Biblical Higher Ed Talk

Too often, we get wrapped up in furthering our personal mission instead of God’s.

With deadlines to meet, credits to fulfill, and schedules busier than ever, faith and biblical integration can get thrown to the wayside. But faith-based integration in and out of the classroom will better equip the future leaders of tomorrow.

Ready to put on the full armor of God?

We’re getting the ball rolling with Adam Wright, the President of Dallas Baptist University, to see how he and his team are keeping Christ at the center of DBU’s mission.

Join us as we discuss:

• [8:58] The detrimental lack of biblical knowledge in higher ed

• [14:33] Why mission, vision, and values must permeate your campus

• [22:56] Some ABHE accreditation roadblocks
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Dallas Baptist University

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

We’re taking the road less traveled from the lower 48 to rural Alaska.

Serving the students from indigenous villages of Alaska takes a focused but mighty mission. Bringing the Word of the Lord, accompanied by college preparation, impacts these individuals for a lifetime by providing a comfortable space for these students to unpack baggage and embrace education.

Keith Hamilton, President of Alaska Christian College, takes us through his journey from being a youth pastor in Colorado to finding his calling in serving the indigenous villages of Alaska.

Join us as we discuss:

• [6:42] The indigenous village experience

• [10:24] Spiritual darkness in rural Alaska

• [16:55] Challenges of a narrow mission

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

Optimizing your institution's business model is crucial in the evolving landscape of higher ed.

With a focus on mission alignment and building future influential leaders, some universities have seen big changes. But not every institution is willing to roll up its sleeves and do the hard work.

Re-examining operational efficiencies may be the key to your university sinking or swimming.

We’re kicking off our conversation with David Wright, President Emeritus of Indiana Wesleyan University. With over 30 years of experience in the higher ed sector, David reflects on what can make or break a university.

Join us as we discuss:

• [6:56] Modern higher ed challenges

• [13:20] People-first focus and mission alignment

• [23:35] Knocking down the silos between admin and faculty
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Christian Education Services

• [email protected]

• Sparking Change in the Nonprofit Industry

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

Enrollment needs to focus on relational sales with your “customer” — the prospective student.

Personalizing connections and conversations will leave your customers more confident about potentially enrolling in your institution.

That’s why we’ve invited Ryan Dougherty, Principal Partner at TG Three, to talk about all things enrollment, relational sales, and the dreaded enrollment cliff.

In this episode, we break down the steps to enrollment success through personalization.

Join us as we discuss:

• [6:25] Are traditional business terms okay in higher ed?

• [11:30] Training your frontline employees to be ambassadors for your school

• [19:30] Common enrollment department mistakes
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• TG Three

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

The dreaded two words we hear time and time again: “enrollment cliff.”

Although the enrollment cliff is inevitable, it may be an opportunity for your institution to prove what truly makes it unique.

Even amidst the FAFSA challenges, admissions offices can remain people-focused and show what differentiates your university from the next.

Your institution will not only change a student's life but can change them eternally.

Phil Cook, President of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP), shares his perspective on the privilege of working under pressure and what your institution can do to soar instead of sink.

In this episode, we explore the turbulence higher ed admissions teams are facing today.

Join us as we discuss:

• [12:07] Common enrollment office mistakes

• [19:54] Facing new challenges with the FAFSA redesign

• [25:57] Enrollment cliff adjustments schools should be making

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

God commanded in Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

To be able to build bridges in our institutions, we need to be strong and courageous, just as Christ was.

Being confident allows others to find their own strength and grow into the next university leader, pastor, or humble servant.

Staying assured of what we’re providing to the world allows the light of Christ to shine through us.

That’s why we’re chatting with Shirley Hoogstra, President of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). With an upcoming retirement after ten years in leadership at CCCU, Shirley shares her wisdom to empower the next generation of problem solvers and bridge builders.

In this episode, we dive into the highs and lows of the Christian Higher Ed landscape.

Join us as we discuss:

• [6:48] A look back at the last ten years of biblical higher ed

• [15:18] Today’s Christian Higher Ed challenges

• [21:52] The tough role of university president

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

Saying the words “finances” or “alternative revenue” can sometimes make individuals in your institution run for the hills.

Higher ed professionals need to take the pressure away from these conversations to allow for untapped innovation. Having the patience to explain a financial statement or an audit sheet can tear down the all-too-common silos around financial situations.

That’s why we’re talking with Dave Moja of Moja & Company. As a veteran CPA and member of the AICPA’s Not-for-Profit Advisory Council, Dave provides insight into how to truly unlock your school's financial potential.

In this episode, we dive into the world of higher ed finances.

Join us as we discuss:

• [7:56] Post-Covid spending trends and squandered opportunities

• [13:55] Three common financial mistakes higher ed institutions make

• [19:18] A bit of good news amidst stark financial realities

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

Jeremiah 17:7 says, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.”

In the fast-paced world that college presidents must navigate, it’s hard to be everywhere at once.

We can’t predict the future. Ditching long-range planning and trusting in God’s present plan allows for an opportunity mindset.

Taking time to rest allows for intentionality in showing up where it matters most to your University.

Kicking off our conversation is Roger Parrott, the President of Belhaven University. With over 20 years of presidential experience, Roger wasn’t afraid to kick long-range planning out the door. And now, he wants to help others do the same.

In this episode, we dive into the keys to a successful university presidency.

Join us as we discuss:

• [4:32] The current state of higher ed turbulence

• [16:00] Why you should abandon long-range strategic planning

• [21:39] Taking the critic’s perspective
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• The Longview by Roger Parrott

• Opportunity Leadership 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.

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

The pandemic spotlighted the alarming rise of social disconnection and loneliness among today's college and university students.

Todd Hall, Founder and CEO of Flourishing Metrics and Professor of Psychology at Biola University, believes there is a direct correlation between our current state of spirituality and this human relationship crisis. He fears many biblical higher ed institutions are failing to impart relational knowledge to our leaders of tomorrow — and that oversight could have unintended consequences.

In this episode, Todd shares his incredible insights into what role psychology and human connections play in our spiritual growth.

Join us as we discuss:

• [8:45] The good, bad, and ugly truth about spirituality today

• [16:52] How attachment relationships impact our connection to God

• [22:38] Why schools need to start focusing on relational knowledge
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• The Connected Life by Todd Hall

• Psychology in the Spirit by John Coe and Todd Hall

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

Theological education, seminaries, and leadership – Oh, my!

We’re digging into what theological education does well and some challenges the system is currently facing.

While some institutions have been able to pivot and expand, others are experiencing leadership challenges and mental health resource deficiencies.

That’s why we’re talking to Amy Kardash, President of In Trust Center for Theological Schools. Amy brings her unique insights into theological education to the forefront of our conversation.

Join us as we discuss:

• [3:12] High points in the current state of theological education

• [8:00] What challenges seminaries are facing today

• [17:00] The essential link between churches and seminaries

• [23:21] Differentiating formal and non-formal theological education
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Lilly Endowment's Pathways for Tomorrow

• In Trust

• [email protected]

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