Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2026, Andrews University Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:40:00 +0000 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:40:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Student and Faculty Member Lead Trauma Training http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69345 <p> Andrews University’s International Center for Trauma Education & Care, which is run by the University’s School of Social Work, extends its trauma training and education services to professionals, churches, communities and families across the globe. Most recently, an Andrews professor and student delivered an in-person training, titled Project RENEW, to 77 Adventist pastors and teachers on the border of Thailand and Myanmar from March 15–18.</p> <p> Julia O’Carey, Master of Social Work student, was a part of the team who provided the trauma awareness training. O’Carey, who graduated from Andrews in 1997 and 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in education, respectively, started her social work career after deciding to pivot toward focusing on clinical counseling for children and adolescents. Through personal experience living in Thailand for nearly 10 years, as well as her work with ASAP Ministries in Berrien Springs, O’Carey recognized that many of the teachers and pastors in the area could benefit from the center’s programs.</p> <p> “I grew up in Thailand and my parents worked in refugee camps,” she explains. “So I observed a lot of trauma and when I came back to the U.S. in high school, my heart was still with the people there.”</p> <p> O’Carey, with help from Ingrid Slikkers, executive director of the International Center for Trauma Education & Care, and Charity Garcia, director of K–12 initiatives for the center and associate professor of curriculum and instruction in the School of Education, was able to launch a pilot program centered on bringing culturally sensitive care to those living near the Thailand-Myanmar border. To prepare for the training, O’Carey designed and developed workbooks and other materials before field testing them in Thailand during December 2025.</p> <p> “I was able to really encourage one of the teachers and spend some quality time with her,” O’Carey shares of her field-testing experience. “I wish I could have done much more because there’s so much need there.”</p> <p> Many in the region have been affected by the Myanmar civil war that has been ongoing since 1948, occasionally spilling over into Thailand and other nations. This led to participants attending the training from a variety of countries, including Myanmar, some having to travel several days to the event location.</p> <p> “The basic approach was to help them understand what the impact of trauma is on their brains and their bodies, and what can be done about it,” says Garcia, who accompanied O’Carey in Thailand. “We did that by doing an activity called the ‘Brain Architecture’ game with them, where they literally used pipe cleaners and straws to build a brain and see the impact of positive, toxic and tolerable stress on brain development.”</p> <p> They also led attendees through activities focused on nature and spirituality that helped develop and inform both “trauma awareness and trauma responsiveness,” as Garcia puts it. The Stevens Foundation contributed the majority of the funds needed for the services, which included materials for the entire program as well as Week of Prayer resources for participants to use moving forward.</p> <p> The curriculum included what O’Carey described as “culturally appropriate” and Bible-based materials for understanding trauma, its impacts specific to cultural context, and responses. The instructors discussed the types of traumas participants faced as they performed their ministries in the church and in the classroom. Special prayer sessions were also integral to the program.</p> <p> The International Center for Trauma Education & Care team hopes this pilot program can be developed further and provide even more robust training and care for those in other war-torn countries and developing nations.</p> <p> “It was, honestly, one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, because to have this dream and then see how God opened the doors and how supportive the International Center for Trauma Education & Care was to do this, was a mighty blessing,” says O’Carey. “I really hope to stay involved with the center. I’d be happy to help facilitate more trainings and adapt this curriculum or empower other interns to do it.”</p> Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:10:17 +0000 Alumnus Pays Homage to Late Andrews Professor http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69344 <p> Violinist Mailyn Iribar Corpas, an alumnus of the Andrews University Department of Music, recently received the first prize Nerenberg Award and Farwell Trust Award in the Senior Instrumental Division from the Musicians Club of Women and won the inaugural Ruthmere Solo Strings Competition. For her senior violin recital, she also performed an original violin sonata composed by late Andrews Professor Blythe Owen—the first time the piece had been played in over two decades.</p> <p> Iribar Corpas began her bachelor’s degree in music performance in the fall of 2022 and completed her studies in spring 2026. Leaving her native Cuba to come to Berrien Springs, she quickly established herself as a talented performer and pupil. She shares that the collaboration and support she received from department faculty helped her grow academically and as a performer.