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Calvary Welcomes New Dean of Men

Calvary Welcomes New Dean of Men

by | Aug 29, 2019

Dean Josh is excited to pursue growth on Calvary’s Campus

Calvary welcomes the new Dean of Men, Joshua Johnson. Josh grew up in Kearney, MO, and worked as a youth pastor, teacher, and soccer coach, before moving to Israel with his family. In Jerusalem, he served as Dean of Students at Anglican Inter­national School Jerusalem (AISJ).

AISJ drew students from a wide range of religious backgrounds. Johnson noted that for many of them, lying was a habitual practice. One student in particular, he said, would lie about anything. But, by the end of Johnson’s time at AISJ, “He would walk into my office and just say, ‘Mr. Johnson, what do you need to know? Who did this, or who broke the bathroom door, or whatever. And I’ll tell you the truth.’” Johnson explained how exciting this was for him. “He changed. He grew.”

This same idea of growth propels Johnson in his work as Dean of Men. He said, “My goal has always been to see students grow.” Johnson pointed out that multiplication is inherent in the discipleship model. Student Development embraces a vision that students discipled here leave Calvary with the desire to invest in others.

Looking toward his first semester here, Johnson said, “I want students to come in and feel loved; feel that they have a shot.” Calvary is passionate about discipleship and growth, and we are thrilled to have Dean Josh on our team. 

Academic Center Broadening Scope

Academic Center Broadening Scope

by | Aug 21, 2019

The Clark Academic Center is expanding its services to help both faculty and students in achieving excellence.

A cheerful blue room full of books and desks is nestled down a hallway of the Hilda Kroeker Library. The sign reads: “Clark Academic Center,” and the room houses one of Calvary’s greatest tools for academic success. 

President Emeritus James Clark instituted the Clark Academic Center (CAC) in 2002 to aid students in achieving excellence. Since then, the CAC has provided paper reviews, academic support, and tutoring in many fields, including writing, study, and time management skills. 

This year, the CAC is coming under the umbrella of Institutional Effectiveness (IE), and Rose Henness, Director of IE, now heads the center. Collaborating with IE, the CAC plans to broaden its scope of services to become “a hub for academic excellence.”  

In their focus on expanding academic excellence, the CAC utilizes a two-pronged approach: academic excellence for students and a new focus on academic excellence for faculty. 

Academic Excellence for Students

On the student side, the interfacing brings an expansion in the services the CAC’s Academic Coaches provide. Beyond reviewing papers and traditional tutoring, “We want to expand to where [our Academic Coaches] are helping all students to begin to learn good study skills, time management, and how to conduct research,” said Henness. With these aids in place, she said, students develop and prepare better papers. 

Henness also wants the CAC to start offering help on resume development, interviewing skills, and conducting a successful job search. “To me, that’s part of academic excellence,” said Henness, “That’s my vision.” The CAC still offers traditional tutoring for students who desire assistance, but it also focuses on reaching the campus in the multiplicity of other areas where coaching or assistance can benefit the students. 

Academic Excellence for Faculty 

Henness plans to integrate the CAC into faculty development by implementing a series of workshops. These workshops will cover topics such as how to maximize efficiency in the Canvas learning system, utilizing effective assessment processes, and how to capitalize on class organization using syllabus and outcome structure. 

These developments provide a support and resource system for faculty. By providing continual investment into equipping our faculty for excellence, the CAC provides a basis for improvements campus wide. Henness pointed out, “Any time that you work to impact academic excellence, it will improve overall… the whole classroom is going to be more enjoyable.” 

Long Range Effects

Henness is optimistic about the long-term effects of the CAC’s new involvement. Equipping students for success vitalizes morale, strengthens retention rates, and even boosts enrollment. The CAC plays a critical role in Calvary’s academics, creating an atmosphere conducive to studying and learning.

Looking to the future, Henness is excited to work towards building a stronger school academically. As the CAC gears up for the new school year, this hub for academic excellence is ready to put Calvary’s students one step closer to success.

 

Academic Coaches offer a broad array of services to students, including paper reviews, academic coaching, and study assistance.

Coaches are versed in several academic styles, including Turabian, MLA, and APA.

Well-loved mascot, the CAC-tus.

Radio Personality and Theologian Joins Calvary’s Ranks

Radio Personality and Theologian Joins Calvary’s Ranks

by | Aug 20, 2019

After 25 years in radio broadcasting, Dr. Tracy Haney is bringing his radio and business expertise to teach at Calvary.

Calvary welcomes Dr. Tracy Haney as Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Senior Program Producer. In his role at CU, he will teach business courses and partner with the marketing department, utilizing his expertise in radio and podcasting.

