During his year-long residency at AU, Langat will teach three classes: African Religion and Culture, History of Missions and Biblical Theology of Poverty. In addition to teaching, he will offer two public lectures: “Understanding Leadership in a Culture Not Our Own” and “Theology of the Poor.”

With one semester already under his belt at AU, Langat is enthusiastic about interacting with students. “I ask them to compare African and American culture and then ask them what they learned,” he said.

He hopes that his classes will illuminate new perspectives about the role of missions for seminary students. “I hope that the History of Missions class will help students know how to do it better. They don’t want to make mistakes that have already been made. Historically, many have condemned culture without considering what is Christian and what is cultural,” Langat said. “There is a new way to do missions work: Partnership. Missionaries must understand the culture they are in.”

Many students are anticipating Dr. Langat’s class, Biblical Theology of Poverty. According to Dr. Langat, the course will explore the relationship between God, people and property from a biblical standpoint. “All material things were created by God. However, God did not want people to be poor. The idea of property was created by people. However, there is a distinction between theology of poverty and the prosperity gospel.”

Dr. Langat came to AU through a relationship with a former SOT student who visited Kenya and stayed at their house for several weeks. Through this relationship Dr. Langat became connected to AU. “I got invited by Dr. Sebastian to be a professor in residence,” he explained. “I am happy to be here. My colleagues are well informed. During our discussions we share our experiences and share our culture as we sit around the table.”

—David Hynds is the Web Content Specialist 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.

Ben is a student in the Residential MBA program at Anderson University. For his internship with the RMBA program, Ben works as a quality consultant at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis.

As a future physician, Ben says the networking opportunities his internship provides are invaluable. “I meet monthly with the Riley Medical Care Committee, which consists of all of the lead doctors, the president and all of the VPs.” He says his regular interaction with the hospital’s leadership will be extremely valuable as he pursues his education at the IU School of Medicine, a partner of Clarian Health.

In addition to networking, Ben’s internship has also provided him greater understanding of how a hospital functions. He says, “It’s interesting to see how many employees are standing behind a doctor’s order.” His primary responsibility is auditing medical reconciliation forms, which document patients’ medications in order to provide accountability to physicians who write prescriptions. He says the work helped him realize how much support and backup that physicians have.

Ben will also be working to streamline the system by which prescriptions are filled by the pharmacy. “I will evaluate the process to decide what is the ideal process. I’ll break it down step by step, and leave only the value-added steps.”

Being able to observe the hospital management has given Ben a picture of many of the issues that he is learning about in the RMBA program. “In my organizational behavior class we have been learning about relationships: both manager-to-manager and manager-to-employee.” He says that there is a strong correlation between the material he is learning in the MBA program and the experiences he observes at the hospital.

—David Hynds is the Web Content Specialist 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.

Approximately 40 colleges in each of the six geographical regions in the U.S. were selected as meeting four key criteria that make a college truly exceptional: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities, and successful outcomes. These are the “hidden gems” of higher education institutions - as determined by a review board of academicians, guidance counselors, and parents.

“We are truly honored to have received the designation of ‘College of Distinction’ by Students Horizons,” said Dr. Michael Collette, vice president for Enrollment Management and Information Systems. “We believe that this distinction will provide a level of pride for our students and their families for this recognition, and confidence that we have been acknowledged by our peers for having high quality faculty, uncommonly good teaching, nationally recognized programs, and very engaged students.”

Anderson University was required to go through an application process to be considered, be nationally recognized by education professionals, employ outstanding teachers that provide innovative learning experiences, have an active campus and community that allows for personal development, and be highly valued by employers for its outstanding preparation. Colleges of Distinction also recognized an impressive nine other colleges in the state including: Goshen College, Butler University, Manchester College, St. Joseph’s College, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Saint Mary’s College, Taylor University, University of Evansville, and University of Southern Indiana.

College seekers can also visit the Colleges of Distinction website to learn more about featured schools, including Anderson University. Furthermore, visitors can read tips from high school guidance counselors and essays from college students, presidents, and other members of different campus communities.

Student Horizons, Inc. is a digital services company devoted to higher education. Founded in 2002 by concerned parents and admissions professionals, their mission is to enable students to find colleges and universities that appeal to and complement their unique personalities and aspirations. Student Horizons, Inc. is located in Bethesda, MD.

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.

The total $200,000 will be used to upgrade the School of Theology building. The list of improvements includes new windows and refinished pews in Miller chapel, new glass panel doors to the entrances of the building, a refinished and repainted steeple, and a new roof.

