Volume LXXII, No. 3 Second Quarter–2008 IABCU Board Selects Carson-Newman Provost Michael Arrington as Executive Director By Mark Brown and Tim Fields studies teacher in ing that Christian higher learning might NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Board Missouri. not measure up to public-funded educa- members of the International Association Hired by tion. His cynicism was quickly overridden of Baptist Colleges and Universities Ouachita as a histo- by the commitment to excellence he saw (IABCU) have elected Michael Arrington, ry professor in 1973, in colleagues for teaching and student provost of Carson-Newman College, Arrington began development through personal interest. Jefferson City, Tenn., as executive direc- what he thought “I learned that our work was to edu- tor of the Association effective March 1. would be a class- cate students while helping them see why Arrington, 62, succeeds Thomas room career at the we chose to be Baptists and why we Corts, who in September was named by Arkansas institution. Michael Arrington intentionally integrate faith and learn- President George Bush to coordinate all Just one year into ing,” he noted. “That’s something that I education initiatives for USAID (United his tenure, he was promoted to the aca- see as central to the Association’s work. I States Agency for International demic affairs office as assistant to the intend to use this opportunity to pro- Development). dean and director of the academic skills mote Baptist higher education in general Arrington will retire as provost at development office. For the next 27 while finding new ways to keep our Carson-Newman effective at the close of years, he served in several academic schools connected to each other.” the academic year. capacities including associate vice presi- Joe Bill Sloan, president of Carson- “The IABCU Board of Directors is dent prior to being named the school’s Newman and associate provost under delighted to have found someone as capa- chief academic officer in 1986. In the Arrington until he was named interim ble and as passionate about Christian course of his service he led Ouachita’s president last year, says his colleague is higher education as Mike Arrington,” said strategic planning committee, chaired “an ideal fit for the IABCU.” Evans Whitaker, president of Anderson the North Central Accreditation Steering “Mike’s support, advice, and wise University (S.C.) and chairman of the Committee, served as dean of Arts and counsel have been invaluable as we have IABCU board of directors. “Dr. Arrington Sciences and oversaw a host of commit- moved through a period of transition,” brings to his new role a wealth of teach- tees, councils and task forces. said Sloan. “And, though the IABCU ing and administrative experience in “In my life I have had one intentional appointment is a great recognition of his Baptist institutions that will serve our career plan and that was to teach,” abilities and skills as a Baptist educator, I association well as we cooperate together recalled Arrington. “Everything after that think our member institutions will to share best practices and advance the has strictly been the providence of God. quickly find him to be a visionary leader distinctives of our institutions,” Whitaker And, while I still think that teaching at an and proactive servant.” added. academically-driven Christian institution The IABCU corporate office remains in A Nashville, Arkansas, native who is among the highest of callings, I am Nashville, Tenn., and Arrington will con- earned the B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. from the grateful that the Lord found it purposeful tinue to make his home in East Tennessee University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, that I could invest my professional life in with his wife, Pam, a C-N associate pro- Arrington joined Carson-Newman as supporting the classroom experience. That fessor of education. They have a married provost and vice president for academic is why I am humbled and invigorated by daughter and one grandchild. affairs in 2001. Previously, he invested all the opportunity to serve institutions that but one year of his professional career at seek to sharpen students’ minds while Mark Brown is director of news and media relations Ouachita Baptist University, another shaping their hearts.” for Carson-Newman College and Tim Fields is IABCU member school. He began his Arrington says he joined Ouachita’s director of communications for IABCU. I work in education as a sixth-grade social faculty with a certain skepticism, think- Contents TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR ANNUAL MEETING 1 Michael Arrington Elected IABCU Executive Director International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities Chateau on the Lake • Branson, Missouri • June 1-3, 2008 2 Tentative Schedule for IABCU Annual Meeting SUNDAY JUNE 1 3 Comment 2:00 p.m. Exhibitors Arrive for Set-up 4 Fifty Days Like No Other: 2:00–4:00 Board of Directors Meeting Union’s Response to an EF-4 3:00–7:00 Registration Tornado 4:30–5:45 First Plenary Session: Michael Beaty, Baylor University, Hester Lecturer 6:00–7:00 Reception (light refreshments) 8 Union Students, Firefighters Share Evening is free for shows, dinner, fellowship, free time Stories of Tornado MONDAY JUNE 2 9 Educational Institutions 7:30–8:45 a.m. Buffet Breakfast Meetings Must Develop A ‘Unique Presidents: “International Education Opportunities,” Carolyn Bishop, President, CGE Selling Proposition’ Chief Academic Officers (CAOs): “The Provost/CAO and Institutional Change,” Graham 10 Louisiana College to Launch Hatcher, Univ of Mary-Hardin Baylor, moderator; “Presidential Transition”—Randall Online Course Program O’Brien, Baylor University; “Catastrophic Conditions”—Carla Sanderson, Union University; Forging a New Future— Nancy Yuill, Houston Baptist University 12 Legal Notes Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) Chief Development Officers (CDOs): “Facilitating Philanthropy in Church Related 13 CGE Report Environments,” Jonathan Lindsey, Baylor University (retired) Denominational Relations Officers ( DROs) 14 Gifts and Grants Chief Student Affairs Officers (CSAOs) → 15 Campus Report 9:00–10:30 Second Plenary Session: Michael Beaty, Baylor University, Hester Lecturer 16 Campus Report (Continued) 10:30–10:45 Break 10:30–11:30 Spouses Break and Fellowship Meeting (no program) 10:45–12:00 Workshop Vol. LXXII, No. 2 Second Quarter 2008 Presidents and CAOs: Legal Affairs Briefing, Jim Guenther and Jaime Jordan, Guenther, Publisher: Michael Arrington, Jordan and Price, PC executive director, IABCU CFOs: Managing Editor: Tim Fields, CDOs: “Essential Questions for Advancement Management,” Jonathan Lindsey director of communications, IABCU DROs, CSAO’s: 12:15–1:45 p.m. IABCU Business Luncheon—All groups meet together The Baptist Educator (ISSN 0038-3848) is a 1:45—2:00 Break news magazine published quarterly for admin- 2:00–3:00 Workshops istrators, faculty, staff, trustees and friends of Presidents: Issues Roundtable member schools by the International CAO’s: “The Changing Nature of the Faculty Role,” Graham Hatcher, moderator, “Centers Association of Baptist Colleges and for Teaching Excellence”—JoyLynn Reed, Univ. of Mary Hardin-Baylor; “Revitalizing Senior Universities. Faculty”—Paul Sorrels, East Texas Baptist Univ.; “Wherefrom Will They Come”—TBA POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: CDOs: Open Discussion—“Beg, Borrow or Steal, Ideas We can All Use” International Association of Baptist