Biblical Higher Ed Talk

Carlo Serrano, President of Manna University and a U.S. Army veteran, shares how his military background has shaped his leadership in biblical higher education.

Carlo discusses the importance of understanding military culture for student recruitment and retention in higher education and how integrating that experience can enhance institutional leadership and student success.

Join us as Carlo offers valuable insights into aligning the military mindset with the mission of biblical higher education.

Join us as we discuss:

• [4:23] Reflecting on the introductory year as a university president

• [14:14] Recruiting active servicemembers in biblical higher ed

• [19:35] How schools can better support military students and veterans
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• About GI Bill Benefits
  

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

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Some biblical higher ed administrations balk at the notion of submitting grant proposals to secular organizations, fearing meddling or conflict with their institutions’ missions.

But Daniel Ruarte, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs at Life Pacific University (LPU), believes several unjustified misconceptions around alignment belie those concerns.

Daniel shares how grants have uplifted LPU’s student programs and how you can get the most out of your school’s written proposals.

Join us as we discuss:

• [6:45] Why persistence pays off in writing grant proposals

• [14:00] Writing grants in-house versus partnering with a third-party

• [23:14] Balancing grant requirements with your school’s mission
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• U.S. Department of Education Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) Program

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

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With five decades of higher ed administrative experience, John Derry, President Emeritus of Hope International University, has experienced many highs and lows in dealing with biblical higher ed board governance.

Recently, ABHE has been blessed to have John as a coach in our board governance training program.

Tune in to this episode to hear John break down some common warning signs of ineffective boards and how higher ed administrations can ensure buy-in from their trustees.

Join us as we discuss:

• [4:46] Three critical board governance mistakes

• [14:24] What distinguishes higher ed boards from other industries

• [23:39] Practical tips for effective board governance
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• ABHE Board Governance Training

• Experiencing God Bible Study Book by Henry Blackaby

• M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

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To celebrate our 50th episode, we’re excited to chat with Aaron Shust, an award-winning Christian songwriter and performer.

In anticipation of his appearance at ABHE’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, Aaron joined us to talk about his journey as a professional music artist.

You won’t want to miss this insightful peek into Aaron’s start as a church worship leader, his songwriting process, and his conviction in choosing words that glorify God’s Truth. 

Join us as we discuss:

• [6:37] Aaron’s path to the professional music scene

• [15:22] How life experiences influenced his songwriting process

• [26:17] Discipleship and why Aaron identifies as a “Timothy” 
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• www.aaronshust.com

• ABHE Future Annual Meeting Dates

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

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Fundraising — just one word is enough to fill some college leadership with insurmountable dread.

For others, it’s a chance to put their best foot forward and to potentially set a predecessor up for success.

For Mark Maxwell, the President of Prairie College, it’s about calling on God for His advice, weeding out people who may not be mission-driven, and looking to leave a legacy.

In this episode, we explore what it takes to fundraise in a world that calls you to stand firm in God’s word.

Join us as we discuss: 

• [7:29] Higher ed in the U.S. vs Canada

• [12:18] Forward momentum on a college campus

• [27:30] When fundraising is not successful
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Canon of Scripture

• Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership by Steve Sample

• Art of War
  

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

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You may be able to describe a scripture passage, but have you actually sat down to read and digest it?

When was the last time you devoted uninterrupted time to God’s Word?

Public reading of scripture (PRS) is designed to help you do just that – reconnect with God’s word through small group readings.

Step into the intentional public reading of scripture with the Managing Director at The Grace and Mercy Foundation, Dan Sanford, on this week's episode of Biblical Higher Ed Talk.

Join us as we discuss: 

• [8:39] What to expect at a PRS meeting

• [15:28] How PRS helps to cut through distractions

• [21:12] Empowering PRS statistics

• [27:27] A PRS success story
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• ABHE PRS

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

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People are craving authenticity more than ever, especially your prospective Gen Alpha and Gen Z students.

That’s why we’re chatting with Rodney Garber, the President Visionary of Activate Your Influence, about the necessity of executive coaching for businesses and university personnel.

If you’re feeling burnt out, stuck, or even notice yourself getting short-tempered – it may be time to turn to executive coaching. Even if you’re just looking to get a leg up in your everyday routine, coaching may be a great step for you.

The hats are off in this episode as we break down executive coaching and its many benefits. 

Join us as we discuss: 

• [9:39] The top three challenges small businesses and organizations face

• [14:41] Listening to God’s guidance in our lives

• [21:36] How individuals can navigate the sacred-secular divide

• [26:40] Why hesitant leaders should give executive coaching a chance
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Opportunity Leadership: Stop Planning and Start Getting Results by Roger Parrott

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

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The American political ecosystem has been rife with uncertainty since the pandemic, and private higher education institutions have felt the ripples of tightening government regulations.

That’s why Barbara Mistick, President of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), argues schools need to start sharing student stories with elected officials. Barbara believes that once lawmakers see how their decisions are directly impacting students and their families, we’ll see more positive outcomes for private higher education.

You won’t want to miss this enlightening conversation around government agency relationships and the state of American private higher education.

Join us as we discuss:

• [5:20] Challenges and opportunities in private higher education today

• [14:09] Fostering relationships with government agencies

• [22:36] Addressing negative public sentiment towards higher ed
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• College Cost Transparency Initiative

• Gallup Study on Public Opinion of American Higher Education

• 2024 Gallup Poll Results

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

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Gary Stratton, the Dean of Arts & Sciences at Johnson University, has a burning passion for discipleship in biblical higher ed classrooms.

Drawing from the profound relationship between Jesus and His apostles, Gary articulates why educators should embody the principles of discipleship and community in their interactions with students. The author of The Jesus Climb: Journeying From Student to Disciple emphasizes the importance of spiritual mentorship in transforming the lives of students during their critical formative years.

Join us as we explore how integrating discipleship into biblical higher ed settings can profoundly impact students' spiritual and personal growth.

Join us as we discuss:

• [4:05] What fueled Gary’s passion for biblical higher ed discipleship

• [11:38] The dangers of ineffective or misguided discipleship

• [21:50] Well-intended obstacles to healthy student discipleship
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• The Jesus Climb: Journeying From Student to Disciple

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

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Most people conjure a first impression within seconds. That's why having unparalleled hospitality is essential to institutional success.

The keys to successful hospitality are creativity in trying new ideas, intentionality in planning, and reliance on spiritual gifts.

We’re joined by Carol Dibble, the Chief of Staff & Director of Communications at ABHE. For over 25 years, Carol has been dedicated to hospitality and service within the ABHE community. She shares some of her tips and tricks for how you can nail your next event.

Join us as we discuss: 

• [9:40] Why excellent hospitality should be emphasized

• [12:55] Top three key elements to successful hospitality

• [19:55] The top three hospitality mistakes

• [22:07] ABHE Weber Center rehab
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• ABHE Weber Center

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.