For the seminary, the relationship with the Yorks has been transforming, says David Sebastian, dean of the School of Theology. Elizabeth’s parents, Harry L. and Henrietta Harp, were longtime Church of God ministers. For years, Harry and Henrietta’s family have supported the Harp Lecture Series. James and Elizabeth have also given in other tremendous ways, such as establishing a scholarship for non-Church of God students and financing the York Seminary Village. For the second year in row, the Yorks have sponsored a visiting professor. This year it is Dr. Robert Lang’at from Kenya. He is teaching in the field of missiology, offering evening classes in African religions, the history of missions, and the biblical theology of poverty. He is also teaching a class in the Doctor of Ministry program on leadership in different contexts.

“We feel that being on the campus is one of our best recruiting tools,” says Sebastian. “When we get prospective students into the classroom and with faculty and students, that’s always a positive experience.” But sometimes the appearance of the building leaves something to be desired. Incoming donations matched by the Yorks would relieve this problem.

Anyone interested in having their gift matched can contact Deborah Lilly.

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.

“Carl has been a wonderful colleague in our work together,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “He has cared deeply for our faculty and our students and has demonstrated a love for learning that is inspiring. We hope he will continue to invest his talents in this university even has he pursues other interests in his retirement years.”

A 1966 graduate of Anderson University, Caldwell is the fifth chief academic officer in Anderson University’s 91-year history. Caldwell’s responsibilities have focused on the development of Anderson University programs, faculty and strategic planning. Before coming to Anderson University, Caldwell served as vice president for administration, vice president for academic affairs, and dean of the college at Franklin College in Franklin, Ind.

“When I graduated from Anderson University in 1966, I could never have imagined the pathway that would lead me back to Anderson in 1996,” said Dr. Carl Caldwell. “It has been a dream come true to be invited by President Edwards to serve the cause of Christian higher education in the context of an institution whose leaders and faculty have aspired from the beginning to educate for the purpose of service. While I am looking forward to a different time in my life, I will forever value the friendships that I have forged with colleagues and students at Anderson University.”

Caldwell received a master of arts in history from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and a doctorate in history from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. He has completed individual research and study seminars at Oxford University in England, as well as in Israel, Syria, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen Arab Republic.

In addition to having held several teaching assignments, Caldwell has also lectured on Middle East history, political structures and policies. His administrative positions have included associate dean for academic affairs at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., and dean for academic affairs at Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Va.

In November of 2002, Caldwell received the national Chief Academic Officers Award from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). The award, delivered at the Institute for Chief Academic Officers, is annually presented to an individual who advances academic excellence at private colleges and universities. It is one of the Council’s highest honors for exemplary academic leadership. He has been a member of the Chief Academic Officers (CAO) Task Force, a frequent speaker at CIC’s Institute for Chief Academic Officers, and a mentor to new CAOs.

Caldwell’s wife, Carolyn Falls Caldwell, is a 1964 graduate of Anderson University and teaches accounting as an adjunct member of the Falls School of Business. She will conclude her service at the end of the 2008-09 academic year as well. The Caldwells have two sons and four grandchildren. Following retirement, Dr. Caldwell plans to pursue various writing projects and higher education consulting assignments.

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.

“We look forward to the accreditation review and the affirmation of the quality of our programs along with suggestions for improvement,” said Dr. Diana Ross, dean of the School of Education at Anderson University.  “We are proud of the Teacher Preparation Programs offered at Anderson University and believe that the institutional report will build a strong case for continuing accreditation.”

The visit includes social studies, English, and foreign language, science, mathematics, music, art, physical education, elementary education, special education, and English as a New language undergraduate programs. The graduate programs in transition to teaching, music education, curriculum and instruction and school administration will also be reviewed.

All persons involved in these areas have been working diligently to ensure that the teacher education program and the report presented will meet NCATE and IDOE standards.  During the accreditation visit, guests will be meeting with various campus organizations and individuals and on Monday, October 6, the evaluators will be visiting areas schools.  Final decisions about continuing accreditation will be received in the spring of 2009.

The university was granted NCATE accreditation and accreditation from the State of Indiana in 2000 and it is fully expected that continual accreditation will be awarded following this visit.

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.

Dr. Kaiser received his A.B. from Wheaton College and a B.D. from Wheaton Graduate School. He has earned both a M.A. and a Ph.D. in Mediterranean studies from Brandeis University. A recipient of the Danforth Teacher Study Grant, Dr. Kaiser is a member of the Wheaton College Scholastic Honor Society.
Prior to coming to Gordon-Conwell, Dr. Kaiser taught Bible and archaeology at Wheaton College, Wheaton Illinois and taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in several capacities. In addition to teaching in the Old Testament department, he was senior vice president of education, academic dean, and senior vice president of distance learning and ministries. Dr. Kaiser currently serves on the boards of several Christian organizations.

