Sent: To: Bennie R. Crockett, Jr.

Transcription

1 Bennie R. Crockett, Jr. From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Scott Hummel Friday, April 03, :32 PM Bennie R. Crockett, Jr.; Dr. Eugene Owens; Grant Guthrie Missions Statement Review Mission Statements.docx Thank you for agreeing to serve on the Missions Statement Review Committee. I have attached a list of several mission statements, including our mission statement. Feel free to review additional mission statements and bring them to our meeting. Think of the essential components of our mission statement. Do you see any gaps? Does it reflect who we are and who we want to be? We need to meet next week, so by Monday at noon please send me the blocks of times you are available to meet during the week. I will then coordinate a time that works for us. In His service, Scott Hummel, Ph.D. Vice President for Advancement and Church Relations Professor of Religion William Carey University (w) (c)

2 William Carey University-Hattiesburg, MS The mission of William Carey University is to provide quality liberal arts and professional education programs within a caring Christian academic community. The individual student is encouraged to develop his or her highest potential in scholarship, leadership, and service. The university collaborates with churches, organizations, and individuals to affirm its Baptist heritage and namesake, William Carey. Expanded Statement of Mission (Institutional Plan Goals, ) Goal 1: Provide academic programs to promote student learning Goal 2: Promote Christian development and social responsibility Goal 3: Strengthen ties with Baptist churches, associations, and conventions Goal 4: Provide an environment that supports student learning Goal 5: Strengthen organizational and operational effectiveness Goal 6: Strengthen financial resources LeTourneau University-Longview, TX LeTourneau University is a co-educational, interdenominational Christian university built upon a foundation of biblical authority, which seeks to glorify God by integrating faith, learning and living. Recognizing that all knowledge comes from the Creator, the university helps students develop a maturing relationship with God, encouraging them to know Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. LeTourneau is a comprehensive academic institution, offering undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, and setting standards of excellence in engineering, technology, the liberal arts, business, aeronautical science, education and the sciences. These programs are distinguished by an approach that provides students with the pure intellectual excitement of learning, coupled with real life problem-solving opportunities. At the core of all programs is an emphasis on developing communication and critical thinking skills. This integrated philosophy of education extends to all aspects of student life at LeTourneau, providing tangible opportunities for intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social and physical development. LeTourneau helps students mature and develop leadership skills, self-sufficiency and self-discipline by providing a campus community that enables faculty, staff and students to interact on a uniquely personal level. In addition, our university encourages the faculty and staff to serve as role models in spiritual, personal and professional growth. Beyond its campus in Longview, Texas, the university is mindful of the need for service and Christian witness in the broader community and throughout the world. LeTourneau serves its community through research and by responding to the need for educational programs to adult students at off-campus sites and educational centers. It encourages in its students the qualities

3 of ingenuity and entrepreneurship that contribute to free enterprise and the democratic process. In addition, LeTourneau attracts students from many nations, sensitizing all students to other cultures. And it encourages students to responsibly communicate their views, values and Christian faith to the world. Mississippi College-Clinton, MS Mississippi College, governed by a Board of Trustees elected by the Mississippi Baptist Convention, is a private, co-educational, comprehensive university of liberal arts and sciences and professional studies dedicated to the pursuit of academic excellence. Founded in 1826, Mississippi College is the oldest institution of higher learning and the largest private university in the state of Mississippi. As a Christian institution, Mississippi College values the integration of faith and learning throughout the educational process. Consistent with its Baptist heritage and relationship to the Convention, Mississippi College provides a quality Christian education for its student population. Students select the university because of the quality of its academic programs, Christian environment, and location. The university strives to recruit students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, and church/community involvement. The majority of students come from Mississippi and other southeastern states. Mississippi College stimulates the intellectual development of its students through the liberal arts and sciences and concentrated study in specialized fields, including pre-professional and professional programs. Furthermore, the university environment promotes the spiritual, social, emotional, and physical development of its students and encourages them to utilize their skills, talents, and abilities as they pursue meaningful careers, life-long learning, and service to God and others. The university emphasizes those undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs which offer opportunities for service. Additionally, the university reflects its responsibility of service to the community through a variety of learning opportunities and numerous cultural enrichment experiences. Mississippi College is committed to excellence and innovation in teaching and learning. The university seeks to employ and retain faculty who are dedicated to teaching/learning and advising students, who support and engage in scholarship and creative activities that advance knowledge, and who seek to continue their own professional development. The university also seeks to employ and retain staff and administrators who are equally dedicated to supporting these efforts. Furthermore, the university selects employees who reflect Christian values and a commitment to service. Mississippi College is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with Title VII and applicable exemptions. Ouachita Baptist University-Arkadelphia, AR Quachita Baptist University is a church-related, liberal arts university whose aims are to meet the educational needs of students and to prepare them for places of leadership and service. To

