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News from Presbyterian-related colleges

194-21 4Agnes Scott College, Decatur, Ga.

Thanks to a $6 million gift from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, Agnes Scott College will transform its historic Campbell Hall from science labs into an innovative living and learning community. The planned renovation will create state-of-the-art academic and instructional facilities on the ground and first floors and suite-style rooms for up to 96 students on the second and third floors.

Alma College, Alma, Mich.

Alma College, with an enrollment of more than 1,400, offers an intensive four-week spring term that provides opportunities for innovative travel classes. During spring term 2012, students observed lizards in Bermuda, performed dance in Taiwan, examined renewable energy in Europe and researched medicinal plants in the Amazon rain forest.

Arcadia University, Glenside, Pa.

Arcadia University is leveraging its leadership position in global education with a new School of Global Business and a focus on entrepreneurship, sustainable enterprises and a growing international MBA program. The school’s vision is to become recognized as a premier provider of global business education driven by strategic thinking through ethical practices

Austin College, Sherman, Texas

In summer 2013, Austin College will complete construction of its IDEA Center (Inquiry, Discovery, Entrepreneurship and Access). Housing the departments of science, mathematics and computer science, the 103,000-square-foot building will include modern laboratories and classrooms, as well as an observatory. The center will be LEED-certified for its green building design, construction and operations.

Barber-Scotia College, Concord, N.C.

The college is nearing the end of its $10 million capital campaign, “Building Together.” The funds raised through this campaign will be used for: (1) campus infrastructure improvements and technology, (2) student scholarships, (3) creation, implementation and strengthening of academic programs, (4) recruitment and retention of qualified faculty, staff and administrators, and (5) general college support.

Belhaven University, Jackson, Miss.

The university, utilizing new research and advances in design, has created a flexible and adaptable center that promotes learning and critical thinking among its students. The Belhaven University Think Center is an active learning space that encourages collaborative thinking, where all students can meet, study, generate ideas and get academic support.

Blackburn College, Carlin, Ill.

Work Program is celebrating its 175th anniversary during 2012. Additionally, Blackburn has introduced a new environmental studies major in conjunction with its ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Bloomfield College, Bloomfield, N.J.

The latest technology being taught is motion capture, in which sensors are placed on the human body and tracked through a computer program which can then be manipulated and moved into a 3-D program for final touches. The blockbuster movie Avatar was one such use of this technology. Bloomfield College now has a motion capture studio, the first of its kind in a Northeastern college.

Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa

First-year and new transfer students at the university will have an opportunity to get a U.S. passport free of charge when they return for their second year. Students must achieve a grade-point average of at least 2.75 their first year and return in the fall to be eligible for the program.

Carroll University, Waukesha, Wis.

Carroll University students, staff and faculty donated 313 pairs of shoes during a one-day collection on April 27. The “Soles for Souls” project was organized and sponsored by the Carroll Athletics Department. The shoes were donated to Hope Center, which provides meals, a day shelter, a children’s library, a clothing shop and other services to families struggling with economic challenges.

Centre College, Danville, Ky.

Centre College hosts the only vice-presidential debate of the 2012 election cycle. Centre also hosted the 2000 vice-presidential debate, and remains the smallest college in the smallest town ever to serve as a host site. Find out more about events surrounding the 2012 vice-presidential debate at Centre — including a debate festival that is free and open to the public — at www.centre.edu/debate.

Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Coe College offers superb academics and exciting social opportunities in a thriving urban setting that allows students to grow and succeed. Established in 1851, Coe has a distinctive history of liberal arts excellence and a nationally recognized reputation for quality. Coe’s metropolitan location provides an abundance of opportunities for students.

College of Idaho, Caldwell, Idaho

The College of Idaho has reinstated its football team, a move that establishes Idaho’s only small-college program. The Coyotes, dormant since 1977, will be football-only members of the Frontier Conference beginning in 2014. Home games will be played at Simplot Stadium near the C of I campus in Caldwell.

Davidson College, Davidson N.C.

The Davidson College Annual Fund has set a new record, attaining 60 percent alumni participation for the 10th year in a row. In reaching this milestone, the college met the Million/Ten/Sixty Challenge and earned an extra $1 million from four current and former trustees.

Davis & Elkins College, Elkins, W.Va.

D&E student representatives spearheaded “Student Voices for Honor,” a student code of conduct that focuses on a positive articulation of beliefs and commitments. The five most frequently mentioned student beliefs are reflected in banners that were displayed during orientation to promote our student body’s commitment to excellence of character.

