EU graduate students and professors share a personal glimpse of what it's like to return to campus for one of Evangel's eight Graduate Studies programs.
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The views expressed in blogs are the opinion of the individual blogger and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Evangel University.
Blogger: Charity Fahlstrom, Admissions
Date: 3/8/2010
Traveling
This month looks to be busy-and hopefully productive for Evangel and for me :) Already, I've traveled to SBU (Southwest Baptist University) for their Graduate and Career Fair. This week I will be in Nixa at the Chamber and in Springfield at the B2B luncheon. Next week, I'll be spending St Patty's Day with area HR Managers here on Evangel's campus for a luncheon. On the 24th, I'll be at AT&T in Joplin and on the 25th, I'll be at MO Valley's Graduate and Career Fair. Then I'll wrap up the month with Evangel's Graduate and Career Fair on the 31st.
If you are attending any of the above events, be sure to say hi-I'd love to visit with you. Wherever your travels take you, enjoy the ride.
Blogger: Deb Gehris, Graduate Studies Administrative Assistant
Date: 3/4/2010
"Fear of failure is a much larger obstacle than the lack of money." ~ Dan Miller, Love Your Work, Crosswalk.com
I appreciate the practical messages that come through in Dan Miller’s words, and enjoy reading his weekly writings. This particular one was very relative at this time here on our campus as many prospective students are praying through decisions for ‘next steps’ in their lives. On the ‘journey’ through life we make many choices and decisions that effect, not only our day-to-day lives, but more so, the greater overall outcomes.
Our choices and decisions are best made through a ‘lens’ that allows us to see beyond our short-term goals, our current knowledge-base, or current skill-set . . . we must have the ability to step outside of our own capabilities and/or limitations to take opportunities (sometimes known as ‘risks’) in order to broaden our horizons. The idea of embarking on a new challenge or pursuit raises numerous questions and potential doubts as to our ability to be successful in setting out on a new path.
I am reminded of many passages in scripture that relate to the Lord’s plans for each of us and that encourage us to follow Him, trust Him, and praise Him in the midst of doing so. (Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 1:6, and so many more) I am also reminded of times when I was so gripped by fear, because of the many unanswered questions, that I could not move in a ‘forward’ motion in life. The funny thing about the journey through life is that ‘movement’ is required in order to ‘journey’.
I am so thankful for the way our Lord works out His will and way in our lives. He teaches us so many rich lessons along the way. As we answer His call, He leads us out in to the unknown, fully aware of the ‘twists and turns’, the ‘peaks and valleys’ we will meet with along the way. He does so with a perfect plan that will grow us and prepare us, each step of the way, for that which He has called us to.
As a part of the administrative support for the Graduate programs at Evangel University, I am blessed to be part a wonderful team of dedicated professionals. Our faculty and staff are committed to developing the lives of our graduate students as they embark on a new venture in their lives by answering the Lord’s call to pursue a degree in higher education. We have each personally witnessed and continue to celebrate God’s provision and keeping in our lives. It is from our personal ‘journeys’ that we can minister, lead, and encourage others to do the same.
The Lord’s answer in Habakkuk 1:5 (NIV), tells us to ‘look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if I told it to you.’
If you feel the Lord leading you to something new on your journey, I encourage you to step out, follow His leading and be amazed!!
Blogger: Dr. Colleen Hardy, Program Coordinator for Graduate Education
Date: 2/24/2010
Be Curious.love to learn
Yesterday I was able to spend two hours walking through the halls and weaving my way in and out of public school classrooms in Springfield. I loved looking at the artwork, the creative writing, colorful posters and three dimensional creations lining the hallways and plastered to the walls. I was lucky enough to be in the schools at lunchtime and hungrily inhaled the scent of oversized steaming hot rolls and no bake cookies. I am fairly certain I gained five pounds just from the smell. Although I love being in each building, what truly makes the experience memorable is the students.
Students of every size, shape and color, walk, skip, and dance down the hallway eager to see what is next. They are happy. They don't know who I am, yet they take the time to smile at me and possibly ask me a question or two. It reinforced my conviction that students in elementary like being at school and that they are curious. If these two assumptions are true they form a powerful foundation for learning. As teachers we have a responsibility to maintain school as a place students want to be and to foster curiosity throughout their entire school experience (college and grad school included)! I hope you enjoy your graduate classes this week. Stay curious!
