Program Overview

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 A Fresh Vision for Distinctively Bible-Centered Education
Presenter: Philip Dearborn, President – Association for Biblical Higher Education (FL)
Overview: With this generation’s precipitous drop in Bible knowledge and application, NOW is the time for us to re-visit and renew our engagement in effective biblical higher education. What does it mean for all of our educational programs to be Bible-based and Christ-centered? Is the declaration and spread of the gospel still a passion in the heart of God . . . and in our institutions? Consider some provocative questions including:

• Revisiting the heart of biblical higher education – Who are we?
• Capturing the passion of God for all to know Him – Is Christ & the gospel center?
• Weaving God’s Word through the entire curriculum – How can we do this?
• Fanning the Flame of God’s presence – Is there power present for transformation?

 Effective Financial Management of Academic Programs
Presenter: Evan Posey, VP for Academic Affairs – Luther Rice Seminary (GA)
Overview: During times of tumult, effective financial management is both tested and vital. Timely information informing prudent decisions is essential. Budgets must be nimble and more accurate than ever. Think through this process with a distinguished dean with expertise in this important arena of leadership, including:

• Confirming the key financial data points to track – strategic information
• Establishing protocols for timely budget adjustments – management systems
• Prioritizing decisions for responsible impact – knowing implications
• Communicating with leadership and faculty – building trust

Setting & Achieving Superior Academic Standards – Quality Assurance
Presenter: Jim Lanpher, Provost – Columbia International University (SC)
Overview: What is the educational promise of your institution? And how well do you consistently deliver on that promise? Quality assurance – perhaps this is at the heart of the CAO’s responsibility. Hear the thoughtful insights from a distinguished provost of how this vital process is assessed and managed, including:

• Knowing the CAO’s interface with accreditation standards and ongoing quality assurance
• Establishing systems to assure consistent delivery of education programs with excellence
• Cultivating faculty ownership and engagement of the quality assurance process
• Giving effective oversight and transparent reporting of results

 Taking Online Education from Exigency to Excellence
Presenter: Eric Brandt, Director of Digital Learning – Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School (PA)
Overview: There has never been such a massive, overnight move to online education across ABHE. However, moving to online delivery under duress is not the same as designing and delivering high quality online education. So how do we re-assess the quality of our online courses and bring them up to par? Consider keen insights from an expert online educator, including:

• Knowing the distinctives of high-quality online education – from the inside out
• Designing courses specifically for the online educational experience
• Assessing online courses for learning outcomes effectiveness & quality
• Training faculty to become online educators – facing the challenge

Integrating Assessment into the Institutional Planning Process
Presenter: Michael Jackson, VP for Academic Affairs – Heritage Christian University (AL)
Overview: For your institution, is assessment an integrated process with institutional planning . . . or a project completed and put on a shelf? How do mature institutions structure the assessment process so that insights and data naturally flow into the comprehensive planning process – providing strategic intelligence that is actionable? Consider insights from a veteran academic officer who makes this integration work for his institution, including:

• Understanding the appropriate deliverables from assessment – outcomes
• Weaving assessment outcomes into the information base for planning – blueprint
• Completing the loop from assessment to planning to execution to assessment – system
• Tweaking the system for most important insights and impact – refinement

 Creating an Exemplary Faculty Handbook
Presenter: Greg Linton, Vice Provost for Academic Services – Johnson University (TN)
Overview: A bedrock document for every faculty is the Faculty Handbook. Not an archived historical relic, but a living reference work that guides the daily life of the academic community with structure, intention and accountability. What is the blueprint for an exemplary Faculty Handbook? Consider these insights from a distinguished dean:

• Understanding the purpose and parameters of the document – perspectives
• Reviewing the typical structure and outline – overview
• Achieving accreditation requirements – accountability
• Reviewing for comprehensive coverage – what’s missing

 Executive Team Synergy – A Dynamic Partnership
Presenter: Lisa Beatty, VP for Academic Affairs – Emmaus Bible College (IA)
Overview: Highly effective academic leaders are quintessential bridge builders – creating effective relationships with the president and executive team as well as the faculty. What does synergy with the executive team look like . . . and how is this cultivated and maintained? Consider wise counsel from a distinguished academic leader including:

• Understanding the complimentary roles – finding the right balance and relationships
• Building trust and respect – twin pillars of synergy
• Sustaining vital communications – no surprises or secrets
• Repairing damage from unavoidable mistakes – we’re human

 Innovation in Christian Higher Education – What You Should Know
Presenter: Joshua Fischer, CEO – InterLearn (OK)
Overview: What are some of the newest ideas and initiatives that are emerging from this post-pandemic world for higher education? What creativity has been sparked? Who are the innovators? Consider these stories and ideas from the front lines:

• Innovative delivery models and modalities
• Emerging patterns and partnerships
• Risks & rewards for the brave at heart
• Managing quality during turbulence

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