“We are pleased to be listed among the top schools in our category,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Universities that are achieving their mission especially in these very challenging times deserve this recognition and we are proud to be among them. When a student finds the right college of quality that is an excellent fit in terms of culture, programs and degrees, and overall mission, the future opens in such powerful ways, and for that student, the selected school is the best in the nation. We intend to be such a school for so many.”

The 2010 America’s Best Colleges package provides the most thorough examination of how more than 1,400 accredited four-year schools compare on a set of 15 widely accepted indicators of excellence. Among the many factors weighed in determining the rankings, the key measures of quality are: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and graduation rate performance (National Universities and Liberal Art Colleges).

Over the past 26 years, the U.S. News college rankings, which groups schools based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has grown to be the most comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities. The America’s Best Colleges ranking package, which includes extensive editorial content and multimedia resources, has helped families navigate the difficult decisions involved throughout the college process, from college admission and selection to financing options.

The exclusive rankings, which include more than 1,400 schools nationwide, are available today at www.usnews.com/colleges, will also be published in the September issue of the U.S.News & World Report magazine, on newsstands starting August 20.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

They spent hours planning, filming and editing one-minute infomercials for their product and mingling with other entrepreneurs who had already established their own companies and products.

The 12 business-minded people spent nearly three days immersed in the business world, but, as high school juniors and seniors, they still have plenty of time to come up with their own entrepreneurship dreams. [Editor's note: Click here to view the winning infomercial from the Anderson University 2009 Entrepreneurship Business Camp.]

The students attended AU’s business summer camp put on by the Falls School of Business and Students in Free Enterprise. The camp allowed them to meet Anderson entrepreneurs, tour their facilities and practice making pitches.

The finale event was an infomercial competition in which students pitched No Dirty Talk, an antimicrobial cell phone cleaner created by Elwood company Saf-T-Aid.

“We really like the idea of getting them involved and doing something real,” AU Associate Professor Greg Heberling said. “We don’t just have them write a business plan, we have them start their own business.”

Highland High School junior Kristin Dulaney’s favorite part of the camp was making elevator pitches, in which students took an idea and had a limited amount of time to come up with 60-second or five-minute pitches.

“You have to come up with your own product that you want to try to get investors to invest in,” she said.

Students learned skills in the camp that others wouldn’t be exposed to until they took college-level business and entrepreneurship courses, Dulaney, 16, said.

“I went in not knowing a ton about entrepreneurship,” she said. “I knew I liked business, but I didn’t know a ton about it. I really learned a lot more about business and entrepreneurship and the many things that can be done with that.”

Dulaney plans to double-major in college and expects one of her majors to be business-related.

Saf-T-Aid President Allen Traylor said the students’ infomercials for No Dirty Talk were creative and helpful for his business.

“They were all great, all creative, all with a little different flavor,” he said.

Saf-T-Aid is launching the trademarked No Dirty Talk in markets now.

The camp allowed students to win money with which to buy the right to use equipment for their infomercials, including cameras and backdrops. They came up with their own pitch ideas and did their own filming and editing.

“It helps our students. It ties it to the real world,” said AU Assistant Professor Emmett Dulaney, who is Kristin’s father. “It’s so much easier for them to see what we’re talking about.”

Emmett Dulaney helped organize the camp, which attracted students from all over central Indiana, as far away as Center Grove and New Palestine.

This year was the first for the camp, which has been a priority for SIFE students wanting to promote entrepreneurship in the area for about three years, Heberling said. The camp was funded through a grant, and an entrepreneurship class helped develop the camp and market it to high school students.

Emmett Dulaney said the school hopes to find sponsors for the camp next year.

Camp organizer JinAyla Sexton said students had provided good reviews on their experience.

“They were exhausted, of course, but they were also very excited when they were leaving,” she said.

Students especially learned from their visits to locally owned businesses such as XADS, the Flagship Enterprise Center, White River Paintball and Good’s Chocolate Shop, Kristin Dulaney said.

“You actually get to do and see how somebody took those ideas and put them into action,” she said. “You know that entrepreneurship isn’t just starting some corporate business. You can start any type of business that you want to.”

—Aleasha Sandley is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“We chose Anderson University and the other terrific schools we recommend as our ‘regional best’ colleges primarily for their excellent academic programs,” said Robert Franek, Princeton Review’s Vice President of Publishing. “We also work to have our roster of ‘regional best’ colleges feature a range of institutions by size, selectivity, character and locale. We choose the schools based on institutional data we collect from several hundred schools in each region, our visits to schools over the years, and the opinions of independent and high school-based college advisors whose recommendations we invite. We also take into account what each school’s customers – their students – report to us about their campus experiences at them on our 80-question student survey.”