Colleges CFOs, DROs, CSAO’s: “Legal Issues Forum,” Jim Guenther and Jaime Jordan, Gunther, and Universities Jordan and Price, PC 8120 Sawyer Brown Road, Suite 108 Evening is free for shows, dinner, fellowship free time Nashville, TN 37221-1410 Send news items to: Tim Fields, managing editor TUESDAY JUNE 3 The Educator 7:30–8:45 a.m. Breakfast—All groups meet together: “Union University’s Response to an E-mail: [email protected] EF-4 Tornado,” Carla Sanderson, provost, Union University 8120 Sawyer Brown Road, Suite 108 8:00–10:00 Spouses Breakfast and Program: Diane Whitaker, Anderson University, Nashville, TN 37221-1141 and Pam Arrington, IABCU, co-conveners Fax: (615) 662-1396 • Phone: (615) 673-1896 9:00–10:15 Workshops “Legal Notes” is designed to provide accurate and Presidents, Chief Academic Officers, CFOs, DROs, CSAOs: “Administrative Leadership for authoritative information on legal issues facing Baptist Universities—Training for the Future,” Don Schmeltekopf, provost emeritus, Baylor Baptist-related higher education. It is provided University with the understanding that the publisher and CDOs: “Basic Questions to Consider in Data Mining,” Jonathan Lindsey editors are not engaged in rendering legal coun- 10:15–10:30 Break sel. “Legal Notes” is not intended as a substitute 10:30–12:00 Third Plenary Session: Michael Beaty, Baylor University, Hester Lecturer for the services of a legal professional. If your 12:00 p.m. Adjourn institution needs legal counsel, a competent 2:30 Golf Outing attorney should be consulted.
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2 The Educator by Michael Arrington, Executive Director Comment: International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities team in the face of disaster was nothing short of miraculous. Miracles Still Happen We are grateful to God that no lives were lost on the Union cam- ong before being named this Spring as Executive Director of the pus, an outcome described by those who began the search and res- LInternational Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities, I rec- cue process in the immediate aftermath of the storm as being a ognized and appreciated the multiple benefits and services IABCU pro- miracle of divine proportion. vides to its member institutions. Among the most important is Close to 1,000 students were in Union’s residence halls, most of communication of campus news to help keep our institutions connected which were totally destroyed by the storm. Although the tornado and informed. Each IABCU member institution has stories to tell, and struck with little warning, Union and Jackson officials were able to The Educator provides a significant avenue through which that get the message to students to move to a place of safety. Lives were communication takes place. probably spared because of the safe shelter provided by bathtubs, No stories are more compelling or inspirational than the trials sofas, and soft drink machines. Regardless of the various explana- and triumphs faced by two of our Baptist institu- tions, God surely laid His protective hand on the tions after their campuses suffered severe weath- The remarkable leadership of students of Union University. er-related damage. Hurricane Katrina Union President Dr. David Union faculty and staff report that the campus completely destroyed William Carey University’s Dockery and his entire adminis- community has drawn together to rebuild the Gulf Coast campus at Biloxi in August 2005. The trative team in the face of disaster institution into an even stronger institution of April 7, 2008, groundbreaking for William was nothing short of miraculous. Christian higher education. In spite of the Carey’s Coast Campus was a landmark celebra- tremendous obstacles still facing Union, let there tion as well as a wonderful testimony to the faithful work of its be no doubt that this great university will continue as a lighthouse President, Dr. Tommy King, and the university’s entire leadership of learning and Christian witness. Please continue to pray for the team. entire Union University family and for two students in particular, Please keep WCU in your prayers as it continues to carry out the Matt Kelly and David Wilson, who are recovering from serious plea of the university’s namesake, Baptist missionary pioneer Dr. injuries. (See Union-related stories on pages 4-8.) William Carey (1761-1834), to “Expect great things from God— Perhaps the most remarkable development of all took place when attempt great things for God.” Union resumed classes on February 20, only two short weeks after The devastating tornado that hit the campus of Union University the tornado ravaged the campus. The Jackson community respond- on February 5 is yet another inspirational story of students and staff ed immediately with compassion as housing and classroom space facing a disaster with courage and faith in God’s provision. were made available. Union University students and staff received an immediate out- May God bless William Carey University, Union University, and all pouring of support and aid from multiple sources, including many the institutions of the IABCU. I am honored to serve our Baptist of Union’s sister Baptist colleges. The remarkable leadership of schools through the IABCU and look forward to hearing and sharing Union President Dr. David Dockery and his entire administrative your stories. I Huckabee Praises Ouachita Baptist University for ‘A Challenging Education’ By Trennis Henderson pace of a national presidential bid is “so fast the school, said another benefit of his OBU ARKADELPHIA, Ark. (ABP)–Describing that you don’t have time to stop and absorb it education “was that it helped me come to deep some aspects of his recent presidential cam- or even take it in.” convictions about principles that I believed in paign as “just incredible fun,” former “At many times, I had to stop and remind and not just what they were but why—and the Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee recently myself that I was actually running for presi- ‘why’ is more important than the ‘what.’” paid a brief visit to his alma mater, Ouachita dent of the United States.” he added. “The best value that I had from Ouachita Baptist University. Reflecting on the political impact of his was an analytical education, an education that Huckabee, who served 10 years as presidential run, Huckabee said one aspect is taught me to think critically and to question Arkansas’ governor, put together a run for the that his campaign delivered a clear reminder and to put my own convictions to the test,” he Republican presidential nomination that con- that “ordinary people really can affect the pro- affirmed. “It was truly a challenging education, sistently surprised critics, who early on dis- cess.” and I value that a lot.” missed him as an also-ran. Giving a nod to Ouachita’s influence on Looking to the future, Huckabee acknowl- Huckabee had what he described as a both his life and political career, Huckabee edged, “I think I will continue to be involved “Final Four” finish in this year’s presidential noted, “I’ve always said that the education I politically and also from a policy standpoint, race. Earning victories in eight primaries and received here gave me a platform that I never helping people to get elected and keeping my caucuses, Huckabee withdrew from the race had to be ashamed of or run from. I have held own options open for the future. He said he in early March after Arizona Sen. John my own with people who had Harvard Law would not rule out another run for the presi- McCain gained enough delegates to lock up degrees or MBAs from Harvard or Yale. I don’t dency. the Republican nomination. feel like I ever had to say, ‘Gee, I don’t belong “I want to affect the discussion of public A 1975 graduate of Ouachita, Huckabee has up here.’ Academically, Ouachita was as good policy as it relates to the bedrock issue of why served as a pastor, president of the Arkansas of an education as I could have had.” individual morality and the structure of the Baptist State Convention and chairman of the In 2005, Ouachita named its school of edu- family really does have an impact on the direc- National Governors’ Association. cation after Huckabee to honor his education- tion of civil government,” he added. “And the Acknowledging that “the whole experience reform initiatives as governor. respect for human life is fundamental and was, in many ways, surreal,” Huckabee said the Huckabee, who has served as a trustee of foundational to our culture.” I
