Biblical Higher Ed Talk

Strong leaders uplift other aspiring leaders. That’s why ABHE is committed to growing the skills of faithful leaders, including through a series of leadership development conferences. We’re joined by David Medders , Executive VP for ABHE , to talk about leadership development programming. Find out how you can grow alongside other leaders — everyone is welcome! In this episode, we dive into ABHE le...

Your employees make up the total package of your organization. Isn’t it time to present them with the total package, too? By giving your employees relevant insurance options, detailing the extent of their packages, and helping them to become conscious consumers, you’re setting your staff up for success. That’s why we’re talking to John Staub , the Director of Growth Marketing at Remodel Health . J...

Whether in the classroom, the dining hall, on the court, or in the dorms, integrating faith with intentionality can happen anywhere on a college campus. Starting small and remaining intentional with a Christ-centered focus may be tough at first, but you don’t have to be a scholar to find support and share the word of God. We’re joined by David Cook & Brent Thomason , the Co-authors of Integrat...

After a steady rise during the 2010s, the podcast industry exploded during the pandemic. As of 2024, over 5 million podcasts populate the global airwaves. So is there room in the audio space for your faith-based school or organization to use this platform to get your message out to the masses? Robb Conlon , Founder of Westport Studios , believes there is. You simply have to be mindful of your nich...

Obligations in the board governance and strategic planning of biblical higher ed institutions often get a bit murky. If a school ultimately fails to support leadership in reaching its goals, who’s responsible? Scott Rodin, Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Consultant with The FOCUS Group , believes the school’s board chair must instill a culture that embraces God’s vision for its campus. Only then...

Too often, we get wrapped up in furthering our personal mission instead of God’s. With deadlines to meet, credits to fulfill, and schedules busier than ever, faith and biblical integration can get thrown to the wayside. But faith-based integration in and out of the classroom will better equip the future leaders of tomorrow. Ready to put on the full armor of God? We’re getting the ball rolling with...

We’re taking the road less traveled from the lower 48 to rural Alaska. Serving the students from indigenous villages of Alaska takes a focused but mighty mission. Bringing the Word of the Lord, accompanied by college preparation, impacts these individuals for a lifetime by providing a comfortable space for these students to unpack baggage and embrace education. Keith Hamilton , President of Alaska...

Optimizing your institution's business model is crucial in the evolving landscape of higher ed. With a focus on mission alignment and building future influential leaders, some universities have seen big changes. But not every institution is willing to roll up its sleeves and do the hard work. Re-examining operational efficiencies may be the key to your university sinking or swimming. We’re kicking...

Enrollment needs to focus on relational sales with your “customer” — the prospective student. Personalizing connections and conversations will leave your customers more confident about potentially enrolling in your institution. That’s why we’ve invited Ryan Dougherty, Principal Partner at TG Three , to talk about all things enrollment, relational sales, and the dreaded enrollment cliff. In this ep...

The dreaded two words we hear time and time again: “enrollment cliff.” Although the enrollment cliff is inevitable, it may be an opportunity for your institution to prove what truly makes it unique. Even amidst the FAFSA challenges, admissions offices can remain people-focused and show what differentiates your university from the next. Your institution will not only change a student's life but can...

God commanded in Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” To be able to build bridges in our institutions, we need to be strong and courageous, just as Christ was. Being confident allows others to find their own strength and grow into the next university leader, pastor, or humble servant. Staying assure...

Saying the words “finances” or “alternative revenue” can sometimes make individuals in your institution run for the hills. Higher ed professionals need to take the pressure away from these conversations to allow for untapped innovation. Having the patience to explain a financial statement or an audit sheet can tear down the all-too-common silos around financial situations. That’s why we’re talking...

Jeremiah 17:7 says, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.” In the fast-paced world that college presidents must navigate, it’s hard to be everywhere at once. We can’t predict the future. Ditching long-range planning and trusting in God’s present plan allows for an opportunity mindset. Taking time to rest allows for intentionality in showing up where it matters...

The pandemic spotlighted the alarming rise of social disconnection and loneliness among today's college and university students. Todd Hall , Founder and CEO of Flourishing Metrics and Professor of Psychology at Biola University , believes there is a direct correlation between our current state of spirituality and this human relationship crisis. He fears many biblical higher ed institutions are fai...

Theological education, seminaries, and leadership – Oh, my! We’re digging into what theological education does well and some challenges the system is currently facing. While some institutions have been able to pivot and expand, others are experiencing leadership challenges and mental health resource deficiencies. That’s why we’re talking to Amy Kardash , President of In Trust Center for Theologica...

In an age where we constantly have our eyes glued to our phones, what is more valuable than human interaction?  Potential students want you to be different and personable – they need you to be. Acting intentionally with a student-first mindset may set you apart from the competition. And with the enrollment cliff on the horizon, we have to be on our A-game.  We’re getting the ball rolling with Nath...

Effective academic leadership doesn’t have a specific outline. But knowing your institution's mission and sticking to it is the first place to start. Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses as a leader and being able to lean on a team for support to fill in the gaps is critical. There’s no limit to who can be a leader. It’s about being the best leader for your institution. Getting our conversati...

Competency-based theological education may seem like a mouthful, but it’s how Jesus trained his disciples. It’s about radical collaboration and demonstrating understanding. It challenges you to think differently about learning. Co-authors Kent Anderson , President of Providence University College and Theological Seminary , and Greg Henson , Lead Partner at Kairos University , get the conversation...

Leadership care in Christian institutions is moving to the forefront of higher ed culture. According to Michael Martin, President of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), 94% of their members said leadership issues are having a negative impact on trust in their organizations. That’s why ECFA has developed a new accreditation standard that monitors the well-being and accounta...

So you want to start your own Christian university? Through creating connections with churches, we can build future leaders by providing them with an avenue of opportunity to learn and grow their faith. Providing a degree of value can accelerate growth for potential ministry leaders and further grow God’s kingdom. With over 30 years of experience in the K–12 sector, Steve Whitaker , the Head of Sc...

Anxiety can feel like it's crashing down on us from all directions. Technology running our lives, deadlines looming overhead, and so much more... Cutting through the noise and pointing anxiety in the direction of God will lessen the burden we too often place on ourselves. Anxiety is not something we have to face alone. Alan Fadling , the founder and President of Unhurried Living , takes us through...

Leadership and professional experience are two key career aspects that never really leave the horizon. It’s crucial to further enhance leadership skills during ministry preparation and even way beyond.  Lacking proper leadership skills can often cause other issues in personal, professional, and organizational relationships. Building proper leaders takes guts. That’s why we’re talking to David Ashc...

Kindergarten through 12th grade Christian education is seeing a decline in America. Is it simply student enrollment? Is it an education quality issue? Is it due to inflation? There are a variety of factors we can analyze, but it all comes down to remembering our mission: service. We have to embrace the mission of Christ, who served before us, in order to effectively serve the students in our commu...

Artificial intelligence is expanding its footprint in our institutions, workplaces, and personal lives. But how can we, as Christ followers, utilize artificial intelligence in a way that is true to our theology? In an increasingly secular culture, we must learn how faith, behavior, and artificial intelligence all interact. James Spencer , President of Useful to God Ministries , navigates the hard...

Psalms 34:4 states, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.” Entrepreneurial leadership takes faith to overcome obstacles. Trusting that God will be there to answer prayers will allow His will to be done through you. Allowing God to take a front seat in your life will lead you down the right path, and allow others to grow alongside you. Darren Campbell , the CEO at...