for Cornerstone magazine. We present that interview here for the benefit of our many friends and alumni that have been asking about Brian Smith’s preparation for the presidency, his personality, and his passion for the mission of the College. In this interview, Dr. Smith responds to questions about a full range of commitments and personal interests. His personality and sense of humor are engaging, and we believe our readers will enjoy this candid glimpse into the life and mind of our new President.
Brian, you are a native Floridian and until now you have spent your professional career in your home state. Moving your wife and children to Dallas was obviously a major family decision. What were some of the compelling factors that led you to Dallas and the DCC presidency? The decision to move was certainly not easy. We will leave behind family and friends, including my colleagues at Johnson University. We have a special bond with those who have served alongside us through both joyous and difficult times. I have no doubt that those friendships will continue for the rest of my life. However, both friends and family have encouraged us to follow this path, having played a significant role in my development as a leader. They made our decision even clearer by their wise words and support. Not only did they see this as a great opportunity for my family and my career, but also an opportunity to have an even larger impact on the work of Christian higher education and the wider Kingdom of God.
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DCC has a great history, full of exceptional people that have furthered its mission, and successes that are now ready to be built upon. I believe that DCC is poised to grow and expand its reach and impact on the Kingdom of God by preparing men and women of influence to carry out the Great Commission. DCC has a prime location in Dallas, TX, but it also has strong emphasis on technology as a tool to expand the range of its academic programs to a much wider student base. It has a highly-qualified faculty, staff, administration, and Board that provide the expertise and driving force behind the mission of DCC. It has a unique emphasis on mentoring future leaders that plays out in a well-executed, effective program, which distinguishes it from higher education in general, as well as Christian higher education. These factors, along with many others, led me to believe that accepting the call to lead DCC would give me the opportunity to undertake a truly worthwhile endeavor. As you know, mentoring is an intentional focus of the DCC experience.
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Talk to us a little about some the people of influence that helped to mentor and prepare you for your new role as President of Dallas Christian College. This could easily begin to sound like an acceptance speech at the Grammys where I attempt to thank everyone that has helped to bring me to this point. I’ll try to be brief. My brother, Shawn Smith, who is also in Christian higher education as the registrar of Lincoln Christian University, and I were raised in a Christian home, the sons of Yankee parents, raised in Florida. My parents, David and Denise Smith, who have been married for over 40 years, provided a model of Christ-like character in the context of a biblicallydefined family. They, along with relatives and my home church family of Southside Christian Church (Fort Pierce, FL), instructed me in the faith, and ultimately led me to Christ in 1989. I was immersed in that church, and, in 2003, was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I owe so much of who I am to those that instructed and mentored me through those formative years, including my preacher,
Jeff Minor, and youth ministers through the years, Larry Clay, Alan Meneely, and Ben Dahmer. There are more teachers than I could possibly mention at this point (you know who you are), but I would say that those that tirelessly serve and teach every week, over many years, with very little recognition, profoundly affect me. Really, that kind of consistent, long-term, relational instruction is real mentoring. Anything else is a cheap substitute. DCC engages in authentic mentoring. In my adult life, I have been likely affected by four kinds of relationships— marital, parental, professorial, and collegial. As Gary Thomas says in his books, Sacred Marriage and Sacred Parenting, God has designed marriage and the raising of children not primarily to make us happy or give us joy, although that is certainly part of the puzzle. Instead, he has designed those
relationships primarily to make us holy. Both relationships, lived out in the biblical fashion, demand that we become selfless, humble, sacrificial, Christ-like people in all aspects. As my wife, a picture of the Proverbs 31 woman, but, of course, with faults of her own, and my kids, innocent, kind, Christ-like, yet with a growing tendency toward sin, interact with me, I can’t help but be challenged and changed. I both fail and succeed. But, in the process, God is sharpening me, if I am open to his influence in my life. Finally, I have been consistently mentored by professors at what was previously Florida Christian College, Lincoln Christian University, and the University of Exeter. Many of those men and women have now served beside me as colleagues for many years. They have been my teachers, helping to shape me academically, and have been my friends,