Second Quarter 2008 3 Fifty Days Like No Other: Union University’s Response to an EF-4 Tornado by David S. Dockery community exactly two weeks later (Feb. 19) in a standing President, Union University room only worship service in our chapel. We lifted our voices Exclusive to The Baptist Educator in praise and bowed our knees in prayer, recognizing anew our (photos by Morris Abernathy) dependence on God. We have asked God to bring renewal out nion University suffered massive damage from an EF-4 of the rubble across our campus. Utornado on February 5. Bringing destruction to almost all The fourteen aspects of our residence life area and to several other key days between “Our estimates are that even after buildings on campus, the $40 million hit has been declared Feb. 5 and Feb. the insurance settlement we will the most significant disaster in Southern Baptist history. 19 were some of That morning we had about 3,300 students in class. More the most need about $15 million more in than 1,200 of those were on campus when the tornado struck demanding and addition to the gifts that have the campus. That evening we took 51 students to the hospital. challenging that already been received. Of course, Nine were seriously injured; two remain hospitalized. The any of us have work of our student life team on Feb. 5 can only be described ever faced. Our this is not just for rebuilding, but as heroic. faculty, staff, also for recovery of lost revenue.” Everyone who saw the campus during the first 36 hours and students has been overwhelmed by the fact that the lives of all of the came together as volunteers to do whatever they could to help students who were on campus on that Tuesday evening were with the recovery efforts. spared. For God's providential protection we are most grateful. The leadership of our trustees together with the terrific Amazingly, we were able to gather together on campus as a work of Kimberly Thornbury, Carla Sanderson, Gary Carter,
4 The Educator Rich Grimm, Charles Fowler, Jerry Tidwell, and Jimmy Davis, path that will help us among other leaders across campus, has been a joy to behold. move forward with the Classes were able to begin again on Feb 20, yet, it has been fall semester, and will anything but normal. Our academic leaders did a fantastic job help us complete all of of revising the spring schedule to allow us to restart the the rebuilding, repair, semester. Our music department has moved to a nearby and recovery efforts by church facility, the journalism and broadcast departments January, 2009, Lord have moved to the local television studio, our graduate busi- willing. ness classes are meeting at a local industry, our continuing Well over 4,500 vol- studies classes have moved to a high school, and other classes unteers have come to have been rescheduled elsewhere. More than 800 students campus to offer their have now been relocated from the residence life area that has help for us. To date, we now been demolished. have had more than We played our first home basketball game in front of a 3,300 donors from all packed house on February 21. The next day we held a forward- fifty states to respond looking and hope-filled groundbreaking for fourteen new resi- to our recovery and dence life complexes. We continue to make progress, though rebuilding efforts. We each day for the past seven weeks has seemed like a week unto thank God for every itself. donor and every gift. We are grateful for God's grace to us over the past 50 days We have received over as we have moved from “uuemergency” to “uurecovery” to $5 million in gifts, “uurebuilding” for those of you who have been following on including meaningful gifts from our sister institutions, for the websites (all news is now at
Second Quarter 2008 5 Fifty Days... (Continued from page 5) “essentialist mode,” but we are pressing on with God’ s enable- ment and the encouragement of friends like you. The Union Lady Bulldogs advanced to the Final Four of the NAIA national tournament, finishing the season with an outstanding 35–1 record. The inspiring play of these young ladies has been a rallying point for our entire campus. In the grand scheme of things, a basketball game is probably not that important in light of the $40 million in damages and losses to the campus. Yet, this team has been symbolic of the spirit across the entire campus. The unity and focus repre- sented by these student athletes have served as reminders to all of us of the kind of unity and focus that will be needed over the next nine months in the work that remains to be done. We have lost our buildings, but we have not lost the Union University spirit. I can’ t say thank you enough to all who have prayed for us, encouraged us, served us, supported us, and provided gifts for our campus or our students in recent days. We celebrate God’s goodness in each of these markers of hope, even as we thank God for you and your friendship toward us. We have lit- erally been working around the clock every day for the past Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, left, and other dignitaries survey seven weeks. Things are starting to move in directions that the damage on the Union campus with President David Dockery. are a bit more normal in terms of work patterns, at least a pus. We have been overwhelmed with volunteers who have “new normal.” helped immensely, and we will probably need more help in the Please continue to remember us in your prayers. Please months to come. But for now, we really need your faithful pray for our students, particularly our injured students who prayers as we trust our great God to open the windows of need God’ s care and blessing. The recent visit to campus by heaven to provide for our significant financial challenges. We IABCU President Mike Arrington was a great encouragement thank God for your friendship and your encouragement to to us. Many of you have wanted to send volunteers to the cam- Union University during these most challenging days. I
6 The Educator On February 22 Union “held a forward-looking and hope-filled groundbreaking for fourteen new residence life complexes. While we have a lengthy path in front of us, we certainly have much for which to be grateful. The new residential life project is moving forward.” —President David Dockery
Union President David Dockery, far left, gives a campus tour to U.S. Senator (TN) Lamar Alexander. Students, at right, give praise to God for his presence during the storm and seek strength and direction for the future. “We have lost our buildings, but we have not lost the Union University spirit,” Dockery assures.