</p> <p> “I’m so grateful for everything that I learned and the support that I got from all the professors.” Iribar Corpas says. “I got opportunities to play with the orchestra three times while being at Andrews and that was a highlight for me because you don’t get to play a lot with the orchestra during your bachelor’s.”</p> <p> These skills encouraged Iribar Corpas to participate in the Musicians Club of Women Instrumental Competition on March 7 in Chicago, Illinois, as well as apply for the Ruthmere Museum’s string competition during her senior year.</p> <p> “I actually applied to the Ruthmere competition without having any expectations,” she says. “You do this kind of stuff to try to put yourself out there and try to push yourself to grow. … It helped and I’m so grateful.” After winning the Ruthmere competition, she was invited to give a solo concert performance on April 23 at the museum.</p> <p> Along with these important competitions, Iribar Corpas faced a busy final semester, balancing a full class load, research assignment and several performances. On April 10, she presented her senior recital, titled “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WomWkps85w">Reflections</a>.” During the concert, she played works by composers Richard Strauss, Paul Schoenfield, Jessie Montgomery, Amy Beach and more. The evening also featured the first movement of Blythe Owen’s violin sonata, which Iribar Corpas helped research.</p> <p> In her work on Owen’s sonata, Iribar Corpas worked with Marianne Kordas, associate professor and director of the Music Materials Center, who has been studying the composer’s letters and documents for the past decade. Owen taught, composed and performed throughout the last half of the 20th century, leaving an indelible mark on the Andrews University Department of Music and its students. The sonata was only recently rediscovered and had not been played since the composer’s death in 2000.</p> <p> Kordas’ research pointed to Owen’s inspirational character, and she shares, “I appreciate that realistic perspective of somebody who’s just trying to do their life in the best way they can and also trying to be a good teacher and be a good artist.”</p> <p> Two annual scholarships have been established in Owen’s memory. These help students like Iribar Corpas—whose enrollment largely relied on scholarships—giving them the opportunity to attend Andrews University and make similar impacts through their music.</p> <p> Building on her undergraduate experiences at Andrews, Iribar Corpas plans to continue pursuing music academically and professionally by joining DePaul University’s graduate music program. She later hopes to pursue orchestral and solo performance and competition opportunities.</p> <p> To learn more about the Andrews University Department of Music please visit its <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/cas/music/index.html">web page</a>. </p> Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:56:47 +0000 Students and Faculty Win Awards at MBAA Conference http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69341 <p> Graduate students and faculty in the Andrews University School of Business Administration (SBA) won five awards and presented 17 papers at the Midwest Business Administration Association (MBAA) International Conference, held annually in Chicago. The MBAA International Conference is a multidisciplinary academic gathering, bringing together more than 6,000 academics and professionals, with the goal of sharing research, teaching and creating networking opportunities.</p> <p> Edna Kim and Frank Gondwe, Andrews MBA students, were awarded in the Best Conference Research Paper category. Jerry Chi, professor of management and SBA graduate program director, also won two awards for Best Student Management. He explains that there were “hundreds or thousands of submissions … These awards are heavily restricted, sometimes granted to fewer than .25% of all accepted papers. Winning an award provides global visibility for the author's institution and research findings.”</p> <p> Gondwe, whose paper was titled “The Relationship Between Faith-Based Resilience and Academic Persistence Among Graduate Business Students,” shares, “I chose this topic because I have personally experienced how faith sustains perseverance. As an international student in Malawi, I dreamed of studying at a Christian university like Andrews. Despite financial challenges and not being able to obtain a student visa, I did not give up. I continued to trust God, and He opened a way for me to study remotely. That journey of faith inspired my research on resilience and academic persistence.”</p> <p> Gondwe also won a Distinguished Research Poster Award for a project titled “Global GDP Growth, Economic Development, and Regional Disparities: A Three-Way Multivariate Analysis.” In his poster, he analyzed 113 countries over five years. He discovered “geographic continent” is the strongest predictor of GDP growth, a finding that challenges universal development models while supporting region-specific economic policies.</p> <p> Kim’s paper was titled “Impact of Economic Size and Pandemic Period on Economic Performance: A 3×2 Factorial Design Across Five Years.” She notes, “This study looked at how a country’s economic size affected its performance before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic over five years. The key finding was simple: larger economies didn’t just handle the crisis better; they pulled further ahead over time … For policymakers, this research means that one-size-fits-all crisis responses don’t work. Understanding how size shapes recovery can help leaders design smarter, more targeted support for economies of different sizes during any future global crisis.”