I Page 3 I lanuary 29, 2013 ~|
COMMUNITY
Saturday's Board of Trustees Meetiug
by Joshua Van Dine
Greetings students, I am Howerton Senator Joshua Van Dine writing to you about the greatest
thing to happen in Montreat College. From the cutting of majors and layoffs to the re-accreditation, I
have seen this great place go through some good times and some bad times. So, Montreat has been
on quite a roller coaster for the past few years with all the good and bad things happening. I know
with absolute certainty that God has been alongside us the entire time.
This truth has never been more abundantly evident then on January 19 when an important
Board of Trustees meeting took place. With the college’s accreditation, the Board decided it was time
to discuss the future of Montreat College. There were four options that were discussed at the meet
ing:
. Continue and grow the traditional program at Montreat College, as well as grow the non-tradi-
tional program (both evening & online programs).
• Offer a traditional program that is highly specialized in a few key areas. Would involve partner
ship with an outside entity, perhaps a resort hospitality chain.
• Close the traditional (residential) program at Montreat College after May and focus completely
on adult and online programs.
• Partner, or merge, with another school in order to expand and improve the school.
God has not given up on Montreat College, and this amazing place will be around for a long
time! The Board of Trustees has decided to continue and grow the traditional and non-traditional
program, as well as, exploring merger with a sister school in order to expand and improve offerings.
Instead, option one and four were voted forward, meaning the Board of Trustees is firmly committed
to the traditional program, as well as the adult and online programs.
Now, while many of the students will be glad to hear that option one was agreed upon, some
of you may be wary about option four. On January 23rd, there was a Q&A between a few members
of the Board of Trustees and students. To put it in a humorous analogy that David Friedrichs came
up with, “Montreat College is looking to get married, and at this stage of the game, the school is on
Christian Mingle looking for its potential partner.” If you’re worried about the school losing its identity,
don’t worry. Montreat College will keep its full name and will retain its mission, vision, & core-values.
The changes that will take place, for the most part, will be in academics and athletics. Among these
changes are the possibility of new majors such as Criminal Justice and Nursing, as well as more
sports available like Mountain Biking, Tennis, and Bowling.
This is all I know for now but, if you have any more questions, your friendly, neighborhood SGA
representatives, are always available. Lastly, never forget to thank God for the things he has done for
Montreat College.
In His love, your Howerton Senator- Josh Van Dine.