Higher Education, Higher Purpose

After more than two decades in enrollment management, Dr. Molly Smith has helped thousands of students get to college. Then she sent her own son. In this episode, host Keith Ramsdell welcomes Molly, Associate Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions at Biola University and until recently a member of the NACCAP team, to talk about what changed when she moved from the professional's side of the desk to the parent's side. Her son, Jackson, is now a college freshman. The paperwork and portals weren't what surprised her most. The emotion was. "Why do I feel like this college is stealing my child?" she remembers asking herself as move-in day approached.

From there, Molly gives families practical advice. Parents should lean on admissions counselors, who are there to help. On campus visits, she says to look past facilities and program lists and pay attention to the people and to student life. She also recommends visiting top choices more than once, so you see an ordinary day and not just a polished preview event. She argues that students should be free to ask the "what if" questions parents often dread, such as what happens if they change majors or don't get along with a roommate. She is also candid about her own profession, calling out templated mailings and the assumption that students pass information along to their parents.

The conversation ends with what Molly would do differently. Families should agree early on how college will be paid for and how often parents will hear from their student. Parents should also figure out their own role in a process their student should lead. Her one word for families just starting out is "options." Keith and Molly close on prayer, and on why Molly wanted Jackson surrounded by mentors, friends, and a community where she knew God would be with him.

Key Takeaways

● Use the admissions team. Molly encourages families to reach out with questions, reminding them: "There are people in place, you're not bothering them. This is their job."

● Look past the facilities. Notice whether faculty and staff take an interest in your student personally, and watch how students connect with each other. For Jackson, a worship night and conversations with students mattered more than food options or housing.

● Visit your top choices twice. Preview days and scholarship weekends are a show. A second visit on an ordinary day shows what nights, weekends, the cafeteria, and chapel are really like. Molly took Jackson to each of his top three schools twice.

● Let students ask the "what if" questions. Changing majors, getting injured, and roommate trouble are real possibilities. Choose a school that has a clear way to handle change.

● Settle expectations before move-in. Talk early about finances, scholarships, jobs, and who pays for what. Also set a regular time to connect once your student is on campus.

● Start with options and prayer. Explore a wide range of schools, check your own assumptions, and keep the search in prayer from the start.

Connect

● Higher Ed, Higher Purpose Podcast: https://www.naccap.org

● NACCAP: https://www.naccap.org

● Find Your Christian College: https://www.findyourchristiancollege.com

● Keith Ramsdell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-ramsdell-06784945/

● Dr. Molly Smith, Biola University, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-smith-dsl/

#NACCAP #ChristianHigherEd #FaithIntegration #HigherEdHigherPurpose #ChristianCollege #BiolaUniversity #CollegeSearch #CollegeAdmissions #ParentingThroughCollege #EnrollmentManagement

When Dr. Paul Maurer became president of Montreat College in 2014, the institution was quietly drifting. Theological language had been softened, the statement of faith had been narrowed, and the school sat on the kind of financial cliff that has ended the story for many small Christian colleges. A decade later, Montreat is a different place: record enrollment, a nationally recognized cybersecurity program, a contract relationship with the National Security Agency, and a Christ-centered identity that is again written into every corner of the institution. In this conversation with host Keith Ramsdell, Maurer walks through how it happened.

The throughline of the episode is conviction paired with rigor. Maurer makes the case that Christian higher education's most defensible competitive advantage is its willingness to name a moral compass out loud, and then to back that compass with serious academic programs that yield a genuine return on investment for families. He explains why Montreat doubled down on cybersecurity in 2015, why the NSA wanted a faith-based institution at the table, and why the liberal arts are not in tension with career preparation but the most durable foundation for it.

The conversation closes on the personal and the providential. Maurer reflects on his sense of call, the role of an anonymous $6 million pledge that arrived by email just before he took office, and Sarah Zylstra's 2019 Gospel Coalition piece naming the turnaround "the Montreat Miracle." His charge to Christian educators is direct: stop chasing elite or wealthy, and start aspiring to be truly great.

Key Takeaways

● Mission clarity is a strategy, not a slogan. Montreat's turnaround began with reclaiming a high view of Scripture and asking employees to affirm the statement of faith and a community life covenant.

● The new CCCU and NACCAP market research confirms what Montreat bet on a decade ago: families want both a biblical worldview and measurable academic outcomes.

● Cybersecurity became Montreat's signature program because faith-based institutions can speak fluently about ethics and character, the human factor that secular peers struggle to name.

● The liberal arts do not prepare students for a job, they prepare students for any job. Employers want graduates who can write, think, collaborate, and solve problems.

● Montreat's three-part promise to students is intellectual development, spiritual development, and preparation for calling and career, framed as one integrated formation.

● Greatness, not eliteness or wealth, is the right aspiration for Christian higher education, and stewarding a miracle is daily work.