Blogger: Professor Neva Hilton, School Counseling Graduate Professor
Date: 2/19/2010
School Counseling Collaboration at Evangel with MSU students
Being a school counselor means being a child's advocate. And being an advocate has many ramifications-both emotionally and legally. Ashley Pritchett, a current Evangel graduate student, recently attended a collaborative event between Evangel and MSU. On February 2, the Foundations of School Counseling class taught by Professor Neva Hilton hosted this cooperative evening involving two Evangel University graduate classes and four Missouri State University graduate classes (Dr. Huba Ray's Capstone class participated as well as students at MSU taught by Dr. Marcia Dowdy, Ms. Robin Farris, Dr. Joan McClennen and Mrs. Patterson). The featured speakers were Jill Patterson from the Greene County Prosecutor's Office and Mrs. Barb Brown, Assistant Director of the Child Advocacy Center.
Students were informed about the legal, moral and ethical issues surrounding making a hotline call. Mandated reporter laws and requirements, and the procedures followed after a call is made were fully explained. Ashley had seen a similar presentation twice before, as training for jobs at Isabel's House and the Regional Girls Shelter. She says the information gleaned is so important and hearing the presentation again reiterates guidelines and changing procedures. Also, the questions and discussion each time she's attended reveal items not previously covered. Ashley shared that as a Guidance Counselor she will need to be ready if a child comes to her seeking help-for abuse, neglect, etc-and she will need to know the proper steps to ensure the child receives help. This presentation prepares students so they are ready when help is needed.
76 people participated in the evening which ended with insightful and meaningful questions and responses. The event was considered by all professors to be highly successful and is planned to be repeated during Fall semester 2010. Visitors commented on the beautiful and comfortable facilities and the welcoming atmosphere of Evangel University.
Blogger: Jeff Burnett, Director of Admissions
Date: 2/17/2010
Open House Recap
39 Graduate Studies prospective students braved the cold to come to campus Tuesday evening for our spring Open House event.
Charity, Thomas and I shared the benefits EU offers adult learners and provided a brief tour of our gorgeous campus. Our wonderful program coordinators then explained the details of their academic offering and answered questions.
We were happy with such a strong turnout, and look forward to assisting these students with their admissions process.
Blogger: Jeff Fulks, Director of Graduate and Professional Studies
Date: 2/12/2010
Faculty Expertise
The Evangel University family is blessed to have faculty members with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Their expertise allows our ability to offer a full spectrum of academic courses.
For example, in our professional studies human services program, we have instructors who are licensed psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, and a licensed private investigator. Some of these do therapy and counseling in the evenings, and one is a current candidate for State Representative. Their backgrounds allow them to speak knowledgeably regarding their subjects. Because they are full-time teachers, their training and professional development also encompasses the education of our students.
Bottom-line, our students benefit from the expertise their instructors bring to the classroom. This makes life as an administrator much more relaxing because I can be assured that they will provide a top-quality educational experience for our students!
Blogger: Debbie Bicket, Program Coordinator for School Counseling Master's
Date: 2/4/2010
Happy National School Counselor Week!
Monday night I had the privilege of dropping off pizza to our Helping Relationships class in honor of National School Counselors Week. The pizza was provided by Jeff Burnett and Charity Fahlstrom in Admissions. Thanks, Jeff and Charity!
The class is so large we've had to divide it into two sections, an elementary and a secondary section. The positive energy and excitement in the class was so high, I was energized just by being there! And looking out over the room, I was reminded that we have such amazing students in our program. Such dedicated, caring, fun students, from all walks of life. Diversity is represented in many ways in this class: age, ethnicity, and gender; rural and city students; and students with their undergrad degrees, masters degrees, and even doctoral degrees.
Well, this is just ONE of our classes. In the school counseling family, our students form friendships and networks that they draw on long after they graduate. We still stay in touch with our graduates. In fact, Donna and I just got an invitation to the wedding of our first out-of-state student. She met her husband here in Springfield, and is now taking him back to Texas with her. Congratulations, Krystina. We love you!!!
Blogger: Jeff Burnett, Director of Admissions
Date: 1/31/2010
My MOL: 28% done!
Other people's pregnancies seem to fly by. Your friend mentions they are expecting, and it seems in no time they are at the hospital welcoming a new life into the world. Likewise, friends working on their master's degrees seem to finish theirs so quickly. Last July, I began my MOL journey here at EU and wondered how my 2-year master's experience would be. I'm so pleased to say it's going great and I'm already more than 1/4 done... 10 credits down, 26 to go.
The professors are helpful and I am learning a lot. While it is not easy, I am being challenged and can tell I am growing. I have already made adjustments leading our 12-member recruiting team here at EU.
If you are considering the MOL offered at EU -- I encourage you to come to our 2/16 Open House. There you will learn more about the two delivery formats -- the seated classroom and the hybrid (mostly online. Both formats have great advantages for the busy leader looking to gain new insights in modern leadership.