Dr. Kaiser has contributed to such publications as Journal for the Study of Old Testament, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Christianity Today, Westminster Theological Journal, and Evangelical Quarterly. He has also written numerous books some of which are: Toward an Old Testament Theology; Ecclesiastes: Total Life; Toward an Exegetical Theology: Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching; Hard Sayings of the Old Testament; Communicator’s Commentary: Micah to Malachi; Leviticus in The New Interpreter’s Bible; Exodus in the Expositor’s Bible Commentary; The Messiah in the Old Testament; A History of Israel; and co-authored An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics: The Search for Meaning.

Dr. and Mrs. Arlo and Helen Newell created the Newell Lectureship in 1981 for the purpose of bringing a significant specialist in the field of biblical studies to Anderson University and the School of Theology on an annual basis. This lectureship is coordinated by the Center for Christian Leadership, with recommendation of speakers coming from the Bible faculty of the School of Theology. For more information on the 2007 Newell Lectureship contact David Neidert at 765-641-4526. Information about the lecture can also be reviewed at www.anderson.edu/ccl/newell.html.

Although precise numbers are not available until the third full week of classes (week of September 22), the university is projecting an increase of 12-15 percent for first-time freshman over last year.  Within this year’s enrollment are approximately 600 new undergraduate students and a total undergraduate population of roughly 1,850 students.  The AU undergraduate student population includes persons from more than 30 international countries and 47 states.

“New students bring such promise and energy to the campus each year,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University.  “We are breaking trends in our region to show a strong growth in new student enrollment.  We are prepared for all they will bring to this good place.”

“Several contributing factors can be cited for the current enrollment level,” said Dr. Michael Collette, vice-president for Enrollment Management and Information Systems. “Anderson University has a number of distinctive programs in business, education, communication, art, music and ministry.  The school also supports several efforts to provide internships and experiential opportunities for students leading to employment; as well as a longstanding effort to remain affordable despite a national economic downturn.”

Approximately 80 percent of new undergraduate students at Anderson University come from Indiana and contiguous states and represent nearly 60 religious denominations.  The average high school grade point average of new undergraduate AU students is 3.4 with 30 percent falling in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class.  The top five individual majors among new AU undergraduate students are Education, Business, Music, Communication and Nursing.

Students matriculating to Anderson University have indicated that the top five most important factors influencing their college choice were career preparation, job placement services, spiritual atmosphere, quality of faculty and the availability of scholarship and grants.

Graduate divisions of the university are also projecting strong enrollments for the academic year.  In addition, the School of Adult Learning at Anderson University will unveil a new online degree program this academic year and will be developing plans to expand their programming for all adult students during the next two years.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 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.

To rank schools, US News first organizes colleges and universities by category, and then ranks them within each group. Rankings are based on a wide range of criteria, including academic reputation, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, and financial resources to name a few.

“While the best college for a given student will always be measured by personal fit, we are truly honored to be listed among the best in our region,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University.  “These surveys give our students and their parents the confidence that we are highly regarded and worth considering as they make their important choices for the investment of their college years.  We consider this highly regarded listing a tribute to our faculty and staff who are deeply committed to excellence and to student success.”

“We are pleased to be recognized as one of the best colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News and our peer institutions,” said Dr. Michael Collette, vice-president for Enrollment Management and Information Systems. “We are blessed with a strong faculty and we are encouraged by the financial resources provided by donors as well as the continued acknowledgment of our academic strength at an affordable value.”

The US News rankings will appear on the magazine’s web site on Friday, August 22. College-bound students can use the site to search for colleges according to their own interests, fill out interactive worksheets and search for scholarship and financial aid information. Excerpts of the college rankings will be published in the September 1 edition (on newsstands August 25) of the weekly news magazine. The full rankings will be published in the annual America’s Best Colleges guidebook, also available in libraries and bookstores on August 26.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 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 technology makes it easy for anyone to keep track of what’s going on at AU according what interests them most,” said David Hynds, Web Content Specialist.

“Current students can get updates from the calendar about events on campus, alumni can get alumni-related news, parents of athletes can follow stories for their child’s sport, and current and prospective students can track stories related to their area of study. The possibilities are endless.”

RSS feeds function similar to an online, constantly-updated newspaper. Users subscribe to various AU news categories through feed readers like Bloglines or Google Reader. When fresh news stories are created, they are automatically published to the RSS feeds, allowing users to see stories instantaneously.

Visit the RSS Feeds page and click the link to subscribe a feed.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 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.