Centennial Conversations
Reaffirming Biola’s Priorities
Revised November 15, 2007
Watch the Centennial Conversations Chapel Series
Download Centennial Conversations (PDF).
As part of President Corey’s first year entry plan, which was shared with the Board of Trustees in September 2007, and together with Biola’s 100th anniversary, we will begin six “Centennial Conversations” centered around affirming Biola’s priorities that are at the institution’s historically-tested ideological core and are inherent to the University’s future planning.
Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to ask faculty-led teams to engage the broader Biola community in thinking through the key ideological issues that are foundational (both past and present) to the University. The discussion will assist President Corey in understanding and serving Biola, holding us accountable to institutional thinking and reaffirming what we cherish most. At the same time, these conversations will provide new ideas to apply time-tested truths to the future direction of the University.
Leadership: Provost and Senior Vice President Gary Miller and President Corey will serve as the general editors of this monograph with each team preparing a paper that will become the document’s chapters. Gary will be the coordinator of the project and administer the process with these faculty-led teams. The teams will consist of two co-authors. However, we encourage each group to expand upon its resources to include others who would contribute to the depth and breadth of the paper. A total of twelve (two for each team) will serve as the final editorial committee for the Centennial Conversations monograph.
Process: Six teams will be commissioned to do the following:
- Draft an eight to ten-page paper that will develop: (1) a case/rationale for the core priorities; (2) what we pledge/commit to move forward; and (3) dreaming/thinking big about how Biola might make its impact deeper and wider.
- Act as the final editorial team to ensure the consistency and cohesiveness of the monograph.
- Make a public presentation on each topic. The presentations will engage the Biola community to seek deeper understanding of the core priority and to reaffirm a broad commitment to these foundational issues.
Topics, co-editors, and description of area:
Biblical fidelity: Fred Sanders, Matt Williams.
“Retaining Biola’s commitment to Scripture as the central basis for faith and practice and as the fundamental source of knowledge and truth. The Bible, and its principles for living and learning, will be evident in intellectual pursuits, scholarly and creative expressions, and service to others.”
Educational excellence, national and international influence: Aaron Kleist, Scott Rae.
“Programs and people in undergraduate and graduate studies that prepare students for intellectual depth and meaningful careers, while instilling in them the goal to be disciples of Jesus Christ in fulfilling their calling and vocation. In addition, by actively engaging the world through scholarly pursuits, publications, conferences and think tanks, Biola aspires to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Intentional diversity: Pete Menjares, Shelly Cunningham.
“To create an environment in which all believers, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, economic status, or physical ability, can pursue knowledge and personal development as they strive to become all God intends them to be.”
Global awareness/Urban involvement: Len Bartlotti, Doug Hayward.
“Aspiring to be a global center for Christian thought, Biola University is committed to preparing students who are mature in their understanding of life in an increasingly global context, while continuing to serve the needs of those in the inner cities.”
Community vitality: Tammy Anderson, June Hetzel.
“A community of grace and culture through campus life that honors God in its behavior and reflects the image of God through its love and service to others.”
Spiritual maturity and transformation: Marla Campbell, Betsy Barber.
“Followers of Jesus who live lives of integrity and who strive to become increasingly like Christ in character and conduct through the process of spiritual development and renewal.”
Timeline:
| Early October 2007 | Select co-authors |
| Early November | Leadership meeting of co-authors |
| November – January 2008 | Research, consult others, write |
| January 18, 2008 | Submit 1st draft to President/Provost |
| January 21, 2008 | Circulate draft among author/editorial committee members |
| End of January 2008 | Editorial committee meets to critique papers |
| February 7, 2008 | Send revised drafts to UPG |
| Early February 2008 | Present at UPG meeting |
| February 25-29, 2008 | Public presentation to campus in Chapels (M-F) |
| Early March | Campus symposia (papers posted on web) |
| April 2008 | Revise and prepare publication |