</p> <p> Kim, who also serves as program operations and student success coordinator in the School of Nursing, reflects, “I am the only one in my immediate family who holds any type of degree in higher education. Winning this award feels like validation for every late night, every moment of doubt, and every time I had to choose between work, school, family and rest … This award isn’t just mine. It belongs to everyone who carried me here.” She shares, “I’m also grateful for Andrews University for creating space for students like me, working, parenting, trying to balance it all and to still be seen, still be challenged and still be celebrated.”</p> <p> “These awards are a confirmation that persistence and faith truly open doors,” Gondwe echoes. “They represent the encouragement of my mentor, Dr. Jerry Chi, and the support of Andrews University.”</p> <p> Chi, who coordinated the Andrews cohort at the conference, notes, “These awards demonstrate the Andrews University School of Business Administration’s commitment to high academic rigor, impactful real-world application, and the development of both faculty and student research.” He adds, “Student and faculty research is critical because it bridges the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application. It actively solves pressing global challenges and directly trains the next generation of critical thinkers.”</p> <p> The School of Business Administration offers several undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a variety of learning pathways and research opportunities for students. In addition to participation in the MBAA International Conference, faculty and students presented seven articles at the 2026 Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters Conference.</p> <p> “Our MBA curriculum in business research and quantitative methods and optimization modeling directly prepares our MBA and MSA students to influence top-tier business decisions and propels their future consulting, industry or academic endeavors,” Chi shares. Additional information can be found at the school’s <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/cp/sba/index.html">web page</a>.</p> Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:35:15 +0000 Andrews Plans Horticulture Renewal Initiative http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69327 <p> The Department of Sustainable Agriculture at Andrews University is developing a multi-phase horticulture renewal initiative designed to expand hands-on student learning, strengthen sustainability education and create new wellness-centered green spaces on campus.</p> <p> The initiative includes the renovation of an existing greenhouse into a structure designed to support crops during colder seasons, continued use of the department’s smaller winter greenhouse and the planned construction of a new energy-efficient teaching greenhouse. Together, the facilities will provide students with year-round applied plant science education and expanded opportunities for experiential learning.</p> <p> According to Katherine Koudele, chair of the Department of Sustainable Agriculture, the project builds on the department’s existing experiential learning model already used in its Animal Science Program.</p> <p> “When the dairy closed in 2018, we were able to convert a number of those buildings into an Agriculture Education Center where students rotate through caring for different species of animals,” says Koudele. “Students gain hands-on experience, but they also learn teamwork, responsibility and problem-solving. We want to extend that same model to the plant side of the department.”</p> <p> Koudele explains that the renewal initiative seeks to revitalize the Sustainable Horticulture Program while creating facilities that allow students to work year-round. The department’s existing greenhouse will be converted into a cold-frame structure for overwinter crops such as root vegetables, brassicas and leafy greens. A smaller greenhouse currently used for plant propagation and introductory horticulture courses will continue serving students while the department pursues plans for a larger teaching greenhouse.</p> <p> The proposed teaching greenhouse will feature four climate-controlled sections, including temperate, tropical and desert growing environments, along with a visitor and sensory garden space. Each growing zone will allow students to learn how crops respond to different climates and environmental conditions.</p> <p> “Our students have gone all over the world working with agriculture and plant production,” shares Koudele. “This greenhouse would allow them to gain experience working in different kinds of climates before they leave campus.”</p> <p> The facility is also intended to support interdisciplinary collaboration and student wellness initiatives. One section of the greenhouse is planned as a conservatory-style green space. “We’re hoping this can become a place where students can come and enjoy a green environment during the darker winter season,” Koudele says. “There’s growing interest in the idea of nature as medicine and the positive effects green spaces can have on mental well-being.”