Connect

● Higher Ed, Higher Purpose Podcast: https://www.naccap.org

● NACCAP: https://www.naccap.org

● Keith Ramsdell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-ramsdell

● Montreat College: https://www.montreat.edu

● Dr. Paul Maurer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-maurer

#NACCAP #ChristianHigherEd #FaithIntegration #HigherEdHigherPurpose #ChristianCollege #MontreatCollege #Cybersecurity #LiberalArts #ChristCenteredEducation #CollegePresident

Provost Dr. Christina Schnyders of Malone University joins host Keith Ramsdell for a conversation that pushes past the easy assumptions about faith integration. It is not, she argues, a verse stapled to a syllabus or a prayer offered before a lecture. Drawing on William Hasker's enduring definition, Christina describes faith integration as the integral relationships that already exist between Christian faith and every academic discipline, relationships faculty discover and steward rather than manufacture.

From there, the conversation widens. Christina unpacks the "bilingual education" model where students grow academically and theologically in the same breath, the faculty formation seminars at Malone that train professors to find the natural integration points in their fields, and what shifts in a classroom when every student is treated as an image bearer of God. Keith and Christina trade perspectives as a parent of college-age kids and a longtime educator, landing on a shared conviction: spiritual and character formation is the unique value proposition of Christian higher education, not a bonus feature added to career readiness.

The episode closes on real-world fruit. Internship supervisors and clinical placements tell Malone students they look "categorically different," even when those students cannot yet name why. Christina answers the bubble critique with the rhythm of Jesus's own life, solitude, community, and ministry, and reframes the Great Commission in its literal Greek: in your going, make disciples. For prospective families, current students, and anyone weighing what Christian higher education can actually do, this conversation makes the case with depth and warmth.

Connect:

● NACCAP: https://www.naccap.org

● Keith Ramsdell, President, NACCAP: https://www.naccap.org

● Dr. Christina Schnyders, Malone University: https://www.malone.edu

Hashtags:

#NACCAP #ChristianHigherEd #FaithIntegration #HigherEdHigherPurpose #ChristianCollege #MaloneUniversity #FaithAndLearning #VocationalCalling #ChristianEducation #WholePersonFormation

What if students could attend college without paying a cent upfront, and instead, give back after they graduate?

In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast, we sit down with Nicole Dunteman, Director of the Hope Forward program at Hope College, to explore a bold new approach to college funding. Hope Forward flips the traditional tuition model on its head by offering students a fully funded education rooted in the values of generosity and community. In return, graduates commit to supporting the next generation of students, creating a sustainable cycle of giving.

Nicole shares how this model is transforming student success, boosting engagement, and deepening students’ sense of purpose and belonging.

What You Will Learn:

• The Hope Forward model offers a fresh way to finance education, relieving students from upfront financial pressures.
• This groundbreaking program highlights the power of community connection and relationships as key drivers of student success.
• The Hope Forward program cultivates a culture of generosity, inviting graduates to give back and support future students after they’ve completed their education.
• How Hope Forward has boosted student retention by fostering a strong commitment to both academic achievement and community engagement.
• Hope College aims to cultivate a student community grounded in diversity and inclusivity, shaped by its Christian principles of service and connection.

Resources:

Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org

Email us: [email protected]

In this episode, Dr. Paul Maurer shares the extraordinary transformation of Montreat College during his tenure as president. Once on the brink of closure, the college experienced a dramatic turnaround sparked by a timely and unexpected financial pledge—what Dr. Maurer describes as nothing short of divine intervention. 

At the heart of Montreat’s revival has been a renewed, Christ-centered identity that brought clarity, unity, and purpose to its mission. Under Dr. Maurer’s leadership, the college has not only rebounded but flourished, achieving record enrollment and earning national recognition, especially in the field of cybersecurity. 

Listen as we reflect on the power of resilience in higher education and how unwavering commitment to core values can breathe new life into an institution.

What You Will Learn:

• President of Montreat College, Dr. Paul Maurer, emphasizes a strong commitment to Christ-centered education and its implications for institutional identity.
• Under Dr. Maurer's leadership, Montreat College has experienced record enrollment and significant academic program developments, particularly in cybersecurity.
• The college's mission clarity has been pivotal in its recent growth, fostering a unique niche in the competitive landscape of higher education.
• The story of Montreat College's turnaround includes miraculous financial support that facilitated its survival during a critical period.
• The institution aims to combine rigorous academic standards with spiritual formation, preparing students for careers and meaningful lives.

Resources:

Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org

Email us: [email protected]

Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org

In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast host Phil Cook speaks with Dr. Greg Miller, President of Malone University. Dr. Miller shares how a Christian college offers not merely academic instruction but also a spiritual framework that significantly influences students' lives during formative years. He emphasizes the necessity for institutions like Malone to integrate faith into every aspect of their curriculum, fostering an environment where students can thrive both academically and spiritually. 