The 158 colleges The Princeton Review chose for this year’s “Best in the Midwest” designations are located in twelve states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The Princeton Review also designated 218 colleges in the Northeast, 123 in the West, and 141 in the Southeast as best in their locales on the company’s 2010 Best Colleges: Region by Region section on its Web site. The 640 colleges named “regional best(s)” represent only about 25% (one out of four) of the nation’s 2,500 four-year colleges.

The Princeton Review does not rank the colleges in its 2010 Best Colleges Region by Region Web site section. The Princeton Review survey for this project asks students to rate their own schools on several issues — from the accessibility of their professors to quality of the campus food — and answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life.

The Princeton Review is known for its tutoring and classroom test preparation courses, books, and college and graduate school admission services. Its corporate headquarters is in Framingham, MA, and editorial offices are in New York City. It is not affiliated with Princeton University and it is not a magazine.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

INvision AU partners with companies and organizations from government, health care, technology, social services, arts and culture, religious, service providing conglomerates, and other sectors in order to provide opportunities to AU students.

Joshua Cook: Miles Design

Joshua Cook, recent graduate with a degree in Visual Communication Design, is interning at Miles Design, a graphic design firm in Indianapolis. “In the two months I’ve been working here, I have observed an unbelievable amount about visual design and operating a business,” said Cook.

“The most valuable aspect to my internship has been the collaboration with the other designers. It has been such a privilege working beside some of Indianapolis’ finest visual designers. There is a reason that Miles Design consistently puts out excellent work and it’s because they are passionate about visual design and the role it plays in our daily lives. It has been really exciting to be a part of that passion.”

Josh Miles, Principal and Founder of Miles Design, said, “Joshua Cook has been an all around solid performer. We’ve just extended his internship beyond the INvision program to go the rest of this summer.” Cook has accepted a job at Miles Design and will begin working there full time when he finishes his internship in September.

Bryan Smith: Clarian Health

Bryan Smith, an AU senior majoring in Accounting, is interning in the Human Resources department of Clarian Health in Indianapolis. “I have spent weeks compiling and analyzing invoice data from the division’s accounts payable system and am currently researching the best practice to audit the data that we have accumulated,” said Smith. “My next responsibility will be the implementation of a new internal control to make Clarian’s A.P. department operate more efficiently.”

In addition to the practical experience of producing and presenting reports, Smith says that he has learned a lot about how to make a “solid business case” for projects needing executive approval. “I am learning a great deal from the main aspect of my project which is procurement, contract, and vendor management and I hope to learn more in the coming weeks about how to audit and control these functions.”

Josh Novak: Buchanan Counseling Center and Community Hospital

Josh Novak, a Psychology major and rising senior, is completing two internships this summer—one at Buchanan Counseling Center at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and one at Community Hospital in Anderson. “I am learning so much from these internships that will help me in my future,” said Novak.

Novak said that he hopes to learn more about what it looks like to run a counseling center and learn the behind-the-scenes aspects of counseling. “More importantly to my experience, however,” said Novak, “is that I get to sit in with the counselors and their clients in some counseling sessions. I also attend conferences, staff meetings, case studies, and continuing education classes.”

Todd Baden: OneAmerica

Todd Baden, a senior Accounting major, is completing an internship at OneAmerica in Indianapolis. He performs internal audits to improve OneAmerica as a whole. “I help plan audit objectives, but my main responsibilities are to gather the necessary information, analyze the data and then draw the appropriate conclusions and recommendations.”

Baden said that the most valuable aspect of his internship has been the hands on experience. “I don’t make copies or do donut runs. I am treated like a full time employee, which is the best way to learn,” said Todd.

–David Hynds is a freelance writer for Anderson University

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

This July marks Dr. John D. Fozard’s tenth year as president of Mid-America Christian University. Echoing the academic fervor of his parents, John received a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Southern Illinois University. In 1977, he earned his Master of Ministry degree from Anderson University’s School of Theology. Twenty-four years later, he finished a doctoral program in Theological Distance Education at Trinity College & Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana. [Pictured left to right: Philip Kinley, Dr. James Lewis, President Edwards, Dr. John Fozard, Dr. David Sebastian, Julie Kurrle, Norberto Kurrle, and Joy Sherman.]