</p> <p> The greenhouse design also incorporates sustainability-focused technology, including triple-wall polycarbonate insulation, full-spectrum LED lighting powered by solar energy, drip irrigation systems and integrated pest management methods with minimal chemical inputs.</p> <p> Koudele says the project aims to continue strengthening Andrews University’s mission of stewardship and sustainability. “Our department motto is ‘Educating Earth’s Caretakers,’” she explains. “Students today are deeply interested in sustainability, creation care and learning how to work more harmoniously with nature. We want to provide them with opportunities to do that here on campus.”</p> <p> The department has already begun preliminary work on portions of the project, including plans to convert the existing greenhouse and prepare the site for future construction. Faculty members are currently seeking additional donor support and partnerships to help complete the initiative. “We have the land, the facilities and the vision,” Koudele says. “Now we’re looking for partners to help make it possible.”</p> <p> For further insight into the horticulture renewal initiative or to ask questions, please contact Katherine Koudele at <a href="mailto:koudelej@andrews.edu">koudelej@andrews.edu</a>. To support the initiative and its future development, please visit the Andrews <a href="https://vault.andrews.edu/vault/app/pages/advancement/login?desg=EDGRHS&only=y">website</a>. </p> Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:32:06 +0000 Andrews Hosts Innovation Conference x HYVE X 2026 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69326 <p> From March 27–29, the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Andrews University hosted the Andrews Innovation Conference × HYVE X 2026, a weekend gathering that brought together students, entrepreneurs, ministry leaders and industry professionals to explore the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship and faith. Held at the Howard Performing Arts Center, the conference created a dynamic space for collaboration, learning and spiritual reflection.</p> <p> The event featured keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, networking sessions and competitions, all centered on solving real-world problems through purpose-driven innovation. Throughout the weekend, attendees connected with mentors, investors and alumni while gaining practical tools to develop ideas and ventures.</p> <p> The conference opened on Friday morning with interactive workshops, including a session about the job market in Silicon Valley led by Solomon Kim, technical staff at the Thinking Machines Lab and Andrews alumnus. Drawing from his experience in the tech industry, Kim shared insights on building a career in the field.</p> <p> A branding workshop led by Licci Zemleduch, founder and director of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at Southwestern Adventist University, guided attendees through developing a professional identity. Through hands-on activities, participants explored how to align personal values with effective communication and strategic branding.</p> <p> Alumnus Celeste Velinova shares, “The conference and everything leading up to it was a good experience to connect with like-minded people who want to not just be consumers but create solutions and be part of making the world a better place in one way or another.” She adds, “It’s humbling to share an idea knowing that not everybody will resonate with it or see the vision, but … there’s a space at Andrews where students are encouraged to not only share their ideas, but to keep developing new ones.”</p> <p> One of the highlights of the weekend was the Pitch Competition, where seven presenters from the Startup Lab Incubator, including undergraduate and graduate students, entrepreneurs, and ministry leaders, pitched their ventures. A total of $30,000 in prizes was distributed among the winners, and judges provided detailed feedback to help refine and strengthen each idea. “The pitch is not the breakthrough. It is the exposure. The real work is what happens after the room empties,” shares Natasha Richards, director of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Chaplaincy Study Center and associate professor of chaplaincy at Andrews.</p> <p> Later that afternoon, Kim delivered his keynote address, “Driven in Purpose,” encouraging students to pursue careers grounded in discipline, balance and intentional decision-making. He emphasized calculated risk-taking and long-term growth, challenging attendees to align their professional paths with a deeper sense of purpose.</p> <p> A roundtable discussion titled “Innovation with Purpose,” featuring Kim, Zemleduch and Richards, focused on designing solutions that address real needs rather than simply following trends. Panelists emphasized testing ideas, understanding communities and maintaining purpose beyond profit.</p> <p> Spiritual themes were integrated throughout the conference. During a Friday vespers service, Michael E. Cafferky, author, speaker and writing coach, spoke on the connection between faith and business, emphasizing that entrepreneurship can serve as a form of ministry. He encouraged participants to consider how their professional work can reflect their values and positively impact others.