26 Apr New Studio Art Center Dedicated at HU

The new 2D studio art center building.

The interior of the new studio art center building.

The Studio Art Center. The 3D facility is on the left, the new 2D building on the right.

The Huntington University art students now have a place to call their own, as the Studio Art Center was formally dedicated on April 22. The new building was fully funded through gifts to the university.

The Studio Art Center consists of two facilities for 2D and 3D art. A new 3,000-square-foot building completed this spring adjacent to the existing annex is used for ceramics, sculpture, and 3D design. It also houses the woodshop. The new building features a large studio space for drawing and painting, and a photography light studio.

19 Apr Michael Cook Joins Graduate Counseling Program

Beginning in June, Dr. Michael Cook (right) will transition into his role as associate professor for Huntington University’s graduate counseling program. Cook currently serves as director of the graduate ministry program (the pastoral track), which will be phased out at the end of August.

Prior to coming to Huntington, Cook chaired the Christian ministries department at Taylor University Fort Wayne, where he worked for 12 years. He developed the Bachelor of Science degree in counseling program at TUFW and a number of new courses.

Cook is a licensed marriage and family therapist and internationally board certified professional Christian counselor. He served as the counseling pastor at First Missionary Church in Fort Wayne for four years, and has worked in other churches and counseling centers as a clinic director, staff counselor, research consultant, youth pastor, and associate pastor.

“Mike brings a wealth of theological and clinical training and experience to the program,” said Dr. Jerry Davis (right), director of the graduate counseling program. “In addition to teaching some core courses, Mike will head up our nine credit hours in spiritual formation and direction. We are excited to have him on board.”

16 Apr HU Group, Aperture, Goes to Japan

Members of Aperture with some Japanese kids.

The Huntington University worship ensemble, Aperture, traveled to Japan March 6-21 for a spring break mission trip.

Advised by Marvin McNew Jr., Aperture consists of Jessica Bauman, synth and vocals, from Japan; Kris Burgess, electric guitar, from Williamsburg, Ohio; Josh Dirnberger, acoustic guitar and vocals, from Sioux Falls, S.D.; Zach Reuter, drums, from South Whitley, Ind.; Justin Siemens, bass guitar, from Brandon, S.D.; Tyler Skinner, electric guitar, from Rensselaer, Ind.; and Laura Stuckey, keyboard and vocals, from West Lafayette, Ohio.

The group led musical worship at various events, including youth events, churches and international schools in Tokyo, and at the Asian Access mission retreat in Karuizawa, Japan.

12 Apr HU Offers EXCEL Degree in Christian Ministry

For those who weren’t called into ministry immediately out of high school, transitioning to such a position later in life can be a challenge. Huntington University’s EXCEL Adult Degree Programs is helping meet that challenge with one of its newest programs–an Associate of Arts degree in Christian Ministry.

“There are more and more people called to ministry leadership roles later in life,” said Dr. Luke Fetters (right), associate professor of Ministry & Missions. “These people often find themselves in staff positions or even as pastors of local churches, and they feel inadequately prepared.”

The Associate of Arts in Christian ministry program offers the opportunity to develop and strengthen skills necessary to successfully practice ministry—-all in a convenient one-night-a-week format.

In addition to those serving in fulltime ministry, the program also is a valuable resource for those who desire to become more effective volunteers in ministry.

The EXCEL professors have expertise not only in ministry but also in adult learning. Fetters, the 2009 EXCEL Professor of the Year, has a doctorate in adult and community learning. In addition, two other professors who teach in the program–Dr. Karen Jones and Ruth Ann Price–also have experience and education in adult learning.

Students can begin classes toward the Associate of Arts in Christian ministry degree on September 8 on the university’s main campus in Huntington, Ind. Classes will run 6-10 p.m. one night per week. For more information, log on to the EXCEL website, e-mail the staff, or call (800) 600-4888.