As this academic year has progressed, the faculty and staff at 天美视频 have been in a season of preparation regarding how learning in graduate programs will be delivered post-pandemic. Over the next few months, we will be publishing updates regarding changes to the graduate programs as we move into the future. Two important updates at this stage are:

1. Formation is one of our core values. Much of the relational and formative experience of our students is inherent in on-campus student life and academic study. We have also come to value our learning being accessible and have been energized by new students who reside outside of the Seattle area able to access education at 天美视频 for the first time. Among the work that we have been doing is reviewing options for our graduate programs that align with our commitments to both formation and accessibility.
2. We will be filing a petition by April 1 with ATS (Association of Theological Schools), our national accrediting body, for approval to provide distance education post-pandemic and will hear word on their approval of our application by mid-to-late June. Approval of this petition will give us the opportunity to offer education to those who do not live within commuting distance in the Seattle area. We have received approval from NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities), our regional accreditors, to provide distance education post-pandemic. While we have not yet finalized how our programs will be offered to students learning at a distance, filing this petition to ATS is an important step in the process.

鈥淎t the core of our pedagogy, our practice, and our hope is a G-d that is with us. I believe we have been called to such a time as this, even as we face change and unknown. As we make space for gratitude in the midst of our grief, we focus in on our calling and resist losing our mission to the despair of our times. I believe there is still work for us to do鈥攅specially in this time of polarizing energies鈥攍oving G-d and neighbor through transforming relationships.鈥� said President J. Derek McNeil in a communication to students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Departments from across the institution have worked diligently this year to make distance education and student life accessible for all. The Library staff is ensuring students are able to access resources necessary for coursework, and the IT department is available via an online help desk for students in need of technical support. Members of the Office of Students & Alumni continue providing a variety of opportunities for students and alumni to connect virtually, maintaining the school鈥檚 emphasis on building relationships and vocational formation.

鈥淚 have been grateful and inspired by the courage of our faculty and our students as we shifted to online learning out of necessity due to COVID-19. It has confirmed for us that we’re able to provide good, quality remote learning that aligns with our mission. Our values for relationships and for the integration of psychology and theology remain at the heart of this endeavor.鈥� said Dr. Misty Anne Winzenried, Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning.

The school continues to follow guidance from Washington State and King County, which has not yet provided a clear date to be able to re-open campus.

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鈥淚 am abundantly grateful to Mike Anderson for leading our board over the past eight years. His tenure of board leadership has helped to stabilize us as we have embarked on the task of growing into a mature organization. I also want to express my deep gratitude to Dave Brandt and Mark Daley, who both made immeasurable contributions to our school in ways that we will appreciate years into our future,鈥� said Dr. J. Derek McNeil, President of 天美视频.

“天美视频’s Board of Trustees is an amazing group of people that I will miss rubbing shoulders with. Passing the baton of leadership to Shannon Eckmann is a true delight. She is a natural in the role of Board Chair, and I trust her to lead this community into the next season,鈥� said Mike Anderson on Shannon Eckmann鈥檚 recent appointment. In addition to her role as Board Chair, Shannon serves as an Executive Coach at , an executive coaching organization.

Upon her recent appointment, Shannon stated, 鈥淕ood leaders are guided by a passion for their organization and its people. I鈥檝e spent many years with 天美视频 and love the mission of what we strive to accomplish along with the gifted faculty and staff who deliver a quality experience to our students. Partnering with our Board of Trustees and our President, Dr. McNeil, we look to the future of Christian graduate education as an exciting and challenging task, and we are up for it!鈥�

Though stepping down from the board, Mike Anderson begins a full-time position with 天美视频 as Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration. 鈥淎s I look forward to having more time with Mike in his full-time role on our staff, I am particularly grateful for his leadership and the strength and stability that he brings to the realms of finance and administrative business in our institution. I have always highly valued Mike鈥檚 investment in our mission, and I am honored to work with him as we build for 天美视频鈥檚 future,鈥� said Dr. J. Derek McNeil.

Romanita Hairston, a returning trustee to the board, serves as a Director at Microsoft with responsibility for leading a global skilling portfolio and as the President and Founder of MORE320, a nonprofit consulting company. A nationally-recognized thought leader, Romanita regularly speaks on issues related to poverty and child well-being, missional theology and spiritual formation, and the future of work and learning.

“It’s wonderful to have Romanita Hairston return to 天美视频’s Board of Trustees,鈥� said Dr. J. Derek McNeil. 鈥淪he is thoughtful, energetic, innovative, and incisive. Romanita understands future trends and will bring a new perspective on how adult learners can be approached and engaged. Her entrepreneurial energy paired with pastoral awareness makes Romanita an invaluable asset to our Board.”

Visit our directory to see a list of all members of the Board of Trustees.

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