</p> <p> Tachica Mc Coy, speech language pathology student at Andrews, noted that the conference reinforced the idea that entrepreneurs can remain grounded in their faith while pursuing success. “I was especially blessed by the presentation of one of the presenters in that it revealed that we can become entrepreneurs, be around the world’s most influential people and yet maintain strong Christian principles,” she shares. “Additionally, I learned the importance of balancing what we love, what we are good at, what we are paid for and what the world needs. It allows for more fulfillment.”</p> <p> The conference continued on Saturday with expanded networking opportunities and a landmark event: the first-ever Demo Night at Andrews University. During this showcase, start-ups from the Startup Lab Accelerator presented their ventures to peers, mentors, investors and supporters. The presentations highlighted student and professional-led solutions addressing challenges in technology, ministry and community development.</p> <p> On Saturday evening, Richards led a vespers service centered on the theme “Decide.” She challenged attendees to move beyond inspiration and take action, emphasizing that lasting transformation comes through intentional decisions and consistent follow-through. Reflecting on her message, Richards says, “Transformation does not begin with clarity. It begins with a decision … discipline replaces adrenaline. Structure replaces inspiration. You are no longer performing your idea—you are building it.”</p> <p> Throughout the weekend, a consistent message emerged: Innovation is most effective when guided by purpose. Speakers emphasized that business and faith are not separate paths but can work together to serve others and create meaningful impact. Matias Soto, director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Andrews, shares, “Recently, we have seen many business leaders in the country disregard the effect their actions have on others, or operate without any morals or ethics. The theme of ‘Innovation with Purpose’ for this conference sought to bring our ideas and minds towards being intentional in the way we conduct business to align with our values and with the purpose to change the world.”</p> <p> As attendees returned to their daily routines, they carried not only new ideas and connections but also a renewed challenge to turn inspiration into action. To see more from the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, follow the team on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andrewsinnovation/">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/andrewsinnovation/">LinkedIn</a>. To learn more, visit their <a href="https://andrewsinnovation.com/">website</a>.</p> Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:26:37 +0000 Inaugural Global Student Research Conference http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69298 <p> Over 700 students, faculty and administrators from more than 18 Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities participated in the first annual Global Institute for Research and Community Advancement (GIRCA) Student Conference held under the theme, “From Research to Mission: Solutions that Make a Difference.” Two hundred and five undergraduate and graduate students from partner institutions, including Andrews University and universities across East, Central, and West Africa and the Philippines, demonstrated their excellence in research.</p> <p> The event was held April 19–21 in a hybrid format, enabling both in-person and virtual participation for the global gathering. The structure created space for interdisciplinary collaboration, scholarly exchange and mission-driven research.</p> <p> The conference opened each morning with a devotional presentation from Michael W. Campbell, director of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Department of Archives, Statistics & Research. Campbell set a tone that linked academic rigor with ethical responsibility, sharing, “God calls us to exercise critical thinking.” He affirmed that students should evaluate ideas carefully, avoid misinformation, and pursue scholarship marked by wisdom, kindness and integrity.</p> <p> The first plenary presentation on April 19 was delivered by Colin Bruce, founder and CEO of ChronicDx, Inc., who discussed global health innovation, chronic disease management and the use of artificial intelligence in health care systems. Bruce shared a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from decades of leadership at the intersection of global policy, research, technology, service delivery and development finance. He spent the bulk of his career at The World Bank Group, where his roles included director of strategy and operations and senior advisor to the president. He was also special envoy at the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland. Bruce emphasized that research should be “actionable, not just accurate,” encouraging participants to prioritize work that leads to measurable community impact.</p> <p> In the plenary presentation delivered on April 20, David Trim, director of the Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, presented key findings from the Global Church Member Survey, underscoring the critical role of research in informing the mission and strategic direction of the global Seventh-day Adventist Church. His presentation highlighted the importance of culturally informed and contextually responsive research methodologies in understanding the beliefs, values and practices of church members across diverse regions of the world. Trim further demonstrated how the systematic collection and analysis of data serve as essential tools for evaluating trends within the global church and for guiding the development of educational, spiritual and mission-focused initiatives.