President's Corner

A Second Genesis

This legacy edition of The Beacon, like this chapter of NCU life, represents a significant pivot. Even my own place in the NCU story is at a turning point. After ten years at a university that’s turning 125 years old, we’re moving boldly into a fresh era—a kind of second genesis. We’re thinking in fresh terms about how to expand our reach, improve our campus, grow our student body and answer God’s call for the next 125 years.

In the past decade, we’ve been guided by a Vision 20/20 driven by these strategic initiatives:

1. Affirm our Christ-centered identity 2. Honor our people 3. Enhance our academic quality and reputation 4. Advance our financial sustainability 5. Grow our enrollment 6. Improve our campus capacity 7. Deepen our culture of innovation and accountability

In the Summer 2020 edition of The Beacon, I will share specifically how the Lord has granted progress in each of our goals over the past ten years. Please know, however, that you have been a tremendous help in sustaining progress, especially in our financial sustainability. Your gifts and support have propelled us into this new season. Your ongoing partnership makes new goals possible.

Now 2020 is upon us and our achievements in the last ten years drive us forward with a new set of needs and directives. This will be the year for clarifying paths forward, mobilizing around solutions and inviting broad, strong partnership.

This magazine is like a hinge pin, displaying through words and pictures how we’re turning a corner into our best future. As excited as I am about this beautiful commemorative issue, the next one will be even more compelling as God has us moving in significant ways. I’m thankful you’re on the journey with us.

God bless you in 2020.

Joseph D. Womack, Ed.D. President