At graduation one of the things I mention to those who just finished getting their college degree is that “This place is always your home.” Years spent in college fill with transitions, memories and significant events. Those who live on our campus, who study in the library, and who make life decisions here, must know […]
This year the President at Ohio Valley University will work from the desk of “Ole 618.” That requires some explanation. During the Stepping Stones Christmas Auction in December 2016, one of the items put up for bid was the naming rights for the President’s Desk. Other unusual items on the auction included these: Having a […]
Grandparents typically take great interest in their grandchildren. They shower newborns with clothes, furniture, gifts and they take pictures. They brag about the exploits of the young, go to every athletic event, and take pictures. They babysit, serve as chauffeurs, take them on trips, and they take pictures. I have a good friend named James […]
Grandparents typically take great interest in their grandchildren. They shower newborns with clothes, furniture, gifts and they take pictures. They brag about the exploits of the young, go to every athletic event, and take pictures. They babysit, serve as chauffeurs, take them on trips, and they take pictures. I have a good friend named James […]
Everywhere we turn, critics of higher education press people like me for the financial return on the investment (ROI). Such demands have an appropriate place. However, not all of life can be reduced to numbers. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 that what we do for God is not in vain. Such investments may […]
Staying on task often takes all we have. It means knowing our purpose. Those involved in Christian education often experience mission drift. We start out one way and end up going another. Knowing the purpose of Christian education is crucial. That brings me to two chairs. The chairs represent two poles of Christian education. Instead […]
In April 2016, a man helped Leon Matheny to the speaker’s platform in the Alumni Gymnasium at Ohio Valley University. Leon prayed on behalf of the lectureship crowd and wept as he recounted the giant steps that the university had taken over the years. A few weeks later he passed away. Ironically, the man whose […]
About a decade ago three university professors (Arthur W. Chickering, Jon C. Dalton, Liesa Stamm) wrote a book called Encouraging Authenticity and Spirituality in Higher Education, which addressed the growing movement to incorporate spirituality as an important aspect of the meaning and purpose of public higher education. They argued that higher education tends to focus on […]
Working in higher education is a two-way street. Professors influence students, but students also touch those of us who teach. Caleb Dillinger may be one of the most remarkable students I’ve met at OVU. In his recent blog, he wrote, I am fully convicted that education shapes you more than most things in life. […]
May you have Joy this holiday Season.