Second Quarter–2008 7 Union Students, Jackson Firefighters Share Stories About February 5 Tornado nion University student Rebecca Hartfield “We are indeed grateful, not for just getting a call that he had a five-minute Uhad one fireman in particular she wanted what happened that night, but for the years window before another severe storm would to see after she was rescued from the rubble of preparation and giving your life in ser- pass through. He considered aborting the of a tornado ravaged dormitory February 5 vice to this work,” Sanderson said. “We rec- rescue operation in an attempt to get his on the Union campus in Jackson, Tennessee. ognize that without God’s hand working workers to safety. “You’ve got to protect The only problem was, she didn’t know what through your lives, our students would who’s working to save what you’re working he looked like. have perished. That is a humbling thing to on,” Brantley said. “But I couldn’t stop.” During a recent reunion of firefighters think about.” Layman said he was shocked when he and the students they rescued, Hartfield Brantley said in 25 years of work, the arrived on the scene that night and asked fire Captain Robert Layman: “Did you Feb. 5 disaster at Union was the worst he had observed the collapsed buildings. kiss me on the head and tell me it was seen. “For kids to come out as alive as they “My mind was not prepared for that at going to be all right?” were, I thought, ‘It’s a miracle,’” he said. all,” Layman said. “I literally thought that “Yes, I did,” Layman replied. As firefighters were working to rescue we were probably looking at hundreds of Hartfield, a Union University junior, the Union students, Brantley remembers body recoveries.” I responded by hugging Laymen tightly. She was one of 11 Union students who visited the Jackson fire station for the reunion. The students and firefighters looked at photos together and shared stories of the night’ s events. About 15 students were trapped under collapsed buildings that night—some for as long as five hours. Jackson firefighters arrived on the scene Shawnee, Oklahoma only minutes after the tornado hit, and res- cued every student who was buried. Fifty-one students went to the hospital PRESIDENT that night with injuries. Two students— Oklahoma Baptist University invites nominations and applications for the position of president. Matt Kelley and David Wilson—remain in the hospital (as of April 4) with injuries OBU, founded in 1910, provides education in the traditional arts and sciences and other they sustained that night. Jason Kaspar, the disciplines to prepare students for effective leadership and service. It is governed by a Board of last of the Union students pulled from the Trustees which is elected by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Ten baccalaureate debris, was on hand for the reunion, still on degrees are offered in 82 fields of study through the College of Arts and Sciences, the Joe crutches. L. Ingram School of Christian Service, the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts, the Paul “We got to you as quick as we could,” Dickinson School of Business and the School of Nursing. Fall 2007 headcount enrollment totaled 1,607. OBU also offers graduate studies leading to master of business administration Captain Johnny Brantley told the Union and master of science in nursing degrees. Additional information about the University is students during the reunion. “We had a lot available at www.okbu.edu. of stuff to dig through. We appreciate you hanging on.” The successful candidate will have these qualifications: The Union students introduced them- selves to the firemen, some of whom they Fully committed follower of Jesus Christ who demonstrates a vibrant faith and passionate witness for Christ; didn’t recognize by appearance, but only by voice. Intellect, energy, and commitment to support the mission of Oklahoma Baptist University “Thank you very much,” Union junior as a Christian liberal arts institution; Kellie Roe told the firefighters. “You guys An earned doctorate and significant senior level administrative experience; saved our lives, and we will forever be Ability to support and enhance OBU’s excellence in teaching, scholarship and service; grateful.” Sophomore Kevin Bradley was one of Ability to relate and communicate effectively with faculty, students, alumni, staff and seven men trapped in the restrooms in the prospective students, and to represent the University to a wide variety of audiences, especially in Oklahoma Southern Baptist churches; Watters commons building. He described hearing the voices of the firemen who Aptitude and commitment to lead fund raising efforts; worked to free him. A visionary with a commitment to and experience with effective strategic planning; “That was like the first sound of hope Active member of a Southern Baptist church. we had really gotten that night,” Bradley said. The Presidential Search Committee will begin the review of applications and nominations in Union Provost Carla Sanderson present- March and will continue to the time of selection. Applications and nominations should be sent ed the firefighters with a plaque containing to Presidential Search Committee, OBU Box 61241, 500 West University, Shawnee, OK 74804. photographs of the night’ s events and a certificate of appreciation. She described Oklahoma Baptist University welcomes applications from qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. To fulfill the mission of the University, the office of President the firemen as “angels on our campus that must be held by an active member of a Southern Baptist church. night.”