Blogger: Charity Fahlstrom, Admissions
Date: 1/20/2010
Join Us in February
At 6 p.m. on February 16, we are hosting an Open House for those interested in Graduate Studies or Professional Studies. So if you or someone you know is considering a master's or has yet to complete a bachelor's, join us.
It's a great opportunity to hear from professors, learn the mission of each program and get your questions answered. RSVP online.
Blogger: Jeff Fulks, Director of Graduate & Professional Studies
Date: 1/19/2010
John Ashcroft speaks to graduate students
This past week I've been reminded of one of the blessings of being a part of Evangel University - its network of friends and alums that give of themselves to the school even after being gone for many years. This thought was a result of the Conversation with John Ashcroft that was hosted by our Organizational Leadership program. In this event, John Ashcroft, former Attorney General, Senator, Governor, Auditor and current businessman was willing to contribute significant time to be at Evangel and meet with our students and the community. He has no particular obligation, but due to his friendships with our school he was willing to share of himself.
As a result it we were blessed. We had a fun evening hearing insight on leadership and stories about his life. His willingness to serve our students was particularly poignant as they were able to interact with him individually after the main event when he served ice cream and cobbler to each of our students. What a fun experience and a benefit in being a part of the Evangel family.
Blogger: Colleen Hardy, Coordinator, Graduate Education Programs
Date: 1/5/2010
Holiday reflections
I woke up early on Christmas Day, put on a pot of coffee, and slipped into my fuzzy slippers. As I sipped my coffee my two beautiful, yet bleary eyed daughters stumbled into the living room rubbing their eyes. They quickly ripped the paper off the various shaped boxes while squealing with delight, giggling through multiple thank you's and providing spontaneous hugs.
As we sat among the sea of paper reindeers, scotch tape and torn shirt boxes, my husband instructed the girls and I to line up on the couch and close our eyes. After what seemed an eternity we were handed small square packages and told to open them all at the same time. Our efforts revealed a personalized scrapbook chronicling vacations, friends, family and accomplishments.
Since I am sentimental enough to cry during a sappy dog food commercial, this event prompted me to dissolve into a blubbering mess. Through tear filled eyes I turned each precious page and savored the moments of my life that are now part of my own personal history. The pictures not only reminded me of what has occurred in my life, but more importantly how truly blessed I have been. Each moment I have been granted in this life is precious.
As the New Year unfolds I pray that each of you will look for opportunities to see how to make the most of each precious moment waiting for you in 2010.
Blogger: Jeff Burnett, Director of Admissions
Date: 1/4/2010
2010: Making a Difference
Over the holiday break, my wife and I had a date night and watched "The Blind Side" movie starring Sandra Bullock. It's an inspirational tale of a Christian family who takes in a down-on-his-luck teenager. They provide his basic needs (shelter, food, clothing) while helping him improve in academics and sports. It receives 4.5 out of 5 stars from this reviewer!
It reminds me to be looking for opportunities to help others in 2010. Too often, I am selfish in thinking about my own family's needs instead of our Christian duty to reach out. While I am not one to have a long list of new year's resolutions, this is a major new goal for me.
May God bless you, your loved ones, and others the Lord brings our way this year -- in whom we can make a difference.
Blogger: Charity Fahlstrom, Admissions
Date: 1/4/2010
A Conversation with John Ashcroft
Linked below you will find an Invitation and Itinerary to an upcoming event that we are privileged to offer to our Evangel Administration, Faculty and Organizational Leadership community - A Conversation with Hon. John Ashcroft: Perspectives on Leadership, at 6:45 pm on the evening of Tuesday, January 5, in the Barnett Recital Hall.
We look forward to having each of you join us for this wonderful evening.
Please contact our Graduate Studies office by January 4 to reserve your seat!
Thank you and GOD BLESS!
Invitation (pdf)
Blogger: Charity Fahlstrom, Admissions
Date: 12/17/2009
January start
I can hardly believe that in 4 days, I will be on Christmas vacation and when I get back to work, it will be January 2010!! My, how time flies.
Classes start January 13 so grad students, this means your classes will either start on Thursday the 14th or Tuesday, the 19th. We don't have class on the 18th--it's Martin Luther King Jr. Day. So this means all grad students have approximately 4 weeks to get academically and financially registered, buy books and prepare for class! If you have any questions about registration, contact Deb Gehris in the Graduate Studies office. She is a great asset and will be able to assist you :)
If I don't talk to you before next week, have a blessed Christmas and we'll see you next year!