This post features the detailed, candid analysis of Pastor Lee Kliewer (with his permission). CSU constituents who want to better understand what happened to their school will do well to read Kliewer’s discussion. It serves as a cautionary tale to higher education professionals, and to all who keep abreast of the current difficulties faced by evangelical institutions of higher education. “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” (Prov 27:6 NLT)
Cornerstone Conversations Continue
This is not going away soon. Cornerstone conversations are continuing. They focus on the administration’s culture of intimidation, politically-oriented values, and market-driven strategy. As this continues, the new CU will soon bear little resemblance to the school whose historic identity and values have been embraced by faculty, staff, alumni/ae, and stakeholders since 1941.
Wendy Widder’s Daniel Commentaries
Daniel was written to encourage Israel during its exile in Babylon. That original message of encouragement still speaks powerfully to God’s pilgrim people today. Though they live in a different sort of exile, they still look forward to a city whose builder and maker is God (Heb 11:8-16). You will find no better guide to Daniel than Wendy Widder’s two volumes.
Cornerstone University Defends Firing Humanities Faculty
By all available indicators, Cornerstone University is currently doubling down on the recent ruthless firing of eight professors, including virtually the entire humanities faculty. This is only the latest example of a pattern of dictatorial leadership. Is this how CU stakeholders want their university to be governed?
Clarks Summit University is Closing the Doors
Clarks Summit University is closing the doors, having “exhausted every viable solution to bridge a significant financial gap.” This closing hits me hard, because Beverly and I have treasured memories of serving there from 1976-79. It was my first teaching post, and now, after 92 years of holding fast the faithful word, it’s done. Why should we care?
Implosion at Cornerstone University (Seminaries at the Crossroads.9)
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear that Cornerstone University has just discontinued its school of humanities, terminating six full-time faculty who served in programs related to history, literature, philosophy, languages, linguistics, music, and theology. At the seminary, the dean and a theology professor were also terminated. Euphemistic administrator-speak aside, CU has chosen to reduce quality and expenses in order to attract more students to cheaper, trendier vocational programs. These students will get what they paid for, but they won’t get a quality education in the disciplines that help them develop Christian values for their careers.