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Three Huntington University faculty members have been granted promotions for the 2012-13 school year, by action of the Board of Trustees at its January 2012 meeting.
Blair and Chris Dowden with Huntington University students.
John W. Paff (right), Vice President for University Relations, Huntington University
In 1991, a 39-year-old Blair Dowden was inaugurated as the 12th president of Huntington College. He brought to the role the experience earned in a wide variety of roles in Christian higher education–from admissions counselor to vice president for advancement. His others-centered approach to leadership made him the man for the job.
“Blair’s interest has been, and continues to be, others,” said former bishop C. Ray Miller, Board of Trustees chairman emeritus. “When we first interviewed Blair Dowden, I saw him as a people-person. After 20 years, he continues to send cards and best wishes. Blair has been God’s man for HU at this time, and we have been extremely fortunate to have him stay with us for 20 years.”
Dowden came to Huntington at a key moment in its history. Most campus facilities were new, and a well-credentialed faculty was in place. But with only 614 students enrolled, Huntington struggled for name recognition and financial sustainability.
In his first report to the Board of Trustees, Dowden laid out a vision for making Huntington one of the top Christian colleges in the country. The plan called for “increased integration of Christianity in…all areas of institutional life.” Aggressive enrollment goals were based on the development of distinctive academic programs. The plan included increased financial support and greater public awareness of what Huntington had to offer.
This vision was not about building an institution, but rather about equipping students to change the world.
“Our goal will be to develop graduates who are not merely credentialed individuals, acceptable for graduate school or employment, but lifelong learners and servant-leaders — individuals who can impact our world, solve problems and be peacemakers,” Dowden said. “This will allow us to truly say that we send students forth from Huntington … as redemptive agents to impact our needy and changing world.”
After 20 years at the helm, Dowden’s presidency is still characterized by these same hallmarks: faith integration, enrollment growth, academic innovation, philanthropic support, name recognition and a resolute focus on student outcomes.
“One of the things I’ve most appreciated about Dr. Dowden is his firm commitment to HU’s emphasis on integrating faith and learning. This is critical to our mission, and he is a strong advocate for it,” said Dr. Dwight Brautigam, professor of history.
As Huntington continued to emphasize its Christ-centered mission, enrollment grew to 1,278 by 2010. New academic programs were developed for adult students, graduate students and traditional undergraduates.
“One thing that has always impressed me about President Dowden is his ability to cultivate a ‘can do’ atmosphere where we as faculty feel empowered to dream big about academic programs,” said associate professor Dr. Lance Clark. “Without his leadership, the digital media arts program would never have seen the light of day. I’m so grateful he was willing to take the risk. Our students are now impacting the world of film and animation in new and exciting ways for the Kingdom of God.” The DMA program now enrolls more than 100 students, comparable to traditionally popular majors in education and business.
“I have especially appreciated Blair Dowden’s collaborative leadership style which has not only emphasized teamwork and cooperation, but also innovation,” said Dr. Norris Friesen, senior vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “At times, we had to scramble to put the infrastructure in place to handle the changes, but each change has helped us to accomplish our goals and ultimately our mission.”
Despite Huntington’s many successes, Dowden is quick to divert the spotlight from himself to others. For two decades, Dowden has modeled an others-centered approach to leadership.
“Blair Dowden is an excellent example of servant leadership,” observed Board chair Kelly Savage. “His focus is to serve Christ first and others second. Because his focus is on service to the Lord, Blair seeks excellence in all aspects of Huntington University. Under his leadership, the student body has not only grown in numbers, but spiritually and academically, as well.”
Dr. Chaney Bergdall with students.
Nick Kight, a senior at Huntington University
Posted January 2012
Preach, teach, minister. The significance of these words constantly resonates with Dr. Chaney Bergdall. Even though he plans to retire at the end of the school year, he says he will never retire from his life calling — as a teacher and minister of the Gospel.
“I turn 65 next summer,” said Bergdall, professor of Bible and religion at Huntington University. “My wife and I would like to take this time to move closer to my son, daughter-in-law and our granddaughter. I’m looking forward to the move.”
It was 36 years ago when Bergdall joined the faculty. The position fulfilled his lifelong passion to preach and teach.
“I saw my coming here as a way that I could give back to the United Brethren Church. It was another way for me to serve which led me to accept the position,” he said.