fellow servants, and even confidants, helping to shape me professionally and personally. They are largely responsible for the leader I am today. ď ľ You have spoken about the people that influenced you; can you tell us about some of the personal experiences that helped to shape your vision and passion for Christian higher education? I have served a small Bible college (Florida Christian College) and a Christian university (Johnson University) in various capacities. The majority of my experiences are from the academic perspective, but the reality of the small college is that people wear multiple hats. Therefore, I had the opportunity to play significant roles in areas beyond academics such as institutional effectiveness, strategic planning, and accreditation. I have valued the things I have learned by leading in institutional accreditation efforts, but
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actually, my favorite work in accreditation has been through volunteering for our accrediting association, the Association for Biblical Higher Education. I regularly participate in evaluation teams for ABHE that take me all over the US and Canada. It’s inspiring to watch the way God is working in the biblical higher education movement through sometimes pioneering and innovative institutions. The combination of these experiences forms the basis for my vision and passion for Christian higher education. DCC is strongly committed to “Christcentered higher education” and the “integration of faith and learning.” What do these terms mean to you and how will you ensure that these emphases remain in focus at DCC? Institutions like DCC were founded on the express mission of training leaders who would play significant roles in accomplishing the Great Commission. To that end, they provide an education that includes a thorough education in biblical studies and theology, as well as a grounding in the humanities and other areas normally associated with college-level education, which are integrated with the elements of the Christian worldview. Thus, DCC offers education that is centered on the person of Christ and his mission, through integrating biblical truth in all aspects of its education, including its curriculum, mentoring, and professional preparation. What commitments are you making to DCC's faculty and staff as you begin your presidency? First, I am committing to being a leader that will work collaboratively to accomplish the mission of DCC by valuing the contributions of those that have labored to accomplish all that has been done toward that end, from the beginning until now. Second, I am committing to staying faithful to the original mission and values of DCC, while seeking creative and innovative ways to better accomplish the mission in today’s world. Third, I am committing to keeping students at the heart of our enterprise. Finally, I am committing to lead DCC
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to be more effective, while maintaining the strong, caring relationships that exist among the faculty and staff. DCC students have become accustomed to close collaborative relationships with faculty and staff and have expressed a desire to get to know their president. What are some of the ways you might respond to this expectation? I always enjoy spending time with students from all walks of life. It’s one of the most interesting and enlightening parts of working in education. I’m quite the extrovert, so I would naturally seek to spend time with students, attend athletic events, musical performances, and the like. I will take every opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the students. But, more than that, I will be looking for opportunities to influence at least some of the students personally, while seeking to understand their passions and desires as it relates to the work of DCC. I look forward to understanding how DCC can better prepare them for their future endeavors. Parents and students are always asking about DCC’s progress in achieving regional accreditation. You are coming into the presidency from a background of experience with the regional accreditor for the Southern region. What plans do you have to lead the College toward this important goal? I have had the opportunity interact with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in the past through some rather difficult circumstances. Through the struggles, however, I learned many valuable lessons. DCC will very soon aggressively pursue accreditation by taking the next step, which is an application to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). I believe we will be prepared to make that application very soon and will be poised to proceed to the next step: candidacy. It is certainly a difficult process, but one that will continually enhance both the quality of DCC and the value of a DCC education to students, and, thus, it is well worth the effort.
