College Conversations

College Conversations

By The Institute for G.O.D.Education
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College Conversations episodes

  • S1E11: Building Leaders - Is College the Secret? (4-28-23)

    Benjamin Reese and Jeffrey Sherrod join Institute President Gregg Garner for a vital discussion on cultivating leadership skills in college. This episode examines how traditional college approaches may fall short in nurturing leadership qualities, essential in today's world and job market. The trio delves into the necessary changes colleges must adopt to effectively foster leadership among young people. It's an insightful episode for students, educators, and anyone interested in the evolution of higher education to meet contemporary leadership challenges.

    Also see: 

    Gregg Garner

    The Institute for GOD 
    For comments, questions, or topic ideas, email us at [email protected]

    52 min
  • S1E10: Professional Development - a New Era: Announcing The Institute's ProDev Program (4-4-23)

    Join Gregg, Jeff, Ben, and Laurie in an exciting announcement of The Institute's Professional Development (ProDev) program. This episode sheds light on how the ProDev program provides Institute students with a unique Christian workplace environment. Here, students can enhance their occupational skills, graduate debt-free, and step into the professional world with both experience and a job offer in hand. This conversation is key for anyone interested in how faith and professional development can be seamlessly integrated in an educational setting.


    Also see: 

    Gregg Garner

    The Institute for GOD 

    ProDev at The Institute 


    For comments, questions, or topic ideas, email us at [email protected]

    34 min
  • S1E9: Finding Purpose: Does College Hold the Key? (3-22-23)

    Explore the crucial role of college in vocational development with Dr. Carlos Serrano, President of Manna University, and The Institute's Benjamin Reese. This episode delves into how Bible education influences a student's identity and purpose within the Body of Christ. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the impact of theological education on personal and vocational growth.

    Also see: 

    Gregg Garner

    The Institute for GOD 

    Manna University

    Carlo Serrano, President of Manna University


    For comments, questions, or topic ideas, email us at [email protected]

    49 min
  • S1E8: Real Talk with Students: What's Life at College Really Like? (3-17-23)

    Jeff hosts a candid conversation with three Institute students, each at a unique stage in their college experience. Debbie Castellanos, a freshman, Jacob Olivera, a transfer student with a degree already under his belt, and Lauren Garrison, a senior, share their personal reflections on transitioning into and out of college. This episode offers a diverse perspective on the challenges and triumphs of college life, providing valuable insights for anyone navigating or about to embark on their own academic journey at The Institute.

    Also see: 

    Gregg Garner

    The Institute for GOD 


    For comments, questions, or topic ideas, email us at [email protected]

    40 min
  • S1E7: Gap Years - Life-Changing Break or Delayed Future? (2-24-23)

    Gregg, Jeff, and Laurie are joined by Josh Beers, President and Founder of OneLife, a gap year program operating across the US. In this discussion, “Coach Beers” delves into the importance of discipleship and the distinct advantages a gap year provides for students uncertain about their future steps. This episode is particularly insightful for those considering a break from traditional academic paths to explore personal growth and vocational clarity.

    Also see: 

    Gregg Garner

    The Institute for GOD 

    OneLife Institute: Gap Year Program

    Josh Beers, President of OneLife


    For comments, questions, or topic ideas, email us at [email protected]

    46 min
  • S1E6: Academic Battles - Does Accreditation Really Matter? (2-24-23)

    Join Gregg and Jeff at the Association for Biblical Higher Ed annual conference, with special guests Jennifer Nyago and Institute Alum, HR Professional Heather Maute. This episode focuses on the critical topic of accreditation in higher education. The group discusses how accreditation standards not only ensure quality but also drive colleges to enhance their offerings, benefiting the entire educational community. Listen in for an insightful look into how accreditation shapes and improves biblical higher education.

    Also see: 

    Gregg Garner

    The Institute for GOD




    For comments, questions, or topic ideas, email us at [email protected]

    55 min
  • S1E5: Mission Trips - More than Just Travel (2-3-23)

    Gregg and Jeff converse with Institute alums Ashley Moore and Nick Sherrod about the significant role of mission experiences during college. Through their personal stories, Ashley and Nick shed light on the importance of international service and travel, illustrating how The Institute for GOD incorporates these experiences into student education for profound personal and academic growth.


    Also see: 

    Gregg Garner

    The Institute for GOD



    For comments, questions, or topic ideas, email us at [email protected]

    49 min
  • S1E4: College Stress Epidemic - What's the Cause? (3-10-22)

    In this episode, Gregg and Jeff sit down with Dr. Marty Harris, President of Latin America Bible Institute in California and a seasoned counselor and college professor in psychology. They discuss the mental health concerns prevalent on college campuses today. This conversation focuses on uncovering the root causes of increased stress among college students and offers insights into effective strategies for managing mental well-being. An essential listen for anyone looking to understand and mitigate the mental health challenges faced by students in their college years.


    Also see: 

    Gregg Garner

    The Institute for GOD 

    Latin America Bible Institute


    For comments, questions, or topic ideas, email us at [email protected]

    53 min
  • S1E3: Friendship Goals: Still Friends at 30 like Jesus (2-10-22)

    Join Gregg and Jeff as they are joined by Jennifer Nyago, Director of Community and Student Life at The Institute for GOD, for a thought-provoking discussion on a unique aspect of college life: the formation of meaningful friendships within a faith community. They explore the significant role friendship played in Jesus' ministry and how college serves as an excellent platform to emulate his teachings on companionship. This conversation sheds light on the importance of building relationships for both spiritual and academic enrichment during college.

    Also see: 

    Gregg Garner

    The Institute for GOD


    For comments, questions, or topic ideas, email us at [email protected]

    43 min
  • S1E2: The Big College Debate - Smart Investment or Financial Trap? (2-3-22)

    Join Gregg, Jeff, and Laurie as they address a crucial question facing today's students: Is college worth the cost? In an era where college enrollments have significantly declined post-COVID, with over a million students opting out, this episode explores the reasons behind this shift. The trio discusses the financial aspects of higher education and evaluates its value in the contemporary educational landscape. This conversation is vital for anyone considering the balance between the costs and benefits of a college education in today's world.

    Also see: 

    Gregg GarnerThe Institute for GOD 

    Business Insider: Is College Worth It? 

    Forbes: Is College Worth the Cost? Pros vs. Cons

    Inside Higher Ed: Is College Worth It? Recent Analysis Says Yes


    For comments, questions, or topic ideas, email us at [email protected]

    36 min

About College Conversations

From the publisher's feed

Join Gregg. D. Garner, President of The Institute for GOD, as he, fellow professors, and other special guests have conversations about Christian Higher Ed. Together they’ll explore the complexities…