Bad news about Christian higher education is the norm these days, but 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. Even faculty who had held tenure were abruptly cornerstoned. I’m told the firings were done via Zoom meetings, and that the terminated faculty were given a semester’s pay severance.
Social media is all abuzz over the situation. John Fea has posted an unvarnished critique. Madalyn Buursma’s interview with CU administrators aired June 18 on Grand Rapids WoodTV8. Now Fea has responded to the dubious comments of CU administrators in Buursma’s interview. The beat goes on.
What led to this debacle?
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Go here for previous posts in our series on the current state of evangelical theological education, including developments at Cornerstone University and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.
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What’s in a name?
What is now Cornerstone University began in 1942 as an evening Bible training school at Wealthy Street Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. This evening school developed into Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary, Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College and Seminary, and eventually Cornerstone University and Cornerstone Theological Seminary, to mention only some of the changes. Whether one applauds all these developments or not, one could argue that all of them reflected a healthy trajectory that was consistent with the school’s historic identity, values, and mission. That argument can’t be made for demolishing the university’s entire school of humanities.
Worldview has figured largely through all these name changes, reflecting a shift in thinking to expand the curriculum beyond training for Christian ministry into training in liberal arts as a foundation for wider vocations as well as ministry. All this is consistent with a reformed worldview like that expressed by Abraham Kuyper in 1880:
“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!”
Inaugural address at the dedication of a Christian University in the Netherlands. Found in Abraham Kuyper: A Centennial Reader, ed. James D. Bratt (Eerdmans, 1998), 488.
Kuyper’s striking words are based in the New Testament:
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
Saint Paul, 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV
Cornerstone’s long trip has now taken a strange turn—a Bible Institute turns into a liberal arts college and seminary which turns into a university with no full-time faculty in the humanities. What’s up with that?
One alum of the seminary responded to the jettisoning of the humanities faculty by saying “Welcome to the East Beltline Trade and Vocational School.” Sarcasm aside, at this point any CU stakeholder who thinks in terms of worldview has to wonder about the school’s values, identity, and mission—let alone its theological mooring. How can CU implement and embody its commendable worldview statement with no full-time faculty to articulate and apply Christ’s teaching to human history, philosophy, literature, and music? Adjunct prof’s may do their best, but their work will inevitably be inferior to that of career professionals in those fields.
Pragmatism
These days universities pride themselves in being “nimble”—administrative jargon which describes their ability to quickly start trendy programs and abruptly purge less popular programs and the faculty who serve the programs. In fact, Cornerstone President Moreno-Riaño was previously involved in a similar faculty purge when he was a dean at Regent University. Euphemisms like “curriculum refinement,” “faculty reallocation,” and “market alignment” describe the chase for more students and their dollars. According to state officials, humanities programs are in decline in state-funded universities all over Michigan. Should Christian universities succumb to this worldly trend?
Why did CU abruptly terminate eight faculty members, revoking the contracts they had just signed for the 2024-25 school year? The CU documents sourced by John Fea in the articles cited above show that it’s all about money. Quality programs in the liberal arts are not cash cows. Students are looking for programs in vocational disciplines where they can make more bucks after graduation. I don’t necessarily fault them for that, but someone has to be the educational adult who grounds students in a Christian worldview that will help them navigate the stormy waters ahead in their career voyage.
The Iron Triangle of education visualizes the quandary CU and other universities face. They’d all like to recruit more students to better programs at lower costs. But in tough times reality bites so they compromise. In the future CU will try to attract more students to cheaper programs that dangle lucrative careers before their students. CU has decided that terminating an entire school of the university faculty and replacing them with good folks looking for a side hustle is a small price to pay in order to achieve their growth-oriented goals.
Reality
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.
If the students who came to CU to study with the dismissed humanities faculty actually stick around, they will experience “teach-outs”—hastily gerrymandered programs facilitated by adjunct professors who will receive a small stipend for stepping into the mess.
As far as the seminary goes, it now has only four full-time faculty. It’s new part-time dean is already focused on administrative and teaching duties in the undergraduate program. This is not a plan for stability, let alone growth. Look for the seminary, with roots reaching back 82 years, to fade away and be absorbed into CU’s graduate schools.