</p> <p> The final plenary session on April 21 featured Martha Cameron, executive board member of the International Community of Women Living with HIV North America, whose compelling presentation drew from her experience as a woman living with HIV. Her address provided a powerful reminder of the ethical and human dimensions of research, emphasizing the importance of engaging and partnering with target populations prior to the development and implementation of research initiatives. Cameron challenged attendees to view research participants not merely as sources of data, but as individuals whose experiences, dignity and perspectives must remain central throughout the research process. Her presentation reinforced the value of community-engaged and participant-centered research approaches that foster trust, cultural sensitivity and meaningful impact.</p> <p> Throughout the conference, student researchers also presented on a wide range of disciplines. These included behavioral science, business and management, health, STEM and artificial intelligence, education, and faith and transformation. Projects addressed topics such as digital health inequities, autism diagnosis disparities, language disorders in schoolchildren, occupational health challenges among agricultural workers, and innovations in mental and public health interventions.</p> <p> Prudence Mange, a medical laboratory sciences student at Andrews and former volunteer emergency department assistant at Corewell Health, presented research titled “Bridging the Healthcare Digital Divide: Validating Low-Cost Screening Tools for Detection of Diabetes,” which focused on early diabetes detection in low-resource settings. Mange explained that the research aims to create opportunities for earlier intervention and healthier lifestyle adjustments. She described the conference as “an engaging experience aimed at connecting international researchers and exchanging ideas pertaining to solving global and communal challenges.”</p> <p> The event enabled emerging researchers to present their work in a professional, international setting, strengthening their confidence and communication skills. Jenica Joseph, associate professor in the School of Communication Sciences & Disorders at Andrews University, noted that the conference helped build “a shared scholarly identity across institutions” and allowed students to experience the integration of faith and research in practical ways.</p> <p> Hayley Rawls, an Andrews University student who presented “Characteristics of Electronic Clinical Communication with Parkinson’s Clients Participating in a SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program,” described the conference as “a highly educational and informative experience,” noting that it allowed her to present her work in a professional setting and engage with other student researchers. She added that participating helped her grow in confidence, explaining that when research is understood as serving others, “it makes the process a lot easier.</p> <p> Additional faculty-led studies in physical therapy and rehabilitation sciences examined issues such as screen time, balance and chronic pain interventions. These projects illustrated how applied research can directly address global health disparities while providing students with hands-on research experience. Faculty emphasized that such work reflects a growing concentration on interdisciplinary collaboration, where science, health and social understanding intersect.</p> <p> Students also reflected on the value of participating in a global research environment. Many described the conference as an opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives, strengthen presentation skills and understand how research functions across boundaries. Nathan Mathieu, a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Andrews, noted that the experience helped him see the broader purpose of research, emphasizing the importance of using knowledge to “build each other up” across communities and countries.</p> <p> “Research is in good hands! The student research conference demonstrated that our students have the desire and the ability to do complex research that is relevant and mission focused. The scholastic excellence, the research integrity and the professionalism was apparent in every presentation,” said Carlisle Sutton, program coordinator and sponsored research officer at Andrews University. “Beyond building research capacity through the dissemination of research, the conference also sought to advance the formation of interdisciplinary networks. The success of the conference reflected God’s guidance and blessings, as well as the collective commitment, collaboration, and shared vision of institutions, faculty, staff and students across the global network.”</p> <p> The 2026 GIRCA Student Research Conference brought together participants from a diverse network of Seventh-day Adventist organizations. The participating institutions included the Adventist School of Medicine of East-Central Africa, Adventist University of Africa, Adventist University of Central Africa, Adventist University of the Philippines, Andrews University, Babcock University, Bugema University, Ethiopia Adventist College, Helderberg College of Higher Education, Kanye Seventh-day Adventist College of Nursing, Maluti Adventist College, Mwami College of Health Sciences, Rusangu University, Solusi University, Universidade Adventista De Moçambique, University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, University of Goma, and Zurcher Adventist University.