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Okay, let’s shift gears a little. You have some important personal interests and I’m sure your family plays a major role in that part of your life. Tell us a little about these important people and how you think they may participate in the life of the College. I have been married to Samantha for almost 13 years. We have four children: Jason (8), Aliyah (6), Kylee (4), and Isabella (2). Yes, that’s one boy and three girls, if you’re keeping count. Samantha and I met at Florida Christian College. Actually, I was visiting my brother, who was a student at the time, on my high school spring break. I met this beautiful girl, who I eventually took to my senior prom (How amazing is that?), and who finally agreed to marry me. We now have four amazing children with tons of energy and a lot of...well...spirit! I wouldn’t trade them for anything, but I would like a little more rest. Samantha and I mutually committed to a life of service to Christ before we were married. We have chosen to serve largely through Christian higher education. We look forward to becoming part of the life of DCC and forming some lasting friendships. Most of all, we want our work to make a significant impact on the endeavors of DCC. Practically speaking, we will be seeking ways for Samantha to be involved, as well as the children, especially as they grow older. The children are actually quite comfortable with college life, because this is all they have ever known. Even as young children, they have expressed excitement about my new role and this new adventure with a new college family. I understand that you enjoy some outdoor activities that others may also find interesting. Care to elaborate? I grew up spending quite a bit of time at the beach (on the east coast of Florida), in boats, and in the woods, hiking, hunting, fishing, and riding ATVs. Those interests endure today. Sure, I like movies, video games, and other sorts of indoor activities, but I’m really happy when I’m outside, and I’m even happier when the whether is cool. My most recent addition to my list of hobbies is road cycling. Yes,
I’m one of those guys that you have to go around in the right lane, and, yes, I’m also the guy wearing bike shorts. (We consciously chose not to include a picture of that in this issue of the Cornerstone, so that I might remain somewhat respectable.) Frankly, it has become a great way for me to manage stress and improve my health significantly. Stress management is a good thing with a job like this and four kids! Camaraderie with faculty and students often happens around sports, music, and food – the three staples of the American culture. Tell us about favorite sports teams (be careful), favorite musical genres, and your favorite ethnic cuisine.
are spent on describing interesting coffee brews, blends, and flavors. I love coffee. In the food realm, I have two rules: 1. It has to actually be food. 2. It can’t be anything that can taste you back, which rules out cow tongue or anything live. Seriously, though, many great relationships have been formed, and many important conversations had, around the table of fellowship. If you have a day off, and we hope that you will, what would you most like to do?
In the morning, I would likely want to fit in a fairly lengthy bike ride with friends (maybe 40 or 50 miles), or perhaps go bird hunting. In the afternoon, I would spend some time playing and talking with my children and then turn them over to a baby sitter and take my wife on a date that evening—the perfect day.
Visit www.dallas.edu/cornerstone to view the entire interview.
Since I’m a native Floridian, I grew up liking the Miami Dolphins and the Florida Gators. I also was instructed to be an L.A. Dodgers fan, because my uncle was their bat boy when they used to do spring training in Vero Beach, FL, and I had a youth minister that convinced me to like the New York Rangers and the Detroit Redwings. I also like the New Zealand All Blacks (their national rugby team). But, honestly, I don’t follow sports at all anymore. I can certainly enjoy watching sports of many kinds, especially when actually in attendance at a game. I’m a bit of a musician (bass guitar and drums) but the kind of musician who can’t read music, except the kind that they use in church worship bands where someone has written the correct note above the words for me to play. I have enjoyed music my entire life, beginning with many of the classic rock greats, but now I am enjoying a much wider selection. I would say that music is one of my central interests. (This wide selection, however, does not include any genre that has lyrics about trucks, boots, dogs, etc. I like all of those things, but just can’t quite like country music. Sorry if I offended some of you.) As far as food goes, I think one of my spiritual gifts is eating. (I’m a theologian, but I can’t quite prove this one biblically, although I wish I could.) I like a very wide variety of foods. In fact, I think eating food is an adventure. My wife says I use more adjectives to describe food than anything else. Many of those adjectives Dallas Christian College
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From California to Florida, education professionals and seasoned college and university administrators are giving high marks to DCC’s new president. Here is a sampling of comments from those who have worked closely with Dr. Smith or have had an opportunity to interact with him professionally as a higher education leader.
"The call to the Christian college presidency is not an easy one. It requires an uncommon depth of spirituality, distinct blending of diverse abilities, resilient disposition, relational chemistry, and an unswerving commitment to the mission and vision of the institution. I have known Dr. Brian Smith as a student, supervisor, colleague, peer, and friend. In him, Dallas Christian College has found such a man." James Riley Estep, Jr., Ph.D., Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies, Lincoln Christian University (IL)
“Coming from a mentoring perspective, especially in regard to what we are doing here at DCC, I love the fact that President Smith believes strongly in mentoring. When looking at Brian’s resume’ I was thrilled that he listed several mentors who had worked to shape his life, both spiritually and professionally. This is exactly what we do at DCC! When looking for a president, we knew that we needed someone who understood the culture that had been developed at DCC—a culture where every fulltime faculty and staff member is trained in mentoring; a culture where every student is involved in intentional mentoring. I look forward to working with Dr. Smith in continuing an initiative that he himself has participated in—mentoring!”