The “generous settlement” the humanities faculty received only weeks after signing contracts for the 2024-2025 academic year will apparently run out in December 2024, leaving eight faithful servants of Christ with no chance of securing new full-time academic appointments until September 2025.
The CU board of trustees endorses this inhumane treatment of its humanities professors. Meanwhile, Cornerstone touts huge increases in enrollment and the president receives a 50% raise in salary. If you find that difficult to believe, just google CU’s publicly available form 990 for 501(c)3 non-profit organizations.
The cornerstone seems to be cracking.
Please leave only substantive, constructive comments below.
•••••••
“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6)
A friend pointed me to this song by Zoe Speaks: “If money’s our God, I want a new religion”
Gary T Meadors says
It is striking on the financial report that contributions are only 12% of budget while tuition income is 87%. Christian schools without mega endowments are dependent upon active and successful development departments. I have to assume that the school has/is failing to connect with their constituency, which is now becoming a former constituency. A development department can hardly present a trade/vocational school as a “Christian University.”
If the Board wanted to go this direction, they could have done it over a couple of years with a clearly announced shift in mission, a well planned and humane transition that avoided this present distress.
David Turner says
Instability seems inevitable when upwards of 90% of the funds to run the school come from tuition. This puts an unbearable load on the student recruitment department. It must be very difficult to make the Cornerstone case to the people with deep pockets.
David Sims says
It is a grievous thing to see the de-morphing of what was a solid source of life and ministry prep. Some suggest it is a way to purge dystheological elements in one fell-swoop…with an eye to restaffing in coordinated theological integrity and symbiosis. Time will tell. Regardless, the financial tail leading the dog will leave a trail of shards very difficult to glue back together with strength and endurance.
David Turner says
Good to hear from you David.
I differ from those who think this is about theological integrity. But even if that were true, it doesn’t justify the repeated ethical breaches we have seen at CU.
David Turner says
PS David, as an alum of the school, voice your concerns to the board of trustees: https://www.cornerstone.edu/about/board-of-trustees/
Joel Shaffer says
If memory serves me correctly, questionable ethics have previously been a part of Cornerstone’s executive history. Administrators, faculty, and even students have not been treated in a Christ-like way.
David Turner says
Good to hear from you Joel. Long time.
I wish I could argue against what you’ve said, but that would be futile. I’ve experienced it myself.
What’s past is past, and all of us will have a reckoning one day. The question is whether there’s any hope the future will be different at CU.
Steve D says
Every organization has at its core the driving need to survive and grow. People are sacrificed on the road to growth. Road kill. But Christian organizations shouldn’t act this way. They hired the people. Unless the school would otherwise go bankrupt immediately, these firings are precisely about making more money and not about austerity.
Solid CEOS need to be paid well. But the timing is disgusting. How can a university not have a humanities school? How can one be “educated” without humanities?
I am forever grateful for the life changing education I received at GRTS and it has helped me be a better Christian and minister of the Gospel. My education was most impacted by full time Seminary faculty. Why hollow out the institution for a larger balance sheet of “worship experience facilitator” and soundboard technician degrees?
The trustees really blew it here. And churches will pay for it. CU and GRTS were special. Now they are just like everyone else. I’m very sad. I pray I’m wrong.
David Turner says
“Christian organizations shouldn’t act this way.”
Thanks, that’s the whole point in a nutshell.
As an alum, voice your concerns to the board: https://www.cornerstone.edu/about/board-of-trustees/
David Smith says
If the reason to have a Christian University at all is to help young people acquire learning in various disciplines all within the context of a solid and well informed distinctively Christian world view, then the neglect of that foundational context leaves the university little more than a “vocational and trade school.” That, I think, is what a curriculum of humanities is all about.
David Turner says
I think you’re right on David.
To be clear, it is fair to say that there is “neglect of that foundational context” at CU because, based on what little information CU has made available,
(1) All but one of the full-time tenure track or tenured professors in the humanities school has had their signed contract revoked.
(2) Students who are taking degrees in the humanities school, if they choose to stay at CU, will opt for either (1) a “teach-out” by adjunct instructors in their chosen curriculum or for (2) a newly amalgamated interdisciplinary degree.
(3) General education requirements in the humanities will be staffed by “one off” adjunct instructors instead of the tenured and tenure track faculty whose signed contracts have been revoked.
To speak bluntly in terms I heard growing up in Appalachia, the humanities have been farmed out to hired hands.