For twenty-two years, before accepting his role as president, John worked in numerous positions, specializing in areas such as mental health, hospital chaplaincy, and ministry to the aging. Through his leadership roles, he has determined a need for the availability of prepared Christian leaders to face challenges on a global scale.

John’s goals for the future are clearly reflected in MACU’s mission statement: impact the world on every level possible through the tenants of Christian principles. His past accomplishments, in every ascending degree of size, mirror the noble traditions of our own institution. Whether in the church or in the business office, John has made significant contributions around the world.

John is married to Brenda; they have a daughter, Rachel Fozard Bailey, and a son, Jonathan. Their grandchildren are Claire and Garrett.

Norberto and Julie (Beam) Kurrle have been serving in Paraguay ever since they left the School of Theology in 2002. For Norberto, it meant going home; his parents moved to Paraguay as missionaries in 1975 and have never left. For Julie, a Michigan native, it was a new adventure. The young couple packed their Suburban and spent 70 days making their way down south.

Norberto and Julie work with Radio Alternativa, a 24-hour broadcast Christian radio station in Paraguay. They also work in the areas of Christian leadership and children’s ministry and are transitioning from work with Radio Alternativa to a commitment to Christian leadership in the country. They hope to train and disciples Paraguayans to impact their own nation for Christ. They also help the Paraguayans in their community with basic necessities, such as blankets, farm tools, and mosquito netting.

The Kurrles are currently on their second furlough since making their commitment in Paraguay and will be in the United States until August. They are traveling with their 3-year-old son, Timmy.

After earning advanced degrees and forging a career in the business world, James Lewis accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. It changed the direction of his life. He left a job as assistant director of Corporate Internal Auditing to study at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. It was a decision that has greatly benefited the Anderson University School of Theology.

Since coming to Anderson in 1992, James has served both the university and his local congregation, Sherman Street Church of God. In his current position as the seminary’s associate dean, Doctor of Ministry director, and seminary teacher, he experiences daily exciting forms of service to the gifted men and women called to equip themselves for service in the church.

James also has served the wider Church of God through membership on the former Social Concerns Committee, the Reconciliation Task Force, as curriculum writer for Sunday School, and other special assignments. He was recognized by the National Association of the Church of God in 2007 with its coveted Pansy M. Brown Christian Education Award for his committed service in advancing Christian Higher Education.

James is married to Barbara Kaye. God has blessed them with one son, Timothy [now deceased], and two daughters, Andrea Nicole and Kimberli Chantrelle – both of whom earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Anderson University. They also enjoy in their lives two beautiful granddaughters, Ameris Joy and Nya Simone.

—Photo credits: George Abiad.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

For three days and two nights, surrounding area high school juniors and seniors will learn valuable skills to succeed in the business world. Exercises for the young entrepreneurs include constructing business-related Web sites, pitching sales ideas and slogans and meeting with local business owners. Each student will earn money via these tasks, which will be utilized in creating businesses, and will be hosted at Mounds Mall on the final day.

During the event, participants will stay in AU’s dorms, use campus facilities, and eat in the cafeteria while visiting, and being visited by, successful area entrepreneurs.

“We’re hoping to set a precedent,” said Emmett Dulaney, assistant professor of marketing. “We would like to offer it every year.”

Along with Dulaney and Greg Heberling, professor of business and economics, several AU business students and recent graduates will be assisting in the event as team leaders.

“The [student] counselors will gain experience as well,” stated Dulaney. “It will help them realize what skills they have.”

The event, scheduled for July 28-30, requires a registration deposit, teacher’s reference evaluation and a medical release form. The cost of the camp is $525, but the fee will be waived this year for the first 25 students. A $45 deposit is required at the time of the application, but will be returned on the last day of the camp to all who attend. All necessary documents can be found on the camp’s Web site.

—John Tapley is a senior majoring in Mass Communications at Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Courses in the 56-hour program will be offered in the evenings at the Flagship Enterprise Center in Anderson. Students will progress through the program as a cohort group and will be able to finish the program in only 34 months.

Jeffrey Buck, director of MBA programs at Anderson University, said the format of the program is designed for working professionals, “using a schedule structure that is manageable for these individuals, while at the same time maintaining the highest quality standards possible.”

“First and foremost, this program is intent on providing a quality education experience that is delivered in an obtainable fashion. These are two degrees that are in-demand and through this arrangement individuals can earn both degrees with a substantial cost and time savings,” said Buck. “Our changing economy is dictating an increased need for individuals with graduate level education in both disciplines.”