</p> <p> As the conference concluded, organizers and participants highlighted a unifying message: Research is most powerful when it connects evidence with service. GIRCA plans to make the gathering an annual event, opening it to more institutions of higher education in April 2027. The consortium is also working with Andrews University to deliver a post-graduate diploma in global research and community development for the faculty at affiliated institutions.</p> <div> <u font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); box-sizing: border-box;">                    </u></div> <div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">Enrollment</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> If you’re interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">positions</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">donation</a>.</div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> <br /> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">here</a>.<span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">  </span></div> </div> Fri, 29 May 2026 13:48:40 +0000 Off-Campus Programs Receive Positive Report http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69203 <p> The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has successfully completed its multi-location visit review of Andrews University, affirming the University’s network of off-campus programs and its commitment to delivering high-quality education in the United States and around the world.</p> <p> The multi-phase review, conducted between late 2024 and spring 2025, resulted in positive findings that reinforce Andrews’ accreditation status and its ability to continue offering degree programs across multiple locations. The HLC multi-location visit is a comprehensive evaluation process that ensures institutions offering programs beyond their main campus maintain consistent academic quality, student support and operational effectiveness.</p> <p> Preparation for the review began more than a year in advance, with the Global Campus leadership team coordinating across departments and international sites. During the visit, reviewers assessed faculty qualifications, teaching methods, student experiences, facilities and overall student well-being, including housing and dining where applicable.</p> <p> According to the report, Andrews University demonstrated a “robust network of off-campus programs designed for church leaders, teachers and pastors … who may never visit the main campus but will graduate with an Andrews University degree.” The review highlighted strong alignment between the University’s mission and its global educational delivery, particularly through partnerships and intensive-based programs.</p> <p> The findings were especially positive regarding the structure and oversight of off-campus education. All programs, whether offered on the main campus or at an off-site location, are held to the same academic standards, ensuring consistency in curriculum and learning outcomes. The establishment of the Andrews University Global Campus in 2024 was also recognized as a significant step in strengthening coordination, student support and compliance across locations.</p> <p> University leaders expressed appreciation for the outcome. Alayne Thorpe, dean of the college of Education & International Services, noted that the review affirmed systems designed to support students wherever they are. She notes, “Andrews University is dedicated to making students at all off-campus locations feel they are part of its community even if they never travel to the main campus.”</p> <p> Christian Stuart, associate dean for the Global Campus, highlighted the widespread impact of the results, noting that many Andrews students balance ministry or professional roles while pursuing their studies. He shares, “These programs … create opportunities for pastors and Bible workers already employed by the denomination … to pursue advanced degrees that might otherwise be difficult to obtain due to geographical limitations.” The positive outcome allows the University to continue expanding access to education worldwide.</p> <p> The report also underscored collaboration as a key strength of the University, pointing to its partnerships with other Adventist institutions and international organizations. These collaborations allow programs to operate in diverse cultural contexts while maintaining institutional standards, expanding the University’s academic reach.</p> <p> For students, the results provide reassurance that their programs will remain accredited and continue without interruption, an especially important factor for international students and those in intensive or distance-learning formats. The review also highlighted strong off-campus infrastructure as an asset for students, including access to online library services, academic advising and technical support.</p> <p> Faculty and staff benefit as well, with the report recognizing ongoing professional development opportunities and consistent evaluation processes across locations. Instructors are carefully vetted and regularly assessed through student feedback and site visits, ensuring high instructional quality.</p> <p> As Andrews University looks ahead, the focus remains on sustaining and expanding its off-campus programs while maintaining the standards affirmed by the HLC review. The successful report reinforces the University’s commitment to accessible, high-quality and globally-connected education, ensuring students worldwide have the continued opportunity to earn an Andrews University degree.