By Colby Roach
Staff Writer
Last week Bryan College President Stephen Livesay was interviewed about his new years outlook.
For the upcoming year, Livesay noted that the applications and admittances are on a record pace for any year at the school. “We already have more applications for next year than we had for the entire year last year.
Livesay said, “The truly exciting note is that these are strong prospective students academically and spiritually.”
The President is anticipating that this semester will be one of the better semesters that Bryan College will have.
The college announced late in the term last fall the Bryan Difference Maker. Giving the students an incentive to work hard in classes with the chance to have their Masters program paid for by the school.
Livesay said, “We have already hired some outstanding new faculty for next year and anticipate several more to be hired this spring.”
When asked about his three-year plan for the College, the President mentioned new majors that the school is trying to establish. “I anticipate that we will launch our new engineering degree with foci in electrical, computer science, and mechanical options.”
Livesay said, “I also anticipate the development of our accounting program to include a 150 hour curriculum to enable our students to sit for their CPA credential.”
Livesay added, “We need new athletic facilities and I anticipate that we will be able to enlarge our current gymnasium and do the requisite planning for putting a track on campus. I would like to see the development of two new athletic programs within the next three to five years.”
From time spent with the President exuded excitement and ended the interview with this quote: “To God belongs all the glory for what he has done through our faculty, staff, and students through the years.”
For complete details about the Q&A see below.
Q&A
During the start of the new year President Stephen Livesay was interviewed too get his sense of his new vision for Bryan College in the upcoming year.
Interview was conducted by L.J. Rowden/ Senior Communication Major.
How do you feel about this year?
“A great year. I am impressed with the outstanding freshman class and their school spirit. The spiritual atmosphere evidences the strong desire I sense among our students to truly seek the Lord in all things that they do.”
What is your outlook of this coming year?
“Our applications, admittances and deposits are on a record pace for any year at the College. We already have more applications for next year than we had for the entire year last year! The truly exciting note is that these are strong prospective students academically and spiritually.”
What do you hope to accomplish this spring term?
“We have an exciting line up of speakers and musicians that will make this spring inspirational as well as provide unique opportunities for our campus community. The internships that will be carried out through our Center for International Development provide unique opportunities for our students that are not available at other schools. Our Community Service Day that includes our Luke 14 event designed to serve the disabled in our community will be a life-changing event for all of us.”
Looking back, what are some achievements that you feel proud about at Bryan College?
“To God belongs all the glory for what he has done through our faculty, staff, and students through the years. Our past two decennial affirmation for accreditation results (2004 and 2014) have been a great blessing and positioned the College to offer new and enhanced programs for all our students. The addition of graduate degrees and the development of our Adult and Graduate Studies programs that are administered online have widened the footprint of the College immensely. Our Dual Enrollment programs now reach over 400 students annually in many private and Christian high schools.
The Worldview Initiative continues to be a strong ministry in schools and churches and among our own students. The maturation of the programs within the Initiative is a highlight for our College. Our ACTS Project continues to develop and provide avenues of ministry for any students.
The development of our Center for International Development (CID), our Italy Semester Abroad program and the proposed Scotland and Costa Rica programs provide unparalleled opportunities for our students. We have developed some strong new athletic teams that have excelled in our Appalachian Athletic Conference.
Opening the new entrance to the College was a great blessing and step forward for our future growth.
I am perhaps most pleased with the development and quality of our chapel programs, and the spiritual vibrancy it conveys to and through the campus community.
The list is legion, and I am truly thankful for the willing hearts and hands that have brought Bryan to the exciting place the we are today.”
Ideally what would you want to have happen is fall 2016? In relation to enrollment, graduate, undergraduate programs and faculty?)
“I would love to see 680 students in our A&S program, 600 students in our AGS program, and 450 students in our Dual Enrollment program. We are working on a Master of Public Administration degree as well as several new options within our current graduate programs such as Sports Administration and Health Administration within our MBA. We have already hired some outstanding new faculty for next year, and anticipate several more to be hired this spring.
I anticipate this summer the creation of fitness and recreational opportunities for our campus including the build out of Latimer 3rd floor and the renovation of our tennis court area. Also I hope that we will be able to drastically reduce our electric bill on campus by installing solar energy panels on the roofs of our major buildings.”
What kind of plans do you have set for the school within the next three years?
“Within the next three years, I anticipate that we will launch our new engineering degree with foci in electrical, computer science and mechanical options. Also I anticipate the development of our accounting program to include a 150-hour curriculum to enable our students to sit for their CPA credential. We need new athletic facilities, and I anticipate we will be able to enlarge our current gymnasium and do the requisite planning for putting a track on campus. I would like to see the development of two new athletic programs within the next three to five years.”
What kind of plans do you have set for the school with in the next five years?
“Within the next five years, I anticipate several additional masters programs in addition to new facilities (such as additional townhouses) on campus to accommodate our growth. I anticipate that we will have our Scotland and Costa Rica programs up and running. I would love to see the further development of the Henning Museum to include a strong Creation emphasis. Through the Difference Maker Program, I anticipate having graduate students on campus to assist our faculty with research and other academic programs such as lab assistants and curators for the Museum.”