Throughout our conversation, we reflect on the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges within the realm of higher education, underscoring that the mission of nurturing future leaders in faith is both essential and urgent.

What You Will Learn:

• The significance of Christian higher education lies in its ability to profoundly influence the spiritual and moral development of students during their formative years.
• Dr. Miller emphasizes that every course at Malone integrates faith, addressing ethical issues alongside academic disciplines to ensure a holistic educational experience.
• The importance of cultural fit when selecting a Christian college cannot be overstated, as it shapes students' experiences and community engagement.
• Malone University strives to meet students' diverse spiritual needs through various opportunities for spiritual formation beyond traditional chapel services.
• The role of perseverance is vital, both in ultra running and in the challenges faced in Christian higher education, highlighting the necessity for relentless forward progress.

Resources:

Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org

Email us: [email protected]

Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org

In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast hosts Phil Cook and Heidi Sturm speak with Dr. James Steen, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing at Houston Christian University. With over 19 years of experience at HCU, Dr. Steen discusses his journey from being a tour guide at Baylor University to leading significant enrollment growth and navigating a recent rebranding initiative. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by Christian institutions in a competitive market and emphasizes the need for collaboration among schools to foster student engagement and spiritual growth. Dr. Steen reflects on the value of community and support within organizations like NACCAP, which are crucial in promoting best practices in enrollment management. 

What You Will Learn:

• Dr. James Steen's journey from being a tour guide at Baylor to Vice President at Houston Christian University exemplifies how careers can evolve unexpectedly.
• The recent name change from Houston Baptist University to Houston Christian University reflects a broader mission and a commitment to inclusivity in higher education.
• Work-life balance is crucial in leadership roles, and prioritizing family events leads to personal fulfillment and professional success.
• The challenges facing Christian higher education require institutions to collaborate rather than compete against one another for student enrollment.
• Knowing your institution's identity is important to effectively serve current and prospective students.

Resources:

Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org

Email us: [email protected]

Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org

In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast hosts Phil Cook and Heidi Sturm speak with Meghan Taylor, the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Redeemer University. Meghan shares her inspiring journey toward a career in Christian higher education and discusses her personal experience of making a significant college choice that shaped her professional path. Meghan highlights the unique challenges faced by Canadian universities, such as differences in financial aid processes compared to the U.S., and how Redeemer has thrived despite these obstacles. With a focus on building genuine relationships with prospective students, she underscores the joy and creativity inherent in the admissions process. 

What You Will Learn:

• Meghan Taylor shares her journey of making the college decision and its impact on her life.
• The significance of unique experiences in Christian higher education is emphasized throughout the podcast.
• How small decisions can lead to life-changing opportunities and career paths.
• The importance of building relationships in the admissions process 
• The distinct challenges faced by Canadian institutions compared to their U.S. counterparts.

Resources:

Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org

Email us: [email protected]

Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org

In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast hosts Phil Cook and Heidi Sturm speak with Dr. Dee McDonald, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at Crown College. With over 15 years of experience, Dee highlights how a deep commitment to Christian values can lead to institutional growth and student transformation. He reflects on his personal story of initially resisting attending his alma mater, Olivet Nazarene University, only to find it was exactly where he needed to be, and how that experience shaped his career path. Dee emphasizes the significance of mentorship and community in his life and the power of faith and purpose in education, underscoring the impact of nurturing healthy teams and systems within Christian institutions.

What You Will Learn:

• The importance of authentic leadership and building healthy teams within educational institutions.
• Dee’s journey in Christian education highlights the transformative impact of faith-based communities on students' lives.
• How divine guidance shaped Dee’s college choices and professional path.
• The significance of missional fidelity in the growth of Christian colleges like Crown University.
• Dee shares his experiences of receiving unexpected support during challenging financial moments in college.

Resources:

Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org

Email us: [email protected]

Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org

In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast hosts Phil Cook and Heidi Sturm speak with Joan Vos, the Director of Academic and College Counseling at Chattanooga Christian School. With over 35 years in education, Joan emphasizes the need for educators to "shoot at the heart," focusing on the unique gifts and callings of each student rather than simply adhering to rules and guidelines. She discusses her journey from teaching to counseling, highlighting how her faith has shaped her approach to supporting students in their academic and personal growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges presented by the overwhelming noise of social media and college admissions processes, and Joan advocates for the value of attending Christian colleges that prioritize the holistic development of students. 

What You Will Learn:

• Joan Vos emphasizes the importance of seeing students as image bearers with unique gifts.
• The discussion highlights the value of Christian colleges in nurturing students' faith and personal growth.
• Joan shares her journey from teaching to counseling, illustrating how God opened doors for her.
• The podcast explores how the noise of social media impacts students' college decisions today.
• Joan encourages parents to consider the benefits of Christian education for their children.

Resources:

Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org

Email us: [email protected]

Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org