“Dr. Brian Smith was impressive on paper and even more so in person. As a board member, I was asked to review candidate applications for the important position of president of the College. God was generous in providing an abundance of leaders to consider. Dr. Smith was remarkable because of his heart for education, for Kingdom work, and for his pursuit of Godly excellence. He is an inspiring example of the results of having a goal, his doctorate, and how it can be accomplished while still doing important things like building a home with his wife, raising four children, serving a Christian college, and making eternal differences in people’s lives. It will be thrilling to see what God will do through Dr. Smith’s leadership in Dallas.”
Mark Worley, Vice President of Student Development and Director of Mentoring, Dallas Christian College (TX)
Mary Helen Frye, DCC Board member, DCC Graduate (1974), and Executive Vice President at North American Home Furnishings Association (TX)
“Soon after his appointment as Academic Dean at Florida Christian College (now Johnson University Florida), Brian Smith asked if I would meet with him periodically to talk about the new leadership challenges and opportunities confronting him—and so we have done for the past several years. You don’t have to be around Brian long to observe that he is something of a prodigy: bright, keen, capable, congenial, confident, sincere and eager to excel in his impact upon Christ’s church. Seldom, however, have I encountered a young leader who is both exceptionally talented and exceptionally teachable. Brian Smith is such a man. I pray that, under the gracious and sovereign hand of his Lord, Dallas Christian College will be served by Brian’s talent and teachability to realize its greatest season of growth and impact yet.”
“Johnson University congratulates our colleague Brian Smith on his appointment as president of Dallas Christian College. Brian has played a key role in sustaining Florida Christian College and affecting the union with Johnson University, making significant contributions to our educational mission. We are sorry to lose him from Johnson, and yet we can see that the Lord has gifted Brian in ways that will facilitate the development and ministry of Dallas Christian College. We look forward to seeing what the Lord accomplishes through that school in an important region so full of opportunities. So we send Brian out with our blessing, our gratitude, our prayers, and our warm wishes. May the Lord go with him and empower Brian by His Spirit for this new work.”
Ralph E. Enlow, Jr., Ph.D., President, Association for Biblical Higher Education (FL)
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Christopher A. Davis, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Johnson University (TN)
“Over the past few months, I have prayed regularly for God to provide great leadership for the future of Dallas Christian College. I am excited to see the answer to those prayers. In my interactions with Dr. Smith, I have been impressed by his preparation for leadership and his passion for Christian higher education. I look forward to supporting DCC and his leadership in the years ahead. May God bless Dr. Smith and may God bless the future of Dallas Christian College.”
“Johnson University Florida is justifiably proud of Dr. Brian Smith. He is one of our own: an alumnus, formerly Vice President for Academics, and most recently Vice Provost of the University. He served us in one capacity or another for over eleven years and was the key administrator at Florida Christian College in helping to initiate and facilitate its merger into Johnson University Florida. I am confident that he will provide stellar leadership for Dallas Christian College in these challenging and opportunistic times.”
Dusty Rubeck, Ed.D., former President of Dallas Christian College and current President at Church Development Fund, Inc. (CA)
David L. Eubanks, Ph.D., President Emeritus, Johnson University (TN), and current Chief Operating Officer, Johnson University Florida (FL)
“From the beginning of an exhaustive, extensive Presidential Search process, Dr. Smith differentiated himself as the candidate for DCC President. His vision, personal presence, and timetested experience, communicated through thoughtful and inspiring dialogue, most definitely identified him as the man that God has chosen to lead DCC to the next level.”
“Dr. Brian Smith is an excellent academic leader with a series of serious accomplishments to his credit, both as a scholar and an administrator. He understands Christian higher education. I'm looking forward to working with him and seeing great things happen at Dallas Christian College.”
Samuel D. Rudkin, Vice Chair, DCC Board of Trustees, and Senior Director, Alvarez & Marsal Business Consulting, LLC (FL)
“I have never known anyone that is a harder worker or more competent worker than Dr. Brian Smith. He possesses the experience and skills necessary to fulfill the role of president. Dr. Smith thoroughly understands the accreditation processes of both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association for Biblical Higher Education. He has successfully written substantive change reports, monitoring reports, the compliance certification for both accrediting bodies, implemented the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan for SACS, and has served as an evaluator and team chair for ABHE. Dr. Smith is fully qualified to lead a college through the rigors and requirements of both national and regional accreditation.”
