Since the pandemic, I have been more involved in teaching online classes, which has allowed me to teach students from around the nation. Recently, while teaching an online class, I had a great learning assistant who was a recent graduate. Although I never met my assistant in person, we began to form a collegial bond […]
As the current Faculty Advisor for Cru’s student ministry at the University of Florida, I have found my true calling—serving God by serving others. I am continually inspired by an amazing group of students who courageously share their faith, pray for and help others, and create a markably warm and welcoming community. But first, let […]
The influence of higher education on my faith cannot be understated. Christian faculty and campus ministries heavily influenced my faith while I was in college. God used my experience at a secular university to draw me to salvation and help me grow as a believer. I grew up in a Christian home in rural eastern […]
My heart sank. As the minutes ticked away, it became obvious I would be the only one on the Cru Bible study Zoom call. Discouraged, I ended the call and began to pray. “What do you want me to do, Lord? Do you want me to find another colleague to be the sponsor of our […]
Years ago, I traveled with students to Europe for a semester-long study abroad program. Having led many short-term and longer-term study abroad programs over the years, I’ve seen my share of behavioral and emotional issues faced by students when they’re far from home. In this case, as the weeks progressed, one student’s attitude began to […]
Let me start by admitting that I was once that lost student, pursuing all the worldliness of college life and running from true freedom and joy found in Christ. I doubt my professors then would have guessed that their sleepy, always-forgetting-something student would be in their position one day. I was an adjunct lecturer teaching […]
I’m entering my eleventh year working at Miami University in the teacher preparation program. My students know where I stand in my Christian faith. I find ways to share with them in our large group, during office hours, and as I attend regular Cru events. However, I like to believe that all my students know […]
God inspired me to enter teaching before I knew Him. Initially, I decided to follow my father’s footsteps and enter corporate America. However, halfway through my MBA program, I realized I could get paid for doing what I loved: learning, teaching what I’d learned, and writing. Even though I may not be as bright as most professors, […]
“You won’t believe how God just answered our prayers!” I sent this message to our Faculty Commons leaders after our monthly gathering where we pray for our campus and students. That morning after reading and reflecting on Psalm 3:3, “But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my […]
In 2004 I took a leap of faith and left behind a 20+ year corporate career and chose to join the academy as a Computer Science and Engineering faculty member. One of the first challenges, aside from a very different day-to-day workflow, was finding those who shared my faith in a very secular workplace. Finally, […]