</p> <div> <u font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); box-sizing: border-box;">                    </u></div> <div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">Enrollment</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> If you’re interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">positions</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">donation</a>.</div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">here</a>.<span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> </span></div> </div> Thu, 07 May 2026 16:48:54 +0000 RMES Conducts Emergency Drill http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/69197 <p> Ruth Murdoch Elementary School (RMES) and Andrews University Campus Safety worked with local emergency partners and Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC) to conduct a reunification drill on April 17, strengthening preparedness for emergency situations that require coordinated response beyond the school’s premises.</p> <p> Reunification drills are designed to help schools practice how students would be safely accounted for and returned to their families in the event of a crisis, allowing staff, parents and community partners to understand their roles and respond with clarity under pressure. While schools hope never to use such a plan, practicing helps reduce uncertainty, build confidence and clarify each person’s responsibilities before a real emergency might occur.</p> <p> “If for some reason students needed to be removed from the school, like if there was some sort of emergency and the school was no longer a safe zone, we would want to move them to a secondary location,” says Marsha J. Beal, captain, assistant director for compliance and preparedness. “The parents would have to come and pick them up at the secondary location.”</p> <p> “This is the first time in Berrien County that a reunification drill has ever happened,” Beal shares. “The eyes of the county were upon us.” Additionally, representatives from New Buffalo Area Schools, local law enforcement, fire department personnel, emergency services and Berrien Springs Public Schools Transportation observed or participated in the drill.</p> <p> The drill began at RMES and concluded at PMC, where parents checked in, showed identification and waited while volunteers retrieved their children. Evelyn Savory, principal of RMES, says that the drill grew out of ongoing conversations about how to strengthen student safety and prepare for possible emergencies, including active threats or hazards in the building.</p> <p> “This was a brand-new exercise for everybody,” Savory explains. “It was a learning experience for all of us. I’m glad that we did it.”</p> <p> Savory also shares that parents were supportive and students responded well throughout the process. Although leaders wondered whether some families might keep their children home from the drill, attendance remained strong.</p> <p> “The cooperation that we got from parents was bar none,” Savory says. “They were willing to do whatever we asked. Their contribution just by supporting the program made it possible and successful.”</p> <p> Jess Swackhamer, RMES sixth grade teacher and vice principal for safety and discipline, helped organize the drill, communicate with teachers and parents, and coordinate volunteers at PMC. He says the drill helped families see that safety planning is not theoretical but rather active and intentional.</p> <p> “I think what I gathered was that there was an exponential growth in confidence,” Swackhamer reflects. “Parents could see that there has been thought put into this. There are people thinking about my kids’ safety.”</p> <p> Beal and Swackhamer used resources from The “I Love U Guys” Foundation, an organization that provides school safety protocols and reunification planning tools. Beal says that preparation helped the team avoid major surprises during the drill.</p> <p> “We did not have one of those situations where we said, ‘Oh man, we did not think of that,’” Beal notes. “There were some minor things, but never one major thing. This was because we followed the ‘I Love U Guys’ plan.”</p> <p> The drill also highlighted the importance of collaboration between RMES, Andrews University, PMC and local emergency agencies. Beal shares that these relationships are essential because schools cannot prepare in isolation, noting, “We need to change our culture to always be a culture of safety.”</p> <p> For Savory, the drill affirmed RMES’ commitment to caring for students before, during and after moments of uncertainty. “Student safety is a priority at Ruth Murdoch,” she says. “We will do whatever it takes to ensure every boy and every girl is attended to carefully and that they have nothing to worry about if an emergency happens. We will keep our students safe.”</p> <div> <u font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); box-sizing: border-box;">                    </u></div> <div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">Enrollment</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> If you’re interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">positions</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">donation</a>.</div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">here</a>.<span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> </span></div> </div> Wed, 06 May 2026 09:20:45 +0000