The program will be offered one night a week from about 6-10:30 p.m. During that evening, two courses will be offered — one in technology and one in business.

“The prescribed curriculum and course sequencing are important features of the program,” says Buck. “Individuals in the program will be taking business courses and technology courses at the same time. This contributes to making the program one that is truly integrated and not just two separate programs.”

Faculty from Purdue’s College of Technology in both West Lafayette and Anderson will teach courses in the technology curriculum, and faculty from the Anderson University Falls School of Business will teach the business courses.

The program does not require a thesis, but students will be required to complete a capstone project.

The degree is coordinated as a collaborative effort between the Anderson University Falls School of Business and Purdue’s Center for Professional Studies in Technology and Applied Research. The Purdue center was created earlier this year to coordinate and implement professional programs available through the College of Technology.

Those interested in the program should contact the Falls School of Business at Anderson University at 765-641-4362 or mba@anderson.edu. Students will be required to apply to both Anderson and Purdue universities. Applicants are strongly advised to apply before June 1, but applications will be accepted after that date.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Related Web sites:
Anderson University Falls School of Business: http://www.anderson.edu/mba
Purdue Center for Professional Studies: https://www.tech.purdue.edu/prostar/index.cfm

The Grow Conference featured speakers, ranging from Anderson University Falls School of Business Dean Terry Truitt to Continental Inc. owner Judy Nagengast, and workshops on lean operations and quality control. Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman was the keynote speaker during lunch at the conference.

Skillman said Indiana had continued to make strides toward becoming a leading state for business, even with a souring economy. She cited various studies, including one from the Council on State Taxation that placed Indiana fifth in the nation for friendly business tax policies.

“We do have an advantage over almost all states in the country,” she said, noting Indiana’s dedicated work force and location in the middle of the country. “We all have a role to play in the economic recovery of our state. Indiana will see a complete economic comeback.”

Skillman, who was on hand when the Flagship opened its doors in 2005, mentioned Anderson companies Nestlé, Comfort Motion Technologies and Bright Automotive as being bright spots in the economy.

“In this region, there is … a lot going right,” she said.

Since 2005, 10 business opening or expansion announcements have been made in Madison County with assistance from the state, Skillman said, a $700 million investment.

“More than 600,000 Hoosiers are working for themselves,” she said. “Our economic health will depend on how our small businesses do.

“We need places like (the Flagship) to push those great ideas, those new ideas out into the marketplace.”

State Rep. Scott Reske, D-Pendleton, who attended the conference, said it took a bipartisan effort to get Indiana in a good position to attract new business. Reske, who chairs the Economic Development Committee in the Indiana House, said Indiana’s jump to one of the best places for business happened in 2002, when then-Gov. Frank O’Bannon restructured taxes.

About 60 businesses and 140 people attended the conference, and Flagship CEO Chuck Staley was thrilled with the turnout.

“We had hoped for this many, but I’m not sure we actually expected it,” he said.

Flagship Director DeWayne Landwehr said he wasn’t sure how many businesses would take part in the conference due to the slow economy.

“I was concerned, with the downturn in the economy, we would have trouble getting people to support it,” he said. “My overarching goal is the increase the overall economic health of Madison County.”

Tammy Rimer, owner of Anderson public relations and marketing business Community Networks, said the conference provided her with good networking opportunities.

“The speakers have been beneficial in some way or another,” she said. “Because of the nature of our business, the networking will be beneficial.”

—Aleasha Sandley is a reporter for the Herald Bulletin in Anderson. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“I’m looking, but …,” said 37-year-old Dawn Vetor, of Madison County, her voice trailing off. “I have some prospects, but nothing fluid.”

Angela Shelton, 30, Anderson, a former paraeducator at East Side Middle School, was a little more upbeat.

“I’m optimistic,” said Shelton, her silver braces shined as she flashed a bright grin. “I’m looking for a job.”

Both women, graduating with bachelor’s degrees in organizational leadership, were among the 700 students going through Anderson University’s 91st commencement.

Like Shelton, many graduates were hopeful of their future job prospects, despite not yet having offers.

“I’m trying to be optimistic,” said Jon Weber, 22, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. “It’s rough.”

Weber, who received a degree in marketing, said he’s had five interviews and applied at 15 to 20 companies. But he’s received no offers.