Perry L. Stepp, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dallas Christian College (TX)
“Dr. Brian Smith is a thorough communicator and collaborator. He deeply values the input of the team members he oversees. When he consults us, we know we are being heard and that our position will be strongly advocated. He takes time to thoroughly understand the content and motivations of our positions. What we have now, as a result, is a tremendously healthy group of faculty that delights in our mutual awareness that we genuinely love, trust, and deeply respect each other, even when we disagree.” David Peters, J.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy and General Counsel to Johnson University Florida (FL)
William K. Behrman, former President, Florida Christian College, and current Accounting Manager, Christian Financial Services (FL)
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In the following article, Vice President Mark Worley shares his own struggle to adjust to the complicated challenges of church leadership in the early years of his career and how he longed for a mentor and life-coach to help show the way. The mentoring program at DCC emerged from both his personal experience as a young minister of the gospel and the experiences of other young professionals that have reached out to him for counsel, coaching, and affirmation. Vice President Worley’s excellent leadership and development of the mentoring program is one of the reasons DCC has become known as The Mentoring Place. by Mark Worley, DCC Vice President of Student Development and Director of Mentoring
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n 1994, a young man wrote a letter to me in which he said, “I need a mentor to help me. I define a ‘mentor’ as someone who is experienced in ministry and life—a time-tested and trained, solid leader. Someone like this could meet with me a couple times a month (we’re all busy), and just talk to me about life. He could listen to my frustrations, mistakes, ideas, ideals, questions, wishes, dreams, hopes, plans, and reflections. In response, he could give me encouragement, direction, ideas, and stories from his experience, correction and affirmation...anything that would offer some direction, understanding and affirmation...” This young man’s letter impacted me. Later, in 1994, the young man went with a group of us to Moscow, Russia on a mission trip—I was determined to have an impact on his life. What if no one had mentored him? In 2008, I received a phone call from a young man who was having an extremely difficult time in ministry and was considering some other type of career. I drove up to Tulsa, OK to meet him for lunch – we cried together, talked about
"A college experience should provide more than a degree, it should equip students with the life skills necessary to be responsible adults and people of influence in their homes, churches, schools, and communities. Most colleges and universities offer students a variety of degree programs and services, but they don't get very high marks when it comes to helping individual students face the realities and challenges of everyday life in the 21st Century. If today's graduate succeeds academically, but fails as a spouse, parent, or citizen, then we have failed in our responsibility to educate our students where it matters most. At DCC, mentoring matters because students and their success in life beyond a career matters, too. If you are in the midst of a college search, or the parent of a college-bound student, take a good look at The Mentoring Place, Dallas Christian College." - Keith P. Keeran, PhD, DCC Board member
frustrations, prayed together, and talked about future decisions. On the way back to Dallas, I wondered what would have happened to him if he didn’t have someone to call—what if no one had mentored him. I realized that on college and university campuses, mentoring (life-coaching) happened somewhat by accident. In other words, a student might connect with a professor or staff member, but most didn’t. What would happen to the ones who didn’t get connected? What would happen to those who didn’t have a life coach? I remember what happened to me when I graduated and was first in ministry. My wife and I planned to go to a mission field in Africa, but the door was shut on that possibility—and we struggled with frustration, but we had no one to really talk to about it. So, immediately after graduation, we went to a youth ministry in west Texas, and two weeks later the preacher left. It was frightening to say the least! We felt utterly alone! I assumed preaching responsibilities for a while—at that time on both Sunday mornings and evenings. I went to camps during that summer and
tried to prepare lessons and sermons and youth activities and figure out how to minister to people as a young graduate and...(frankly, I hurt even remembering those days). During that time, I actually wrote two letters to someone I thought might be of help, someone I thought might be “a mentor to help me.” No one answered the letters. We felt very lonely. The 1994 letter and the 2008 lunch reminded me of that summer—the lonely summer, and how desperately I wished I had a mentor to call, to talk to, to advise me. We had to do something about this at DCC! Why not an intentional mentoring plan? Why not try to do something about this that had not been done before? Why not develop a plan where very few, if any, students “fell through the cracks”? We would have to train every faculty and staff member about mentoring. We would have to create a culture of mentoring. We would have to develop some type of life-coaching curriculum for each year of college. We would have to work out a plan where first-year students were mentored by faculty and staff in small groups, where
second-year students were mentored by fourth-year students, and where third-year students would be mentored by “outside mentors.” It seemed like such a huge task, but we even put the idea in the College’s mission statement, “educate and mentor.” This may seem impossible to do, but we had to try, right?! Why? Because mentoring matters! In 2014, I watched a new group of students gather together in the chapel at DCC—and I was excited about what they would experience. Things have changed since the letter of 1994 and the lunch in 2008. In 2014, these students had no idea of what they were about to experience – they would experience intentional mentoring. They would have someone to coach them in life while they were students at DCC, someone who would help them know themselves, work through relationships, serve with them, mentor them, and, of course, help them to grow spiritually... and they would have someone to call when they leave.