8 The Educator To Be Competitive Educational Institutions Must Develop a ‘Unique Selling Proposition’
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article is written by (USP). The USP is the thing or “angle” that institutions use to Coleman Patterson, Director of the Leadership Studies differentiate themselves from their competitors in the minds Program and Professor of Management and Leadership at of consumers and supporters. The things that make the insti- Hardin-Simmons University. Submission of articles to The tution unique must be things that consumers find relevant Educator by faculty and administrators at IABCU member and desirable. schools is encouraged. Articles will be considered for publi- USPs can come from a variety of places within a college or cation based on content and space available. university. Top administrators can steer their institutions in unique directions and foster interest and support of unique by Coleman Patterson programs. They can make creative alliances with external have heard it said that good preachers can find sermons in institutions, raise funds and invest money in exceptional pro- Ialmost anything they encounter. I think that it is also possi- grams and initiatives, foster and perpetuate cultures of excel- ble for Baptist educators to find lessons in management and lence and innovation, and design reward schemes that leadership in many things as well. encourage exceptional and innovative work. The Incredibles, a movie made for kids and adults, provides Faculty members can make their institutions super by one such example. The movie tells the story of a family of offering unusual and interesting classroom and course experi- super heroes who become locked into battle with a nemesis ences for their students and by investing time and energy in who makes himself powerful by innovative research and service pro- inventing machines and weapons. jects. Buddy, the nemesis, reveals that his Simply stating important and worth- Staff members should develop and ultimate plan is to sell his inventions while characteristics does not make offer exceptional services and pro- so that everyone can be super heroes. grams that support the educational “And when everyone’s super,” Buddy an educational institution unique in missions of their institutions and that cautions, “no one will be.” the minds of consumers, especially meet student and constituent needs. I recently received a recruiting Those involved in alumni affairs, brochure in the mail from a nearby, when their competitors tout the development, communication, and peer university. The brochure showed same things. recruiting functions should be aware pictures of attractive and happy-look- of the special and innovative pro- ing college students smiling and hav- grams of their institutions and use ing fun at scenic campus locations and events. It had images them in their marketing and communication campaigns. of professors and students interacting in classroom settings, A good USP is one that competitors cannot imitate or pictures from athletic events, and images of students engaging replicate. A unique location, relationships with donors and in worship and Bible study. The text described the institution philanthropic entities, an engaged and active alumni base, as being warm, caring, and academically challenging. exceptional faculty members, well-known and special pro- Prospective students were encouraged to choose this school grams, cutting-edge instructional technology and manage- because of its small class sizes, interaction with caring and ment information systems, unique facilities, exclusive access committed faculty members who take personal interest in to job and graduate school opportunities, relationships with their students, relevant and interesting academic programs, external organizations, and unusual educational experiences and its faith-based education. The brochure touted the things and programs can make institutions special in the minds of that made the institution “super.” students and institutional supporters. The institution did not come across as super or extraordi- When utilized over the long run, effective USPs can create nary. I felt like I had seen the brochure countless times before monopoly-like advantages for organizations and become from a countless number of schools—prospective students forms of sustainable competitive advantage. who receive the brochures probably feel the same way. The To attract the attention and interest of prospective stu- brochure described important, relevant, and interesting char- dents, Baptist colleges and universities must develop and acteristics of the institution, but they were not super. The offer unique features, services, programs, and experiences school came across as very common. In fact, there are three that make themselves different from their competitors. To be competitors in my hometown that could claim those same dis- unique, institutions, their offerings, and the messages that tinguishing characteristics. they broadcast into the marketplace must be unlike others. To be super, institutions and their offerings have to be dif- Simply stating important and worthwhile characteristics ferent from others—they need to be unique. A Baptist-related does not make an educational institution unique in the college or university is no exception. minds of consumers, especially when their competitors tout The concept of choosing one or more important consumer the same things. Having the same super characteristics as dimensions to compete with others for students, faculty, and everyone else makes no one super. Might there be a sermon contributions is known as the unique selling proposition in that? I
Second Quarter–2008 9 Louisiana College to Launch Online Course Program
t Louisiana College students are not • Adolescent Psychology, benefit from our online courses. Another “A‘numbers’ but rather individuals who • Assessment of Instruction, need that will be filled is offering concur- know their professors,” explains Amy • Introduction to Secondary Reading, rent enrollment opportunities for high Robertson, Louisiana College’s Director of • Principles of Marketing, school students.” College Communications. In its more than •Principles of Management and To ensure quality delivery of these 100 years of fulfilling the college’s mission of Organizational Behavior, new programs, Louisiana College turned fostering academics and faith, Louisiana • Economic Principles I, to The Learning House, Inc. (a corporate College (LC) has unrelentingly pursued rela- • Introduction to Computer sponsor of The International Association tionships with ambitious, enthusiastic indi- Technology, of Baptist Colleges and Universities). viduals. • British Writers, Learning House is a comprehensive Its recent addition of a wide breadth of • Music Appreciation, online education solution provider that online education programs is one more • American History II, helps colleges and universities offer and effort to spread both the gospel of • Ecological Interactions and Animal manage their online degree program. The Christianity and academia. Diversity. company’s track record of creating and In its comprehensive educational offer- All of these courses will maintain implementing the best in online learning ings, Louisiana fulfills its mission to pro- Louisiana College’s intimate, one-on-one was impressive, says Robertson. vide an experience firmly rooted in both on-campus feel. “Our typical classes have “Learning House has an incredible repu- academic excellence and traditions of the a professor to student ratio of 12 to 1. tation of working with the most respected Christian faith. That allows for quality instruction and academic institutions in the country.” “The faculty and staff of Louisiana personal attention to each student. The Beginning this new academic journey, College genuinely care for the students. online courses will be no different,” says Louisiana