(Danville, CA) Olivet University faculty and administrative leadership gathered from East and West coasts for its annual leadership retreat on August 4-5. The retreat provided an opportunity for leaders from various levels of the University to fellowship and to prepare for the upcoming school year.
The first day of the two-day retreat was opened with worship led by Dean of Jubilee College of Music Dr. Merril Smoak, and a devotion by Dean of the Zinzendorf School of Doctoral Studies Dr. Donald Tinder.
President Dr. Tracy Davis then shared her remarks, emphasizing that 2014 marked a seminal year for the University, and the 10th annual leadership retreat. Notably, Olivet’s Strategic Plan emphasized five “Annual Priorities” driving execution of Olivet’s institutional goals and mission since 2004-05, developed using findings from Olivet’s SWOT activities described in planning materials:
1. Increasing enrollment;
2. Expanding the level and sources of funding;
3. Increasing quality of programs;
4. Increasing quality & quantity of student services; and
5. Streamlining the assessment and strategic planning process
She reflected that during this time, the school has seen tremendous growth, particularly achievements in all of these important goals areas, as well as the University’s various colleges. She also described the leadership retreat as providing a key opportunity for the Olivet community to take stock, identify needed mid-course corrections, and chart a course for the long-run future with the development of Olivet’s upcoming Strategic Plan.
Following her remarks, reports and reflections were presented by representatives of various University leaders. Administrative and Academic reports were given by Dean of Administration Dr. Nathanael Tran and Academic Dean Dr. Christy Tran. Matthias Gebhardt, dean of Olivet Theological College & Seminary, also presented about his vision for the college.
In addition to providing opportunities for spiritual refreshment and fellowship, this year’s leadership retreat was designed to strengthen leaders’ with exceptional professional development. Special guest Martin Zhao, who is currently a PhD candidate at Florida State University in the field of Instructional Design and Technology, provided two presentations to sharpen leaders’ competency in the area of online learning technologies. The first day he delivered an in-depth presentation about learning theory, followed by a discussion the second day about the various technologies and teaching and assessment methods that can be applied in an online learning environment. Of special interest was a graph presented showing the continued adoption of online teaching by U.S. universities.
According to tradition, the day’s formal activities concluded with a grace-filled 30-minute prayer meeting led by Dr. William Wagner.
The second day of retreat was marked by the unveiling of three new institutes of Olivet University: the Institute for Global Strategic Studies, directed by former University President Dr. William Wagner; the Institute for Islamic Studies directed by Dr. Joseph Ray Tallman, and the Institute for Family Studies directed by Dr. Tom J. Cowley.
Dr. Wagner presented the need and his vision for an institute of global strategic studies. There are a number of other organizations that have a macro-level strategy for affecting the world, but evangelical Christians are behind compared to some of these other organizations. By gathering Christian leaders through technology and social media, he is hoping to create a marketplace of ideas that can change the world.
Dr. Tallman presented on his vision for an institute to collect resources on Islam and make them available for students. Courses on Islam could be offered as elective courses in partnership with OTCS. Interaction with Muslim culture therefore will become easier for aspiring missionaries and ministers.
Dr. Cowley concluded the institute presentations with the Faith and Family Foundation, sharing about a new website focusing on the importance of educating families with high-quality Christian resources.
Dr. Walker Tzeng shared about his work with partner organizations with Olivet University, The World Evangelical Theological Institutes Association (WETIA) and the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) IT Commission. He has been serving as the Executive Director of the WEA IT Commission for the past few months, and these responsibilities have allowed numerous Christian institutions and organizations to benefit from the technology researched at Olivet University.