Emily Wasonga seemed nonplused at her job prospects. The 21-year-old native of Kenya earned degrees in international education and communications on Saturday. She said she had no concrete career plans, but emphasized the university’s aim of instilling a sense of Christian service in its students. She said she wants to work in a humanitarian field.

“If it’s a matter of making money,” Wasonga said, “there are a lot of ways to make money.”

Commencement speaker Carl H. Caldwell touched on the unsettling nature of the times.

“To say you graduate in an uncertain time is an understatement,” he said. “If you’re not worried about this, I guarantee your parents are.”

But Caldwell said there’s a lack of certainty at all times — including when he graduated from Anderson University in 1966 during the Cold War.

“Every graduating class has had to face problems,” he said.

Caldwell, the school’s vice president of academic affairs, retired at the end of the school year. He had been with Anderson University since 1996. He earned his master’s degree in history from Ohio University and his doctorate in history from Indiana University.

Next year, Caldwell and his wife, Carolyn, an accounting professor at AU, will move to the Middle East, where they will teach at American University of Iraq in Sulaimani.

But Caldwell’s speech offered a reassuring tone.

“Seeing you before me, I feel very proud of our future,” he said.

For a full gallery of photos, visit The Herald Bulletin site.

—Shawn McGrath is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Photo credits: Don Knight. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Thomas, a Center for Public Service fellow, first gained cross-cultural experience by traveling with Tri-S to London in 2005. Since London, she has participated in five additional Tri-S trips and in May will travel to Australia. [Pictured left with students in Russia.]

“Carrie exemplifies the scholar/leader who is committed to academic excellence, international travel and education, public service, as well as campus and community leadership,” said Joel Shrock, Director of Center for Public Service. “Carrie’s record of accomplishments is beyond impressive, it is dazzling.”

Through each international experience, Thomas learned it was possible to pursue her career outside the traditional American public school system. Along with a strong interest in European culture, Thomas started her international teaching journey at Anderson University by serving on the licensing feasibility committee for adding the English as a New Language Program. She will be receiving a certification in English as a New Language.

“Dr. Nelson encouraged me to think about applying for the Fulbright Scholarship during an international politics class I took in the fall of my junior year,” said Thomas. Thomas started the application process after accepting a position at Dubravushka Boarding School in Obninsk, Russian Federation, as an English Language teacher for students ages 5-17.

Most recently, Thomas was a student teacher in Vienna, Austria, this past semester at the Danube International School. She student taught English A and English as a Second Language, in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for grades 6-10.

“Both Russia and Austria were different opportunities and experiences,” said Thomas. “In Russia, teaching was more difficult because I had few resources and little structure with which to work. In Vienna, I had more support and was paired with a great collaborating teacher as opposed to teaching on my own. I think teaching on my own first was a more backwards approach but one that served as a great opportunity.” [Pictured right in Vienna.]

Thomas’ award is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Her responsibilities will include teaching English as a foreign language at Gymnasium Jura Hronca (Grammar and Secondary High School) in Bratislava, Slovakia. She will also work on conducting some independent research on language teaching and the education system of Slovakia.

Thomas is graduating May 9 with a 4.0 GPA and is a Presidential Scholar, Sigma Tau Delta (English Honors Society) 2007-08 president, Kappa Delti Pi (Education Honors Society) 2007-08 secretary, AU International Education Committee member, AU English as a New Language Committee member and Athletic Committee member. Thomas also started her own Carrie Thomas Youth in Philanthropy Endowed Fund through the Hendricks Community Foundation which provides grants to youth organizations and is a member of AU’s Women’s Golf Team.

She is the only AU English major to have received the Recognition of Excellence for her PRAXIS II English Language, Literature, and Composition exam. This honor is earned by scoring in the top 15 percent of candidates nationwide who took the test in the past five years.

“Carrie is best described as an ambitious academician, intellectually courageous, highly admired by faculty and students, always considerate of the needs of others, and one who works well with people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Dean of the School of Education Diana Ross. “She has been an outstanding student leader at Anderson University.” [Pictured left in Slovakia.]

Thomas’ grant starts in the fall of 2009 and will last 10 months. She plans to start graduate work in the future on comparative and international education along with second language acquisition.

“It is amazing how God places people in your life at the right time and right place,” said Thomas. “ God has blessed me with opportunities like Tri-S, ENL and people like Dr. Nelson, Dr. Shrock, and Dr. Ross who have helped shape and guide my future plans.”

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” With this goal as a starting point, the Fulbright Program has provided almost 300,000 participants—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

- Stefanie Leiter is the Web Content Manager at Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.