WASHINGTONPresidents from 78 CCCU institutions, including 14 international campuses, were on hand at the 33rd Annual Presidents Conference, held in Washington, D.C., January 29-31, 2009.
Following the conference theme of Sharpened Focus: Shifting World, plenary speakers spoke to the changing realities within the world and within the realm of Christianity. Presidential dialogues honed in on ways to establish clarity and truth during arduous times.
The President's conference was the first CCCU event I have attended. I was impressed with the leadership capacity of the group.I was inspired by the deep commitment to Christian higher education.I enjoyed the conversations with others who were facing the same challenges I face.I came away with fresh perspectives on issues I am dealing with and decisions that I am in the process of making.I expect that the friendships that were started this week for me will continue and deepen over the years, said Dr. Jules Glanzer, president of Tabor College (KS).
David Kinnaman, president and strategic leader of the Barna Group, encouraged participants to listen to outsiders, pay heed to what culture is saying and be mindful in creating a holistic worldview in terms of vocational development and how those skills benefit the church.
Congressman Roy Blunt (R-MO), the House Minority Whip and Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC), the House Majority Whip, spoke to the realities of faith in the public square. Congressman Blunt, the former president of Southwest Baptist University (MO), extolled the need for Christian higher education to not only teach how to make a living, but also how to live a life. Rep. Clyburn spoke of his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement and how his faith shaped his vocation in government and pressed for the continual need to strive for progress. In the third component of this distinguished panel, Dr. Luis Lugo, head of the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, presented key information on the shifting demographics of American Christians and how that specifically affects Christian higher education.
Dr. Sabine OHara, executive director of the council for International Exchange of Scholars, implored the audience that as mission-driven institutions, it is important to strengthen international relationships and how vital it is to pursue education opportunities, such as the Fulbright Scholarship program.
The conference closed with a rousing address by esteemed theologizer and adult catechesist Dr. J.I. Packer, who reminded participants the crucial importance of knowing where one comes from theologically in order to understand the future, especially in a post-Christian world. Dr. Packer was awarded the Mark O. Hatfield Leadership Award for his more than 50 years of scholarship and ministry.
In addition, Bethel University (MN) was honored with the 2009 Robert and Sue Andringa Award for Advancing Racial Harmony for their distinctive Reconciliation Studies programs.
Throughout the conference, Nol Tredinnick, director of music at All Souls Church in London, led congregants in old hymns and contemporary songs, with some new musical twists.
The worship and fellowship was terrific as usual but it really is uplifting and encouraging and is one of the very special aspects of being a part of a Christ-centered organization. We really had some outstanding programs with high quality content that were on target with our International Forum theme of critical breakthroughs, and I appreciated the significant contributions of international presidents participating by leading sessions, said Dr. Paul R. Corts, CCCU president.
After severalmonths of economic turmoil, I began to think that all college presidents were either being overwhelmed with anxiety or else were simply facing none of the challenges I faced.Neither was of much help to me.What a joy to get to the CCCU Presidents Conference and findcolleagues who were open and honest about their own situation and eager to support each other in our own respective challenges.It was full of information and inspiration both.I left renewed and equipped.I don't think I could ask anything more of a conference, said Dr. Carl E. Zylstra, president of Dordt College (IA) and newly elected CCCU Board chair.
For information on the Robert and Sue Andringa Award and the Mark O. Hatfield Award for Advancing Racial Harmony, please go here and here.
For more on new members elected to the CCCU Board of Directors, please go here.
The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 181 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 111 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 70 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Councils mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.
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