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here would I be today if I had not attended DCC? Motivated to attend DCC because of a piano scholarship awarded to me at a competition held at the school, I enrolled in the College to study music and Bible. The impact DCC had on my life is huge! If I had not attended DCC, I wonder if I would have become a missionary, first serving on two summer internships in Hawaii with Hawaii Calls Mission, and the Navajo Indian reservation in Arizona, and then in South Korea for many years. My current involvement in world missions certainly is a direct result of the years spent at DCC. I am so grateful to God and to DCC. God has opened many doors of service opportunity in my lifetime, which has allowed me to travel and work on every continent (except Antarctica, and I hope to get there someday, in the summer of course!). Upon graduation from DCC, I accepted an invitation to teach music at Seoul Foreign School in South Korea and to set up a music program at Seoul Bible Seminary. Shortly upon arrival into that country, I became aware of an orphanage with many needs as they loved and cared for 50
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orphan children. Helping at the school, organizing an orphan choir, and eventually starting an orphan sponsorship program for the children, kept me busy for several years until returning to the States to live. Prince Charming came into the picture, so I married an Air Force man with five children whose mother had died too soon, and I clearly saw the hand of God. Providentially, He had been training me for several years at an orphanage, loving and caring for 50 children, to move me back to America and to become the mother of 5 children! Interesting training program, and it was good to downsize! Focus on the Family moved to town (Colorado Springs) and I began writing on behalf of Dr. James Dobson. But then God opened a door in the International Department for me to once again travel and do my part to impact the world for Christ! Focus had branch offices in 21 countries around the world and He used me to train staff in each of those countries for a few years. In Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and many points in between, God opened exciting doors of outreach. But now I feel like I have come full circle, returning to my missionary efforts.
For many years, I have served on the Board of Directors for Bangladesh Christian Mission in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is my joy to serve as the Director of our Child Sponsorship Program for children at two mission schools, North Bengal Mission School and Canaan Residential Model School in the deep jungle. Associated with this work, every other year I lead short-term mission trips to visit the children at these schools. In addition to this work, I have the awesome privilege of leading short-term mission trips for Compassion International. We travel to many Central and South American countries as well as to parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. Much of my life has been spent working in poverty-stricken areas of the world, which has been an eye opening experience. I am reminded of Wes Stafford's definition of poverty (former President of Compassion), which is "not having enough." What is enough for you, for me? In Philippians 4:12, Paul says, "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need." DCC was the catalyst that orchestrated my life into what it is today! I am grateful to all of the professors, all of the classes offered, and all of the weekend trips representing the school— even when Ronnie Hanna took us on unwanted scenic tours and we usually got lost! Do I need to confess and admit that we did try to raise a baby goat in our dorm shower? DCC was a very wise choice and I thank God that He led me there. Christian Missionary Fellowship recently reported that there are still five billion people in the world who don’t know Jesus. That’s a ton of people who need to hear of the Lord’s greatness! It’s going to take many new missionaries in new ministry fields to reach more of these five billion people. I am praying that many who are now enrolled at DCC, or are considering the College, will seek the mind of Christ for ways to serve Him whenever and wherever He calls. Let's change the world one person at a time!