Since arriving in 1975, Bergdall has enjoyed observing what happens in the lives of his students during their college years and will miss the interactions he has with them on a daily basis.
“I have fond memories of seeing students grow and watching them latch onto new thoughts about the Bible and the Christian life,” he said.
Over his years at HU, Bergdall has taught countless numbers of students — all of them appreciative of the knowledge they have gained under his direction.
“Nothing shone through more clearly in my classes with him than how much he loved what he was teaching and the desire he had to impart the beauty of that knowledge to his students,” said Peter Owens, a 2010 Bible and religion graduate. “It was the way he gave us the information that inspired us to work hard for him.”
As a current seminary student, Greg Casserino, a 2011 youth ministry and Bible and religion graduate, more than ever appreciates the constant encouragement he received from Bergdall to dig deeper and to put forth more diligence in his course work during his undergraduate career.
“I look back upon Dr. Bergdall’s classes with much respect and appreciation,” he said. “Dr. Bergdall’s well-articulated processes for digesting scripture have prepared me to encounter the rigorous coursework that is before me. I will be forever indebted to Dr. Bergdall for the countless ways which collectively worked together to shape me into a deeper man of God.”
Bergdall’s impact has stretched to the faculty, as well. He has become known among his colleagues as a “conscience” in tough times.
“Through conflicts and disagreements, Chaney stood bravely amid the harsh words and meanness that abounded at times,” said Jim O’Donnell, Luke J. Peters Professor of Business. “He spoke truth even when it was uncomfortable for him to do so. It’s no wonder he was, again and again, chosen to serve on the Faculty Concerns Committee and so often to be its chair. He was the spokesperson for the faculty, speaking sense, grace and truth.”
And as May 12, 2012, approaches, Bergdall remains excited as he starts a new chapter in his life. Once he and his wife, Patricia, get settled in Goshen, Ind., Bergdall hopes to continue being active in some way to give expression to his life calling.
“I’m a teacher and minister of the Gospel,” he said. “I’ll never retire from that.”
Huntington University is making a variety of cuts to close a $1.5 million dollar budget deficit. President G. Blair Dowden explained, “Our enrollment this fall did not meet the target that we had in our budget.”
According to the student newspaper, the Huntingtonian, the cuts affect 14 staff positions–$250,000 in faculty cuts, and $350,000 in cuts to administrative staff. Other cutbacks don’t involve personnel. All personnel changes will take effect in May 2012, at the end of the academic year.
Cassie Screeton
Nick Kight, Huntington University Class of 2012
Cassie Screeton sat at her computer looking for companies seeking applicants. It had been a tedious process, and graduation was drawing near.
After spending a few hours perusing various websites, Screeton found a not-for-profit organization seeking a graduate intern to assist in donor relations. Three days after her interview, she was offered the position. For the course of the 2011 year, Screeton was all football, all the time.
In her position, Screeton, a 2011 economics and finance graduate with a minor in public relations, assists in overseeing 125 donor relationships who pledged to invest money in the 2012 Super Bowl Host Committee in Indianapolis. So far, Screeton has helped to plan and organize a large donor breakfast, has worked with different committees of volunteers, and has written the weekly donor update newsletter.
“My résumé listed my experience interning with the Huntington County Community Foundation,” she said. “I previously worked with donors for them, and the committee saw that, and I think I just happened to be who they needed.”
The Huntington University Board of Trustees approved a modest 2.5% increase in undergraduate tuition and fees for the 2012-13 school year.
The tuition cost is well under the 2011 national average of $28,500 for private college education, as determined by the College Board.
In the adult and graduate programs, the board approved increased of $8 to $11 per credit hour. The new per-credit-hour rates are:
“We want to keep college affordable for students and their families,” said Tom Ayers (right), executive vice president for operations and treasurer. “We also offer innovative financial assistance programs, such as the loan repayment program, to help reduce anxiety among students and their families over costs when considering a private school education. We understand the financial pressures families are under and want to provide them with more value for their dollar.”
Approximately 90 percent of Huntington University students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study assistance. All incoming freshmen are also eligible for the loan repayment program which provides assistance to students after they graduate. The loan repayment program covers all or a portion of a student’s loan up to a certain threshold.