4 achieve these aims, Ouachita Baptist University seeks to combine the love of God with the love of learning. The University provides the students the opportunity to experience growth in Christian ideals and character, to develop their intellectual and physical abilities, to think critically and creatively, to mature in their understanding and appreciation of their world, to communicate effectively and to accept their obligation to be of service to God and mankind. This mission has been found to be consistent with faithful stewardship to the parent body, the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. We affirm that life is lived most abundantly when it is lived in response to the love of God through Jesus Christ. We affirm that we need to know about all areas of knowledge and that such breadth of learning should be both personal and vocational. We affirm that good teaching requires interaction between student and teacher and that learning is most effective where there are both challenge and encouragement. We affirm that education involves the whole person and that growth is intellectual, physical, spiritual and social. (Luke 2:52: "And Jesus increased in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and Man.") Gardner-Webb University-Boiling Springs, NC Gardner-Webb University, a private, Christian, Baptist-related university, provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate education that is strongly grounded in the liberal arts while offering opportunities to prepare for various professions. Fostering meaningful intellectual thought, critical analysis, and spiritual challenge within a diverse community of learning, Gardner-Webb is dedicated to higher education that integrates scholarship with Christian life. By embracing faith and intellectual freedom, balancing conviction with compassion, and inspiring a love of learning, service, and leadership, Gardner-Webb prepares its graduates to make significant contributions for God and humanity in an ever-changing global community. Anderson University-Anderson, IN 1. To recognize and enroll emerging leaders who represent the diversity of our community. 2. To aid in developing a stronger image of the Academy in the Madison County area. 3. To assist area residents through education, to gain a healthy self-perception about our community. 4. To increase the personal involvement of graduates in the life of Madison County. Carson-Newman College-Jefferson City, TN Carson-Newman College offers a Christian, liberal arts education in an environment that encourages open intellectual inquiry and deeper spiritual maturity. Students receive a personalized education in small classes. Caring faculty and staff mentors get to know and nurture each student. We seek to instill Christian Values in our students and inspire them to use

5 unique gifts for a lifetime of service. The historic Baptist distinctives of religious liberty, personal responsibility and compassion for others create a welcoming community that fosters a sense of belonging. The cultural heritage and geographic beauty of the Appalachian region enriches the Carson-Newman experience, and the College contributes to the environmental preservation and economic development of this national treasure. Calvin College-Grand Rapids, Ml Calvin College is a comprehensive liberal arts college in the Reformed tradition of historic Christianity. Through our learning, we seek to be agents of renewal in the academy, church, and society. We pledge fidelity to Jesus Christ, offering our hearts and lives to do God's work in God's world Wheaton College-Wheaton, IL Wheaton's mission statement expresses the stable and enduring identity of the College - our reason for existence and our role in society and the church. All the purposes, goals, and activities of the College are guided by this mission. Wheaton College exists to help build the church and improve society worldwide by promoting the development of whole and effective Christians through excellence in programs of Christian higher education. This mission expresses our commitment to do all things - "For Christ and His Kingdom." Samford University-Birmingham, AL The mission of Samford University is to nurture persons in their development of intellect, creativity, faith, and personhood. As a Christian university, the community fosters academic, career, and ethical competency while encouraging social and civic responsibility, and service to others. Louisiana College-Pineville, LA The mission of Louisiana College is to provide a liberal arts education characterized by academic excellence, a commitment to the preeminence of the Lord Jesus, an allegiance to the authority of the Holy Scriptures, and a passion for changing the world for Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