Dubuque, University of, Dubuque, Iowa

Administrators have long struggled to implement institutional policies that foster student success in a way that is both cost-effective and consistent with the latest research findings. The university will participate in a national study that addresses institutional policies and practices related to issues such as assessment, faculty/staff hiring practices, curricular offerings and student services.

Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Since 2001, students from Eckerd College have been taking an “alternative spring break” to participate in service learning trips all over the world. This year, the Office of Service Learning organized 19 trips that traveled to Iceland, South America and across the United States to help the global community in various ways.

Grove City College, Grove City, Pa.

Grove City College opened the 2012-13 academic year with a new home for Christian activities, Rathburn Hall. The building, adjacent to Harbison Chapel, provides meeting space for campus ministry groups and guests. Set to open next fall is Phase I of a new science, engineering and mathematics facility.

Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden Sydney, Va.

The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation awarded Hampden-Sydney College a $1 million grant to assist in the creation of a fine arts center. The foundation’s commitment, over four years, is a significant lead gift to the college’s efforts to develop its growing fine arts program.

Hanover College, Hanover, Ind.

The college welcomed one of its largest groups of new students — 390. For more than 10 years, Hanover has consistently been ranked among the top private liberal arts colleges in the nation. The Princeton Review named Hanover one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education.

Hastings College, Hastings, Neb.

Tree planting at Hastings College is a tradition with very deep roots. The college’s founders planted an American elm to mark the groundbreaking for McCormick Hall, HC’s first permanent building, on April 25, 1883. Similarly, as the college celebrates the 130th anniversary of its founding, officials will plant a Princeton American elm close to McCormick Hall.

Illinois College, Jacksonville, Ill.

In July, Illinois College faculty members participated in a two-week, on-campus technology seminar funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Part of the training included a two-day course on learning the power of social media and how faculty can share their stories with the world on CNN iReport.

InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, P.R.

The Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico continued success on its 100th birthday. In June the institution had an outstanding participation in New York City when thousands of Puerto Ricans gathered at the Puerto Rican day parade.

Jamestown College, Jamestown, N.D.

Groundbreaking ceremonies at the site of the new McKenna-Thielsch Center were held in May. Named for its lead donor, the 20,500-square-foot, state-of-the art laboratory building for the science and nursing departments will open in fall 2013. The second phase of the project calls for the complete renovation of Orlady Hall, the college’s existing science building.

Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, N.C.

This summer, 79 students in the university’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program interned at institutions around the world. The STEM program prepares students to professionalize skills they will need to successfully enter their fields of study. These programs are funded by the National Science Foundation and give students and faculty the opportunity to conduct research, network and enhance their skills.

King College, Bristol, Tenn.

One of the changes on campus has been the renovation to Maclellan Hall and the new King’s Den. A fresh menu, new paint scheme and a new logo are all part of the changes that are helping to build the student community. The King’s Den has become a high-traffic area where students can eat, study or just hang out.

Knoxville College, Knoxville, Tenn.

The college is committed to providing a quality education without the accumulation of student debt. Through participation in the Work Program and other subsidies, students can graduate debt-free. The Work Program combines classroom with practical work experience in the student’s field of study.

Lafayette College, Easton, Pa.

Lafayette’s fundraising program has earned national honors as the recipient of an award from CASE, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. The college has been recognized with CASE’s Overall Improvement Award for Fundraising, part of CASE’s Circle of Excellence program, which honors exemplary advancement initiatives and activities.

Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Ill.

The college welcomed 418 new students to its campus for the new academic year. They are a diverse group, in line with the college’s commitment to enroll a national and international student body that will deepen and broaden all students’ experiences. Their interests and experiences are as varied as their hometowns and surely will contribute richly to the campus community.

Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, N.C.

Based on student interest, marketplace demand and the generous commitment from Daniel and Dianne May, Lees-McRae College is pleased to offer undergraduate degree programs in nursing and allied health as early as fall 2013, pending accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Lindenwood University, St. Charles , Mo.

Lindenwood University has been granted provisional membership by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) in Division II. Lindenwood remains on track to become a full NCAA member for the 2013-14 school year sponsoring 27 sports. Completing several renovations to its athletics facilities will make Lindenwood’s facilities one of the top venues at the NCAA Division II level.

Lyon College, Batesville, Ark.

Less than two years after Lyon College’s Edwards Commons was destroyed by fire, a new, 44,000-square-feet student center and dining hall bearing the same name was completed in time for the fall term. A ribbon-cutting and dedication of the new center will be held Oct. 19.

Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn.

The Huffington Post listed Macalester as one of the “Top 10 New Ivies” representing the next generation of excellence. Macalester has an international focus but prides itself in the civic engagement of ideas and action towards a more just and responsible world. Mac students thrive in small, discussion-based, academically rigorous classes.

Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, Va.

Mary Baldwin College has signed an agreement to establish an exchange program with National Chengchi University (NCCU) in Taiwan, marking the eighth such study-abroad opportunity for the college and the first opportunity for MBC students to learn Chinese. Mandarin is the official language of Taiwan — an island located about 112 miles off the coast of China.

Maryville College, Maryville, Tenn.

In its goal to continue offering a transformational educational experience for 21st-century students, Maryville College has announced the addition of eight new majors and two new minors to its academic program, beginning in fall 2012. The new majors for the approximately 1,100 students are created in response to expressed interests of MC students and prospective students. Find out more at www.maryvillecollege.edu

Millikin University, Decatur, Ill.

SCORE and Millikin University’s Center for Entrepreneurship present First Step FastTrac, a 12-week course in business ownership that can make your business idea a reality. First Step FastTrac is a practical, hands-on program designed to help entrepreneurs gain knowledge and skills needed to create, manage and grow a successful business. Participants work with certified instructors with real-world business experience.

Missouri Valley College, Marshall, Mo.

Graduate students in the first class in Missouri Valley College’s new Master of Arts in Community Counseling (MACC) program have completed their first year of training and passed qualifying exams, which enables them to begin clinical training in area clinics and hospitals. The college has partnered with more than ten regional health organizations for the practicum.

Monmouth College, Monmouth Ill.

Monmouth College has made concerted efforts to honor its Presbyterian heritage, including establishment of a new Presbyterian Scholarship for first-time freshmen and transfer students interested in connecting their Presbyterian faith to a Monmouth education. President Mauri Ditzler served as Chair of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities in 2011-12.

Montreat College, Montreat, N.C.

Montreat College allied with Johnson C. Smith University for a graduate program in business. JCSU graduates with a GPA of 2.7 or greater are guaranteed admission to Montreat College’s graduate programs in business starting this fall. The Master of Science in Management and Leadership and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs will be available on the JCSU campus.

Muskingum University, New Concord, Ohio

Muskingum University marked its 175th anniversary with a variety of events on campus, including a special exhibition created in a joint effort with faculty and students. The milestone was also marked with a special e-book guide of a walking tour of the campus and a website of the university archives.

Ozarks, College of the, Point Lookout. Mo.

During the past year, tremendous progress has been made toward opening the new School of the Ozarks, a college preparatory laboratory school for grades 9-12. What began as facts and figures is coming to fruition. The renovation of the upper level of the R. M. Good Center is nearing completion, and new classrooms are ready for chairs, desks, books, teachers and students.

Ozarks University of the, Clarksville, Ark.

Dr. Rick Niece has announced plans to retire in June 2013 after 16 years as Ozarks’ 24th president. In October of 2011, Ozarks celebrated completion of its successful $40 million Promise of Excellence campaign that led to several new facilities, including the Rogers Conference Center, Borck Dining Hall, Mabee Fitness Center and Trustee Residential Hall.

William Peace University, Raleigh, N.C.

This year’s enrollment has increased 9 percent from last year and includes 621 students in the traditional day program and 170 students in the School of Professional Studies, which provides accelerated evening, weekend and online courses to nontraditional students and offers a Bachelor of Science in business administration, a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, liberal arts studies and psychology.

University of Pikeville, Pikeville, Ky.

The University of Pikeville celebrated its third straight record enrollment, welcoming nearly 2,000 students, including 373 in the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. A new $40 million instructional facility for the medical school, a modern 400-seat cafeteria overlooking downtown and a $1.5 million athletic facility have opened. Majors in film and media arts and Spanish have also been added.

Presbyterian College, Clinton, S.C.

Presbyterian College’s new president encouraged students to leave their mark in the world during his address at the college’s 133rd opening convocation. In June, Dr. Claude C. Lilly was named the 17th president of Presbyterian College, a Carnegie One Liberal Arts College with a new graduate-level School of Pharmacy.

Queens University of Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C.

The University’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program has been ranked fourth among more than 50 low-residency MFA programs by Poets & Writers Magazine. Students complete much of their work from home, and meet together on campus for a couple of weeks during the year. This format allows Queens to recruit critically acclaimed authors as instructors from across the nation.

Rhodes College, Memphis, Tenn.

Fourteen Rhodes students have been participating this summer in the Rocky Mountain Ecology Maymester program through the Teton Science Schools in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Since 1967, the schools have been teaching about the natural world and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. They received instruction from the Teton Science Schools’  faculty and graduate students.

Rocky Mountain College, Billings, Mont.