80sCUalum says
I’m an alum, and an English major at that. This is distressing but the school has been a profound disappointment for some time. As a recent example, at the 2023 homecoming weekend, the school brought in right wing grifter Eric Metaxas to campus. Cornerstone has been going heavy on culture war evangelicalism for a while. The decision to import Dr. Moreno-Riano from Pat Robertson’s campus rests with the current board. And they need to take some accountability for his abysmal leadership since he arrived in Grand Rapids. It was not that long ago that the majority of the faculty gave him a no-confidence vote. We should have listened to them.
David Turner says
Thanks for the comment.
Re “right wing grifters,” epithets are not arguments. CU should be a forum where responsible spokespersons from both the left and the right (not to mention the center) can exchange their views vigorously and respectfully under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, whose teaching norms everyone.
As an alum, voice your concerns to the board: https://www.cornerstone.edu/about/board-of-trustees/
Lost student says
It is rather surprising and sad about what’s happening. But the administration has been “bad” for awhile. When I was here about 7 years ago, they never sent me my diploma! When I contacted them, I was persistent for years, even stopped by campus a few times. But I moved cross country and all I got was “Oh it’s shipped, you must have something outstanding.” But that wasn’t true! Now $55k+ in debt, living out of a car – the degree doesn’t seem to have helped much. But what do I know, “I’m just a kid”.
When I was there select professors and peers were great, I don’t know if that’s enough to call the entire school great.
David Turner says
Sorry to hear of your diploma experience.
As a human imager of God through Jesus, you’re not just a kid. I pray you will be back on your feet soon.
As an alum, voice your concerns to the board: https://www.cornerstone.edu/about/board-of-trustees/
Eldon Grubb says
As a former student of yours at Grace in Winona Lake, I agree with your take on this.
I majored in Sociology at Grace College, by following advice that it would go well with theology and ministry training in the seminary. The classic point about the only two things that are eternal—God’s Word and people. And we need to know both well.
By the way David, where in Ohio were you from? I am from the Mansfield area.
David Turner says
Hi Eldon,
Amen, we need to know both well.
I’m from Chillicothe, the first capital of the great state of Ohio in 1803. Go Bucks! O-H . . .
James Fryling says
I gave the university notice last August that this past academic year would be my last after teaching chemistry there for 27 years. This was before any of the current developments, though after the faculty vote of no confidence in our new president (a vote in which I abstained.) My heart grieves over what has been happening over the last year that has now led to the current situation. I have seen the faculty be completely disenfranchised and excluded from any significant decision-making.
Some data points/observations:
1. During the last academic year the full faculty only had two meetings, other than required “Christian Worldview” training meetings of all faculty and staff. In those meetings information was presented to the faculty on decisions that had been made without discussion among the faculty.
2. One faculty meeting was 15 minutes long and conducted with each school. That meeting was essentially a rebuke telling faculty they must not discuss their concerns in their classrooms.
3. Faculty are now required to have in every course syllabus lessons where Christian Worldview is incorporated in the lesson. While this might make sense in many courses, imagine trying to force this into General Chemistry. The purpose behind this requirement was for show, so that Cornerstone can use the published syllabi to make the case that Christian Worldview is a part of everything we do. The whole concept of what-is-taught vs what-is-caught was not considered.
4. For purely financial/enrollment reasons there is a STRONG push toward online learning and moving as many classes as possible online. But many faculty view online courses as problematic since it is nearly impossible to have a significant impact on a student’s walk with God without seeing them face-to-face. This is perhaps the most significant change Cornerstone has undergone—changing our focus from helping our students grow as followers of Christ vs helping them to have successful careers. This change alone makes me glad I left when I did.
5. The faculty contracts that were signed by the faculty this year were tendered very late—the administration insisted that the contracts be based on a new faculty handbook that wasn’t approved by the board until late April or early May. While the old faculty handbook protected tenured faculty from termination (except for cause), the new handbook emphasized that all employees were at-will. This change is what made it easy for the administration to fire the tenured faculty members.
I hold no ill will toward Cornerstone–I had a very fulfilling ministry there for a long time. But I am sad for the direction I see it going and anticipate that there will be some very tough times ahead. Pray!
David Turner says
Jim, thanks so much for your comments.