College wants to assure stu- Their primary concern is to enhance stu- Robertson. “Professors will teach and offer dents that the same benefits they enjoy dent learning and to encourage the stu- a rigorous academic course and also be on-campus will be there for them online. dent’s Christian growth,” Robertson says. available to help and assist students.” The academic excellence and Christian This “primary concern” will remain at “Louisiana College has been contem- traditions will both inhabit the virtual the forefront of LC’s launch of the online plating the idea of incorporating distance sphere as they do the traditional class- education program. The school will offer a learning courses into the current academ- rooms, continuing the school’s century- wide range and extensive amount of cours- ic programs,” says Robertson. “The rea- plus commitment. es to be administered entirely online. sons for such contemplation are “Louisiana College has a reputation of All Louisiana College students are eligi- numerous, from courting ambitious offering rigorous academic courses, set in ble to enroll, and the first courses will younger students to making life easier for a nurturing, Christian environment,” says launch this summer (beginning June 3 and older, working adults, she adds. Robertson. “Online students will be able ending the summer semester August 1). “Louisiana College has realized that to experience these same attributes The following courses will be offered many students desire to have more through the online courses.” online this summer: options in their academic careers. Many To learn more about the online educa- • Introduction to Criminal Justice, non-traditional students who currently tion programs offered by Louisiana • Introduction to Psychology, work full-time jobs and desire to contin- College, visit: http://www.lacollege.edu. I • Developmental Psychology, ue their education after work hours will Campbellsville Faculty and Staff Hear Address on Higher Education Diversity olanda (Yoli) Carter spoke on higher brown scare (the term describing it takes three years from birth to even Yeducation diversity recently to Americans’ mounting fears about record begin to use the language successfully, about 300 Campbellsville University numbers of Hispanics coming into the how can we expect any less from immi- faculty and staff members. She was country),” Carter said, “because incom- grants having to learn to speak English?” invited by the University’s diversity ers are trying to become ‘competent In speaking about her experiences as commitee. members of American society’ just as fast a second generation American, Carter The 212 international students at CU, as they can, up to and even splitting off said “It’s easy to say ‘I’m not an immi- representing 34 nations, make this the from their own family members who grant,’ yet most of us are not Native largest international population at any of refuse to let go of their old country’s lan- Americans. Most of us have ancestors Kentucky's private colleges. guage and traditions after coming here.” who came here for many of the same rea- Carter is assistant professor and asso- “Speaking English is an emotional sons immigrants come here today.” ciate dean of undergraduate education at issue—one nation, one language, one Her advice to CU faculty and staff was Georgetown College. She is a consultant identity,” Carter said. “It is actually taken to keep up the dialogue, keep reading on diversity (race, ethnicity, class, gen- as an affront if English is not used. The and remember always that we come to an der) and issues related to second lan- problem is, we give immigrants only one understanding of each other on a one-to- guage acquisition. year to understand English before they one basis. I “There is no need to succumb to the are tested the same as Americans. Since
10 The Educator Second Quarter–2008 11 Legal Notes–byJimGuenther Klouda v. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
he United States District Court in Fort Worth has dis- encompasses all employees of a religious institution, whether Tmissed the case of Sheri L. Klouda against Southwestern ordained or not, whose primary functions serve its spiritual Baptist Theological Seminary. and pastoral mission.” Dr. Klouda had sued the Seminary and its president, The Seminary did not dispute Dr. Klouda’s claim that she claiming among other things, that they had breached her was not renewed because of her gender. The Seminary simply contract and had violated federal law prohibiting sex discrim- argued that such discrimination, by the Seminary against ination in employment. The Seminary and its president one of its faculty, was not illegal; the federal law making sex asserted a first amendment defense, and that defense was discrimination illegal could not be constitutionally applied to successful. the Seminary-faculty member’s employment relationship. The court held (1) that the Seminary’s decision not to Likewise, the Seminary never needed to argue whether it renew Dr. Klouda’s tenure track appointment to the faculty had breached her contract, committed fraud, was guilty of fell within what is called the “ministerial exception,” and (2) promissory estoppel, or defamed her. For the same constitu- that the decision also triggered the “ecclesiastical abstention tional reasons, the court said the Seminary enjoyed protec- doctrine.” This doctrine prevents courts from making intru- tion from all claims arising out of the Seminary’s action sions into a religious body’s “claim regarding its decision not to to autonomy in the elaboration and Is the relationship between the faculty renew her appointment. pursuit of its own beliefs and prac- This was the third time a tices.” and a Baptist college or university court has declared The court agreed that the within the ministerial exception? Only Southwestern’s relationship with Seminary’s judgment that all facul- its faculty to be within the min- ty who teach future pastors should one court has answered that question, isterial exception. In 1981 a themselves be “qualified to serve as and it said, “No.” court had concluded that the the pastor of a local church,” and Seminary was not subject to that Dr. Klouda’s gender disquali- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, fied her, constituted an “employment decision (which) was the primary federal law generally prohibiting sex, race, color, the product of a sincerely held religious belief.” The court religion, sex, or national origin discrimination in employ- concluded the “Seminary must be free to decide for itself, ment, in matters related to employment of faculty. In 1993, a free of interference of the courts, matters of church gover- court said it lacked jurisdiction to consider a suit arising out nance such as the identities of those who will be permitted of the termination of a tenured professor. to teach courses in the preparation of students for church Is the relationship between the faculty and a Baptist col- ministry.” lege or university within the ministerial exception? Only one As to the narrow “ministerial exception,” the case law has court has answered that question, and it said, “No.” established that the employment relationship between a That occurred in 1981 when Mississippi College ques- church and its minister is an area of religious freedom into tioned EEOC jurisdiction over the College. The court in that which courts are forbidden to enter. So, a fundamental ques- case said, “the application of Title VII to educational institu- tion in this case was whether Dr. Klouda was a “minister” for tions such as Mississippi College does not violate the free purposes of this exception, and whether the Seminary was exercise clause of the first amendment.” “church.” The case is Dr. Sheri L. Klouda vs. Southwestern Baptist The court had no problem finding the Seminary to be Theological Seminary, et al., United States District Court, “church.” The court said that the Seminary was wholly sec- Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, No. 4:07-CV- tarian. And, the court concluded Dr. Klouda was within the 161-A (March 19, 2008). definition of “minister” as that word is used in the ministeri- ______al exception cases, although she was not ordained. The court Jim Guenther is a partner in the law firm of Guenther, Jordan cited leading cases which declare “the ministerial exception and Price, P.C. in Nashville, Tennessee, 615-329-2100. I