This summer The Yellow River Research Center at Rocky Mountain College oversaw a research study of more than 30 young osprey chicks. The study is looking at osprey along the Yellowstone River to see if any have high levels of mercury, which can disrupt reproduction and young birds’ health. Mercury contamination from coal-fired power plants and sewage systems can get into the water.

St. Andrews Presbyterian University, Laurinburg, N.C.

Bagpipes and drums filled the air as the St. Andrews University Class of 2016 processed across the causewalk at the opening convocation. The incoming students come from numerous states and such countries as Scotland, Sweden and South Africa. The ceremony also included the signing of the community honor code by all new students.

Schreiner University Kerrville, Texas

This fall, Schreiner University enrolled a record number of full-time undergraduate students, debuted two honors learning communities and instituted a student-driven, campus-wide recycling initiative, which has already saved more than 200 trees and more than 700 pounds of air pollution.

Sterling College, Sterling, Kan.

Sterling College is celebrating 125 years as a Christ-centered, four-year, liberal arts college located in Sterling, Kan. At Sterling, you will find quality academics integrated with servant leadership, opportunities for internships in your field of interest, and weekly opportunities for spiritual growth through chapel, small groups and missions. Visit

www.sterling.edu/apply.

Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Students come to Stillman College from a variety of backgrounds. Freshman Kayode Small is one. Though born in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, he completed his last two years of high school in Los Angeles. He is the first in his family to go to college.

Trinity Univeristy, San Antonio, Texas

Located in culturally rich San Antonio, Trinity University is a dynamic institution that emphasizes global literacy, hands-on interdisciplinary research and experiential learning opportunities that broaden the educational experience. The first phase of the Center for the Sciences and Innovation has opened as one of the most visionary and far-reaching complexes of science and engineering teaching and research facilities in the nation.

University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Okla.

TU remains among the top 50 private universities in the nation and is Oklahoma’s only top-100 university, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report. This marks the 10th consecutive year that TU has been listed among the top 100 national universities. Last year, TU completed a comprehensive campaign that raised more than $698 million.

Tusculum College, Greenville, Tenn.

Tusculum College’s mission is to provide a liberal arts education in a Judeo-Christian and civic arts environment. The college accomplishes its mission using innovative instructional methods and remains committed to developing in its graduates the skills of reflective judgment to make sound decisions that are based on the common good.

Warren Wilson College, Asheville, N.C.

New leadership abounds at Warren Wilson College with a new president and a new chaplain. President Steve Solnick comes from the Ford Foundation in India, where he led programs in human rights, higher education and sustainable agriculture. The Rev. Dr. Brian Ammons comes from Duke University, where he taught in the practice program in education.

Waynesburg University, Waynesburg, Pa.

The Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership at Waynesburg University, a Presbyterian university located in southwestern Pennsylvania, is committed to creatively transforming the ethical state of the polis and bringing insights from the U.S. Constitution’s founding era and Christianity to bear in the contemporary public square.

Westminster College, Fulton, Mo.

Westminster College officials joined city officials in Mesa, Ariz., in April to sign a memorandum of understanding that would bring the first-ever new campus of Westminster to downtown Mesa in the fall of 2013. The new Westminster campus will be in a 53,000-square-foot facility that was formerly the Mesa City Court building.

Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa.

A Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)-related college founded in 1852, Westminster College ranks first in the nation as “Best College for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math,” according to Forbes.com. Westminster, a top-tier liberal arts college, ranks third in graduation rate performance, according to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges guide. Nearly 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students choose from 42 majors.

Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah

The college has developed a Montessori teacher education program. The program offers authentic Montessori training that emphasizes inclusive education and incorporates a strong arts component. This is the first program in Utah to enable students to earn a Montessori credential through a college and it is the state’s only Montessori track to a Master of Education.

Whitworth University, Spokane, Wash.

Committed to the integration of faith and learning, Whitworth University’s College of Arts & Sciences bears the primary responsibility for providing an education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. Offering over 40 majors and interdisciplinary programs, the college seeks to foster a faithful response to God, cultivate individual character and demonstrate responsible care for the creation.

Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pa.

Wilson is an independent liberal arts college with a proud history of educating women since 1869. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, Wilson today offers women and men bachelor’s degrees in 30 areas and master’s degrees in education and the humanities. The college’s 2011-12 enrollment was 746 and included 21 students from 10 foreign countries.

The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio

This year, The College of Wooster opened its new athletic facility with four courts for basketball, tennis and volleyball; a 200-meter track; a fitness center with circuit training stations, traditional and elliptical running machines, rowing machines and free weights; and a rooftop solar array that generates more than 270,000 kilowatt hours of electricity.


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