Debbie Holt is a 1976 Dallas Christian College graduate who came from Westside Christian Church in Bellaire, a suburb of Houston, TX. While a student at DCC, Debbie travelled extensively with DCC musical groups, playing the piano and singing. During the early years of Christ in Youth, she traveled with auditioned “Crusade Teams” that held youth events throughout the South. Following graduation, Debbie immediately answered God’s call and went to the mission field, serving among the Navajo tribes in Arizona. Mission service in Hawaii and South Korea followed and God continues to use her as His instrument in amazing ways. When her passion for reaching the lost caught the attention of Dr. James Dobson, she was invited to join the team at the International Outreach for Focus on the Family as its International Training Manager. Debbie is currently an international trip leader for Compassion International in Colorado Springs, CO.
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Accolades for DCC’s Interim Ministry Team Serving Providence Christian Church in Sugarland, TX “Thanks so much for your service to our church. It has been a real blessing to us for you to be here. We know that your students at DCC are blessed to have you there. May God richly bless you and may God bless Dallas Christian College” (Carolyn and Steven Schlossers). “Thank you for everything you’ve done for Providence Christian Church. Your leadership in this interim time made such a difference. Our congregation stayed enthused and positive. We increased our attendance because of prayer and the DCC team. We are so grateful” (Lorinda Batchelor, DCC alum). “Pam and I want to thank you for your heart for God, your willingness to be His blessing to Providence Christian Church. Your efforts not only kept us from the decline that usually happens in times like these, but we are grateful to have God provide growth, due in large part to the quality you provided in the pulpit. Your efforts allowed us to be patient and wait on God’s timing for the person He called to His purpose in this time and place” (Paul and Pam Pruitt). “You guys were awesome! We are so thankful. I am so thankful for the sacrifices you made to keep our church afloat these past months. Our congregation received quality teaching and inspiration. You have certainly ‘Built our Faith.’ Thank you for the wonderful witness you have
Gary Hardy
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been and for being an active mission! Many, many thanks!” (Ty Miyahara, elder). These are just a few of the thank you note “barrage” that Ted Smith, adjunct homiletics professor and Director of World Impact Dallas, Gary Hardy, Missions professor, Dr. Mark Hahlen, Bible Dept. Chair, and Mark Worley, VP for Student Development, received from the people of Providence Christian Church in Sugarland, TX. These four men received a large package of thank you notes both individually and as a group for their interim preaching ministry with Providence that lasted approximately ten months. Jo Corbitt, who serves on the Missions Committee of PCC, said, “We’re glad you enjoyed our project of love and thanks. We thought it would be a fun project to gather thank you notes for you guys, and everyone wanted to participate!” DCC was founded to support and serve the needs of local congregations in our region. We are excited to be able to provide interim services whenever possible and in this way contribute to the health and vitality of the local church. If we can be of service to your congregation, let us know how we can help.
Ted Smith
Dr. Mark Hahlen
Campus News
Sports, Spicefest, BBQ, Homecoming, and old friends combined to make this year’s Friends and Family Week a huge success! Over the course of the week, DCC saw several hundred people visiting the campus for its events, including a special interview with President-elect, Dr. Brian Smith. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!
Campus Service Day
Twice a year, once a semester, classes are canceled, offices are closed, and the DCC students, faculty, and staff take to the community with tools in hand and service in heart. This semester, nearly 200 students worked on nine different projects including painting, fencing, landscaping, gardening, and window washing. DCC is proud that her students perpetuate a culture of service.
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2700 Christian Parkway Dallas, TX 75234-7299 www.dallas.edu
calendar of events THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES requests the honor of your presence at The INAUGURATION of
Dr. Brian D. Smith the eleventh PRESIDENT of DALLAS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2015 2:00 p.m. The Branch 3035 Valley View Lane Farmers Branch, TX 75234 RECEPTION TO FOLLOW
2014 Dec 5-6
Christmas Dinner Theater "Prince of Peace"
Jan 11-13
Spring New Student Orientation
Jan 24
Presidential Inauguration
Mar 9-13
Kingdom Week / Spring Break
Apr 9
Spring Service Day
May 15
Commencement
2015
Jun 14-28 SALTeens Oct 2-3
Homecoming