MARK YOUR CALENDAR IABCU Annual Meeting and Workshops • June 1–3, 2008 at the Chateau on the Lake, Branson, Missouri • Register online at: www.baptistschools.org
12 The Educator A Global Passport: Educational Consortium for Global Education Access Carolyn Bishop President, CGE
decade ago, traveling internationally these actions and at the same time in America yet enable them to go over- Aafforded Americans or westerners a rebuild confidence in national trust. seas and experience the strengthening somewhat elite experience as our pass- Listing “Educator” or “Professor” on of respect for acquiring education, and ports seemed to bring respect, trust, a visa entry form elicits favorable and developing professional skills. Faculty and a friendly or at least a courteous respected responses when entering the and students can be ready to reach out welcome to most countries. Middle East and Central Asia along with with access to “the bread of wisdom or A passport provided citizens a confi- most all developing countries. Whether a drink of knowledge” through interna- dence in individual freedoms, protec- one agrees or not, the western “way” tional education. tion and rights of citizenship. and system for education is still deemed You are welcome to join CGE in Border and airport entries have as one of the most superior worldwide. supporting a strong educational pass- changed because world confidence has It is a critical time to take advantage of port! changed. Passport identity still has this benefit and encourage students and Please contact us ([email protected]) value, yet, the perception of “entry offi- faculty to use this “educational good- if you are interested in these 2008 cials” is not to give face value to the will.” upcoming educational opportunities passport identify but to assess your Additionally, another trend in edu- and benefits: rationale for visiting their country. cation opening in educational confi- May 18–28: International As we well know, when confidence dence is the opportunity for the Education Conference (May 23) and 2 in economic and financial stability educator or student who has a day Workshop in HCMC, Vietnam, with changes, those who work in business Christian faith or heritage. 10 national universities, and a com- and finance take notice. It is a marker In both southeastern and northeast- bined visit to University campuses in for taking notice or investigating the ern locations in China, officials have Cambodia emphasizing entrepreneur- causes. made it a point to highlight the ship. It appears too that when global con- Christian beginnings of their university. June 13–21: Music faculty and pro- fidence changes in a positive way in It seems that in those areas the com- fessionals opportunity with Music other arenas, notice should be taken. Is fortableness in speaking of Christian Conservatory in Beijing for observing there any sector where global confi- faith is growing. musical talent, assessing ESL skills, and dence seems to be consistently high? In Lebanon, private school owners meeting accomplished students. Yes, worldwide confidence is high and education ministry officials are dia- Combined visit to Peking University to for education. In the midst of global loguing with Christian and evangelical observe CGE Mandarin Study Abroad conflicts, global crisis, and global con- school leaders to provide models for program. cerns, the desire and value for educa- quality schools. June 22–30: 4-day workshop for tional cooperation is still extremely In Jordan, a member of the royal teacher and faculty training for Chinese high. University and college leaders and family, Prince Hassan, has written an Teachers of English in Fujian Province faculty should press forward now to article on concerns about the weaken- combined with visit to Min Jiang capitalize on the high regard for educa- ing of Christian influence in the Arab University and Fujian Normal tional partnerships and services in a world: “The Peacebuilding Prince”, University to discuss their desires for global arena. Christianity Today, March 13.08. partnerships, sending students to USA Educational leaders and campus Several leaders, from what some call institutions, and language study pro- presidents should increase the numbers the “rogue nations,” have expressed the grams. (This trip can be combined with of invited exchange visitors, begin pro- desire to partner with Christian educa- the June 13-21 for a productive 2 week ductive and mutually beneficial tors as they have found a value founda- experience) exchange programs with international tion in those partnerships. October 2008: (dates to be set partners, create a portal for internation- Educators can gain courage from soon) 10-day Professional al students to consider your degrees, this new perspective and reach out to Development program meeting with and send more faculty and students perceived “enemies.” Educators can administrators and faculty from private abroad to be ambassadors for your cam- prepare their students for hearing evangelical schools in Lebanon, Jordan, pus. Faculty and students can gain from about the changing global confidence and Tunisia. I
Second Quarter–2008 13 Meyer Family Foundation Awards Bluefield, Virginia, Bluefield College offi- plans to submit a proposal to the Georgia $500,000 Grant to HPU cials announced plans to greatly Board of Nursing for approval to offer a Howard Payne University has been improve the student living environ- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. notified that the institution will receive a ments on campus through the support The proposal will be submitted to the $500,000 grant from the Paul and Jane of the Shott Foundation. state nursing board later this spring with Meyer Family Foundation, of Waco, to The contribution will go to renovate a goal of beginning to offer the first nurs- support the university’s new Faith and Cruise and Rish residence halls as part ing courses in August 2010. In keeping Life Leadership Center. of the school's overall Residential Living with its mission as a Christian college, When completed, the center will pro- and Learning Improvement Project. Shorter plans to include a medical mis- vide first-class facilities to attract a vari- sions experience in its nursing curricu- ety of special leadership development Grant to Help Establish Nursing lum. seminars and workshops and serve as the Program at Shorter College foundation for HPU’s continuing com- The Georgia Baptist Health Care UM Receives $96,000 Grant for mitment to Christian leadership develop- Ministry Foundation has awarded Shorter Scholarships ment. College a $200,000 grant to assist with The University of Mobile has received The Faith and Life Leadership Center establishing a Bachelor of Science in a $96,000 grant from the Lettie Pate will utilize classroom space in HPU’s Nursing degree program at the college. Whitehead Foundation Inc. Phelps Bible Building, the chapel and Shorter’s president, Harold E. Newman, The grant will be used for scholar- Mims Auditorium. The renovation of the recently accepted a check for the ships to the university during the 2008- Phelps Bible Building will create a two- $200,000 grant from the foundation. 09 academic year. I story lobby and a large, multi-purpose Shorter College has announced its conference room for lectures and ban- quets. The renovated chapel will serve as a laboratory for student preachers as well as a location for worship, weddings and other events.