The Fandana music festival returns for the second year in a row on August 10-11, 2012. If your church is within driving distance of Huntington University, you might consider bringing your youth. And adults and families would enjoy the evening concerts outside in the grass. The evening crowds last summer, at the inaugural Fandana Festival, included adults of all ages, plus numerous youngsters.
Huntington University’s hit music festival will feature Christian recording artist Chris Tomlin and more than 50 bands on multiple stages.
Whether you’re into rock, pop, or praise and worship, there’s something for the whole family, including kid-friendly activities, a national talent search, and an on-campus film festival.
Tickets will be available this spring. You can also read reports about the 2011 Fandana here and here.
Andrew Martin
Nick Kight, Huntington University Class of ’12
Posted January 2012
As a young boy, Andrew Martin grew up watching “VeggieTales.” Who would have known the lessons taught by Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber would one day leave an impression both morally and occupationally on him.
Early on, he wondered how these movies were made and how the characters were brought to life. He did some research and taught himself the mechanics and functionality of computers. His studies at Huntington University as an animation and computer science major then gave him the technical skills and the means to succeed in the field.
Now, he works at DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. as a technician resource administrator, also known as a render wrangler. Animators send him their animations, and Martin, alongside the rest of the DreamWorks staff, brings those characters to the big screen through a system made up of thousands of computers.
“I love a good story so I decided to take my passions and apply them toward my career goals,” said Martin, a 2011 HU graduate. “So far, I’d say animation has been a good fit for me. I’ve been told I’m going to start working on DreamWorks Animation’s next film, ‘Madagascar 3.’ I think reality will set in once I go to a theater and see my name in the credits.”
Back in June, Martin found the position while browsing through different studio websites. He applied for the job, and then, all he could do was wait.
“I didn’t end up hearing anything until August when I learned my professor sent DreamWorks a recommendation on my behalf,” he said. “He had a contact who worked there and helped me get my foot in the door.”
Three weeks later, they asked him to pack his bags and move out to California. And had it not been for the networking with professors, preparation from the HU animation department and the opportunity to conduct his own independent study on render management, Martin does not think he would have landed the position at DreamWorks.
“My professors made sure I was on the right track,” he said. “My computer science classes taught me the specifics of computers and how to utilize those to their full capacity in the animation studio.”
During his first day of work, Martin realized the DreamWorks position is the dream job he always wanted.
“The fringe benefits are amazing, the animation process is a collaborative effort, people eat their lunch together and it’s a light-hearted environment,” he said. “I’m going to be spoiled by this.”
A mini-campaign to build a new Huntington University track and soccer field is well under way, with $150,000 in donations from leaders at the university. During the past few years, the track and soccer programs have grown to include more than 125 student athletes, creating a need for updated facilities.
The mini-campaign was launched in early December as a subset of the $21 million Together: The Campaign for Huntington University, and received a strong kickoff with gifts from the university’s senior leaders, capital campaign committee members, and trustees.
In addition, Forester athletes will conduct a Phonathon during the week of January 9 to draw support for the campaign. Donors may “buy” a meter of the track for $185, or a square yard of the soccer field for $70.
To learn more about Huntington University’s Track/Soccer Field mini-campaign or to become a partner in the project, visit huntington.edu/advancement.
Each year, on-campus and cross-cultural experiences during the January term challenge Huntington University students beyond typical classroom instruction. Next month:
These are just some of the many options offered to students this year.
The purpose of the January term, or Jterm, is to encourage creative imagination and independent inquiry. Jterm frees both student and faculty from demands of other courses and programs, providing opportunities for uninterrupted and intensive investigation.
“My hope is that the students, through their service, learn more about themselves, their passions, strengths and weaknesses, and grow closer in their relationship with God,” said Varun Kaushik, from the Technology Services department, who is leading the India trip.
Students are required to participate in three out of the four Jterms during their time at HU. In addition to off-campus study and service trips, a variety of on-campus classes are offered. Topics range from illustrating children’s literature to exploring iPhone application development.
“This experience is a life changer,” Dr. Bill Bordeaux (right), professor of chemistry, said about a class that he is leading on outdoor environmental education at Camp Michindoh in Hillsdale, Mich. “Students find out a lot about themselves and forge strong attachments within the group. It’s an incredible–and exhausting–experience.”
