 In many ways the change is merely indicative of the real nature of
the school as it currently exists. "I think the college is sometimes
misunderstood," said LCC's president, Dr. Keith Ray. "People don't
always realize that we offer a full spectrum of degrees and that
we're fully accredited. There is a perceived value in the term
‘university' that communicates the high quality of the education
we're providing."
The school's accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission
makes an LCC education as useful after graduation as an education at
any state school. The university will continue to receive
accreditation by two theological organizations: the Association of
Theological Schools and the Association for Biblical Higher
Education.
The name change is intended in part to make the entity understood
more fully by audiences around the world. The term "university" is
more widespread and has a global appeal in this age, which is
important for Lincoln Christian College. "We are increasingly
becoming attractive to international students, which is critical for
the financial viability of any higher education facility in this
economy," said Ray.
LCC already has an international presence to build on. "Our
faculty is invited to present papers around the world," Ray said,
"and they travel extensively for academic and humanitarian work."
Many faculty members are published in their areas of study, and
recent cooperative learning experiences have taken place in Las
Vegas, China and Seoul. Dr. Brian Messner, who teaches
Interdisciplinary Studies and Roman Civilization at LCC, is a
world-renowned expert on ancient Roman civilization. Several faculty
members take teams of students to locations such as Romania, South
America and Africa every year for service projects.
The college is receiving attention at home as well as abroad. A
$3 million bill recently listed LCC as one of the Illinois
organizations proposed to receive a sizable grant for capital
expenditures. "This is not a certain thing," Ray explained. "Far
from it, the bill has to be passed and approved before we'd receive
the grant. We could put it to good use if it became a reality,
though."
Recent major campus improvements designed to make the school more
competitive have included the addition of a new girls' dorm and the
construction of an athletic facility. Smaller improvement projects
have included landscaping improvements, building maintenance and a
major renovation to the library, designed to make the facility more
useful and comfortable for students.
Beyond campus aesthetics, several changes are also brewing in the
new university's academic offerings.
This fall's introduction of the Hargrove School means that LCC is
expanding its successful adult education program to include graduate
studies programs. Students will now be able to pursue a master's
degree without the necessity of attending class on campus. The
university will offer master's degrees in an online format,
including a new and recently accredited degree in leadership.
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In addition to expanded delivery systems, the college is adding to
its degree offerings, including an associate degree in pre-nursing
and a bachelor's degree in philosophy.
In spite of all these changes, LCC will remain the same at the
core. "Our mission has not changed," said Ray. "We will continue to
‘nurture and equip Christians with a biblical worldview to serve and
lead in the church and the world.' We are still Lincoln Christian."
This commitment to the institution's core values ensures that
Lincoln Christian University is not about to go the way of many
major higher education institutions, leaving its theological roots
in the past and morphing into a liberal institution. "Our emphasis
on a biblical education will stand," said Ray. "Our admission
requirements remain the same."
Ray believes that the impact of the new university on the
community will be positive. "When the campus is growing, Lincoln is
growing," he said. "More students mean more money spent at local
businesses."
He also believes that more international students will enrich
Lincoln's culture in areas like the arts, cuisine, ideas and values.
Additionally, Ray would like Lincolnites to know they are welcome
on campus. "I think people may feel uncomfortable coming out to
campus, but they shouldn't," he said.
Residents may consider Lincoln Christian, whether they'd like to
take only one class or many.
Other campus offerings that may be of interest to the community
include a bookstore and a Starbucks. While business hours are
centered around the academic year, meaning abbreviated hours over
the summer and breaks during the semester, these facilities are open
to the public.
Ray extends an invitation to the community to get to know the new
Lincoln Christian University.
[By CANDRA LANDERS]
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