BPC Receives $200,000 Grant to Upgrade McArthur Clinic The Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation (GBHCMF) recently awarded a $200,000 grant to Brewton- Parker College for the purpose of updat- ing its on-campus infirmary, the McArthur Clinic—the primary health care provider to the college’s students and employees in Mount Vernon. The grant will be used to fund capital improvements to the clinic.
Shott Foundation Supports Bluefield Improvement Project Bluefield College will soon make sig- nificant improvements to residence halls on campus, thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Hugh I. Shott, Jr. Foundation. In the wake of its historic announce- ment regarding the beginning of the fundraising portion of the partnership to build a $14 million Campus and Community Center with the Town of
14 The Educator William Carey to Establish “WCU would seek to instill in their dents at Carey will be encouraged to excel College of Osteopathic Medicine medical students an awareness of in every aspect of the sciences and William Carey University (WCU) Christian principles and a strong inter- because we are a Christian institution, announced the establishment of a est in ethical practice,” said WCU they will enter the work force with an College of Osteopathic Medicine and the President Tommy King. “We would also understanding of spiritual concepts relat- appointment of the dean of the new col- promote our students’ interest in and ed to the practice of medicine,” said King. lege on March 7 at a press conference. commitment to medical missions, at In the future, Carey could eventually Tommy King, president of WCU, said the home and abroad.” see its own health care clinic located on new college of osteopathic medicine Recruitment of D.O. students willbe- the Hattiesburg campus. I gin in 2009 with classes scheduled to (COM) will address the severe shortage (Campus Report Continued on page 16) of physicians in Mississippi and sur- begin in the fall of 2010. “Medical stu- rounding states. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.s) focus on a system of New Educator Feature: Campus Humor diagnosis and treatment that considers The Educator will include a campus humor section in future editions. Humor is the whole person. Training of D.O.s a wonderful gift from God, and there are those welcome moments when our work- emphasizes primary care, family place is enriched by humor. Please forward your funny work stories, humorous cam- medicine, and emergency medicine,” he pus and classroom episodes, or “creative” test answers to us, and we will select a few said. There are currently 381 D.O.s prac- each quarter for inclusion in future issues. Suggestions for other features or articles ticing in the state and 61,000 nation- you would like to see in The Educator are also welcome. Send them to wide.
Second Quarter–2008 15 If the address on this label is wrong, please send it NonProfit along with your correct address to: Organization International Association of Baptist US POSTAGE Colleges and Universities PAID Attn: Baptist Educator Permit No. 768 8120 Sawyer Brown Road, Suite 108 Nashville, TN Nashville, TN 37221-1410
Robert B. Sloan, Jr., president of other public—each looking at separate recipient Houston Baptist University, projects, deciding that more could be said HBU was recognized for such pro- accomplished together than working grams as its service learning internships, independently of one another.” (Continued from page 15) the community service components of Bluefield College's Board of Trustees both Welcome Days for new students and approved a resolution that not only gave Craig Turner Resigns at HSU the Freshman Year Experience, scholar- the school's administration the go-ahead to Become President at Catawba ships for students who serve on the to move forward with fundraising for the Craig Turner, president of Hardin- Service Leadership Council, and the Center, but also provided the authoriza- Simmons University, has resigned effec- community service work-study program tion for BC officials to partner with the tive May 1 to accept the presidency of which places students at social service Town in the development of the final Catawba College in North Carolina. Bill agencies throughout the greater design for the facility and an operating Ellis, provost and Harold Preston, Houston community.” and lease agreement. The Town approved senior VP for finance and management, The Honor Roll is jointly sponsored a similar decision two weeks earlier will serve as co-chief operating officers. by the Corporation, through its Learn The college and the town began col- Jess Fletcher, president emeritus, and Serve America program, as well as laborative discussions about a proposed will handle most ceremonial duties and the Department of Education, the Campus and Community Center in the denominational relations. Department of Housing and Urban fall of 2006. Since then, the two parties Development, USA Freedom Corps, and have considered site proposals, discussed the President’s Council on Service and facility specifications, analyzed funding Ten IABCU Schools Named to Civic Participation. The Community and construction plans, and developed President’s Service Honor Roll Service Honor Roll recognized 528 architectural renderings. The Corporation for National and schools. A full list is available at The new Campus and Community Community Service in February named
16 The Educator