Haney discovered his talent for radio many years ago while working for Calvary’s radio station, KJLC. He graduated from CU with a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies and Radio Broadcasting. Moving on to work for Moody Radio, he recalled a life-changing experience interviewing people off the streets of Chicago. “We went out at 6 or 7 at night,” Haney said, “and I didn’t return until four in the morning. This was a world I knew nothing about.”

He interviewed people leaving bars in the middle of the night, asking them what they thought of the church, and was struck by the negative responses of individuals who “grew up in Awana” and now wanted nothing to do with the church. Haney felt a deep conviction that, “We’re just playing church. We’ve got to get out of here and tell people about Christ.”

Since then, his passion for teaching God’s word has “morphed into a desire to use Business Administration as a means of penetrating a secular society with the Gospel.” He funneled this passion into 25 years of radio broadcasting, and now brings the same eagerness to his work at CU.

Looking toward his future with CU, Haney is especially excited for the future of ministry-oriented business on campus. “The Lord has used my experience in broadcasting to fuse and mesh a different perspective. I’m hoping to help shape minds and hope to inspire the students to use their training.” He pointed out that, since everyone works, the workplace harbors a golden opportunity to make an impact. “That’s what I’m excited about… there is such a need to teach people how to apply their faith in the marketplace. I want to be the person who gives students that vision.”

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Calvary Innovates Scheduling with Block Courses

Calvary Innovates Scheduling with Block Courses

by | Aug 19, 2019

Calvary is implementing a new course structure to meet higher education’s demands.

As culture and society shift, the world of higher education shifts with it. Beginning this semester, Calvary implements a newly designed course schedule, matching modern changes in education trends. Instead of the traditional class structure of three weekly meetings, courses will meet once a week for a three-hour block of time.

Universities nationwide use this method, called block courses. Calvary University’s Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Teddy Bitner, pointed out that market research has revealed new demands in higher education. Students look for reduced time, reduced cost, and flexibility in their academic programs. Implementing block courses enables Calvary to meet these needs across several planes.

Concentrated class time helps students focus more on a topic and increases information retention. It also simplifies student schedules, giving them more flexibility for homework and work. One of the greatest benefits for working students is the ability to take classes in blocks concentrated to fewer days of the week, freeing up more full days for on- or off-campus jobs. Dr. Bitner expects that, based on the transition, “We will be more competitive and more able to meet the market demands.”

Addressing concerns about fewer contacts hours, Bitner pointed out that, “We’ve been doing this since 1995 with our intensives.” The block course format has been tested and proved effectual on Calvary’s campuses through these intensive courses. Far from reducing student learning, Bitner said, “The studies I looked at indicated that the retention levels in block classes and eight-week courses are higher than for regular classes because time is shorter and [students] are forced to concentrate harder.”

The new block courses integrate into a faculty-wide shift Bitner described as, “moving away from delivering content to achieving outcomes.” Block courses accommodate using innovative progress assessments to better track student growth, as well as looking for more interactive class structure. Some faculty are considering implementing a flipped course structure, where lectures are recorded ahead of time and in-class time is spent on more interactive and hands-on activities. Overall, the focus is on creating the most effective environment for student learning. Bitner emphasized, “We’re looking at what competencies are these students demonstrating at the end of the courses.”

Bitner anticipates the greater flexibility will bring “innovation among faculty and students as regards to how we retain information and what is really important to know at a university level.” He sees block courses as a medium for prioritizing and refining goals campus wide. “It forces us to focus on what is important,” and in doing so, challenge students to higher levels of critical thinking, information retention, and overall academic achievement.

Interdisciplinary Degree Ranked #4 Most Affordable

Interdisciplinary Degree Ranked #4 Most Affordable

by | Aug 19, 2019

Warrior’s Choice Degree recognized for affordable online degree.

Calvary’s University’s  Warrior’s Choice Degree has been recognized as the #4 most affordable online Bachelor’s in Religious Studies.

“If you know a career serving in Christian leadership OR in a religious cultural setting is the right path for you, this ranking detailing cheap online Bachelor’s degrees in religious studies and theology will be a good place to start. Furthermore, pursuing the degree online will help you continue to serve your local church/non-profit organization all while balancing your home and school life. No matter what program you choose, an affordable online religious studies theology degree will provide you with a fundamental cultural literacy framed by a biblical or religious worldview. The skills you gain will help you obtain careers in clergy, business, education, social service, or missions (to name a few).”

Calvary strives to provide an affordable education with excellence, and we are grateful to Great Value Colleges for the recognition. To God be the glory!