Coming from someone with your history, these words ought to weigh heavily on those charged with shepherding Cornerstone University.
Pray indeed!
Benjamin A Murray says
I am grieved by this, and by the folks invited to the “wisdom” events. The downturn of CU in the last 5-6 years has been hard to watch, but to see the acceleration over these last 3 years is the hardest.
When Cornerstone started gutting the athletics programs in 2018, it was hard to watch. Now it seems like the university is trying to rip the soul out of the university. Change is necessary over time. I can understand that. But to abruptly cut programs after contracts are signed is cruel.
David Turner says
Thanks Ben.
Human wisdom comes only when current thought, whether from the left or the right, is subjected to transcendent wisdom emanating from the cross. 1 Cor 1.
As an alum, voice your concerns to the board: https://www.cornerstone.edu/about/board-of-trustees/
Jeremy Gordon Grinnell says
Has anyone done an intersection of the names of the fired faculty with the faculty who supported the vote-of-no-confidence in 2022? That would be interesting. I know of other faculty who have fallen victim to vendetta firing at CU in recent years.
David Turner says
Thanks Jeremy, good to hear from you.
There are many in Grand Rapids who share this very concern.
As an alum, voice your concerns to the board: https://www.cornerstone.edu/about/board-of-trustees/
Jim Huber says
I did not go to undergrad school at Cornerstone, and my seminary degree was a while ago (2013). However, from my 30 years in K-12 education, I do know that it has been become more common to see administrative leaders come and try to “stomp out” differing viewpoints, so they can implement their vision. I saw it during my time in K-12 administration, and I know that Christian schools are not immune.
It is good to hear from you, Jeremy. I had Systematic Theology II with you in 2011, it was a great class. Hello also to you David-praying both of you are well.
Jim Huber (MA 2013)
Tom Wilson says
David,
I couldn’t agree more with the contents of your article. I recvd both my Bachelors and Masters from CU, 2012 and 2021 respectively. Throughout my entire journey, every paper we wrote had to be accompanied by a Christian Worldview. I was extremely happy at the time to receive a Christian education that prepared me for the business world. When I first heard this news I was in disbelief. I believe this posturing and the actions CU has taken are nothing more than how the secular business world functions, sans morals ethics and principles. My prayers and condolences go out to the professors and faculty who were targeted in this action.
David Turner says
Thanks for your comments Tom.
You’re not the first to compare CU’s recent actions to worldly “realpolitik.” Remember what Jesus said in Matt 20 about “that’s how the Gentiles do it but not so among you”?
As an alum, voice your concerns to the board: https://www.cornerstone.edu/about/board-of-trustees/
Seth V. says
I appreciate how you take most of the emotion out of your analysis and go right for the facts of the matter. And you seem to be well connected with good insight into the situation at CU. As an alum it upset me a lot when other former alums put together a petition after the first round of faculty departures a few years ago. It was obvious they didn’t actually know what was happening on campus and claimed to speak for the students even though none of those who signed the petition were current students.
It is hard to watch a university I love so much and that gave me so much go through all of this. Cornerstone never seemed to have a great relationship with it’s alumni and that has always baffled me.
David Turner says
Thanks Seth. I’m not trying to vent my spleen against anyone at CU. I’m writing to inform, mainly for pastors and for the CU/GRTS alumni/ae whose tuition $$ paid most of my salary for 32 years.
I agree with you about the lack of ongoing relationship between CU and its alumni/ae. I’m speaking from the standpoint of my time at GRBS/GRTS. The learning community that begins to develop when students matriculate should continue after they graduate. This is hard enough with residential programs but seems much more difficult with online programs.
As an alum, I hope you voice your concerns to the board: https://www.cornerstone.edu/about/board-of-trustees/
Anonymous says
The attached came across my Facebook feed shortly after reading your post. You can add it to the others you have already noted. https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2024/06/concordia-university-to-shut-down-majority-of-on-campus-academic-programs-after-2024-25.html?utm_campaign=aanews_sf&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2tC53zAph6kRk8bae1HFp1siI7j74ujLmlBsYT8eeLVT6DKWoJApL51hA_aem_d7xXkVjKQd9kH3C1A2Nkqg
Jeff Goins
David Turner says
Thanks for this info Jeff. It underlines what we already know, that these are tough days for higher education, especially for Christian colleges.