6 Bennie R. Crockett, Jr. From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Scott Hummel Tuesday, April 21, :08 AM Dr. Eugene Owens; Bennie R. Crockett, Jr.; Grant Guthrie Mission Statement Review Committee Mission Statement Review Committee.docx I have attached the minutes from the mission statement review committee. Please let me know if you think they should be modified. We had decided that we wanted several days to reflect upon our mission statement. Does anyone have further input or feel that we need to reconvene? In His service, Scott Hummel, Ph.D. Vice President for Advancement and Church Relations Professor of Religion William Carey University (w) (c)

7 Mission Statement Review Committee Minutes Meeting April 8, 2009 Members Present: Dr. Scott Hummel, Chair; Dr. Bennie Crockett; Dr. Eugene Owens; Mr. Grant Guthrie Member Absent: Jessica Cofield (Student Representative) Dr. Scott Hummel opened with prayer. We reviewed the mission statements of the following universities: LeTourneau University, Mississippi College, Ouchita Baptist University, Gardner-Webb University, Anderson University, Carson-Newman College, Calvin College, Wheaton College, Samford University, Union University (Jackson, TN), and Louisiana College. We reviewed the key components of WCU's existing mission statement as follows: WCU Mission Statement - Education - liberal arts - professional - Community - Caring, Christian, academic - Individual potential - scholarship, leadership, service - Baptist Heritage / WC - collaborates with,... Dr. Eugene Owens asked if "organizations" could be better stated. In the resulting conversation most felt like it was necessary to describe the breadth of collaboration between WCU and others "to affirm its Baptist heritage and namesake." We also reviewed key components in other mission statements as follows: - School identification - Philosophy of education - integration (faith, learning, living) - holistic - life-long learning - Student Outcomes - values - Christian Character - development - critical thinking - Impact - community, world The consensus expressed was a preference for the brevity and content of our existing mission statement. Dr. Crockett inquired about the process of reporting the information from our committee. He also expressed a desire to have several days to reflect upon the mission statements. He requested and everyone else concurred that I would poll the committee by to see if they had additional input concerning WCU's mission statement.

8 Bennie R. Crockett, Jr. From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Scott Hummel Monday, April 27, :53 PM Dr Daniel Caldwell Bennie R. Crockett, Jr. FW: Mission Statement Review committees pdf; Mission Statement Review Committee.docx Dr. Caldwell, Dr. King asked me to chair a Mission Statement Review Committee. I met with Dr. Owens, Dr. Crockett, and Grant Guthrie. Jessica Cofield is the student representative, but she was not able to attend. We reviewed several mission statements and took time to evaluate our own. The committee decided to retain the mission statement as it is written. I have attached the minutes of the meeting for you to have for SACS. Please let me know if you need anything else. In His service, Scott Hummel, Ph.D. Vice President for Advancement and Church Relations William Carey University From: Bennie R. Crockett, Jr. Sent: Monday, April 27, :27 PM To: Scott Hummel Subject: RE: Mission Statement Review Scott, Committee minutes and action should go to Dan Caldwell who serves as chair of two key functions in this regard: 1) the Institutional Effectiveness, Planning, and Development Committee (see attachment), and 2) the SACS Compliance Certification committee which must incorporate Mission Statement review language and action into the Compliance document for The Principles of Accreditation 2.1 and (httd:// The IEPD Committee reviews the mission statement and the Institutional Plan each summer as part of the IE annual cycle ( document/effectcycie0809.pdf). This review process yields a recommendation to the Board, which (modifies) and acts on the recommendation (htto:// document/instdlan0809.pdf). Thanks again. -Bennie