Trustee chair talks about August board meeting

Erskine College and Theological Seminary trustees, led by incoming Board Chairman Jill Gazzaway of Davidson, N.C., gathered for the first time this academic year on August 23.

Describing the meeting as “defined by hard decisions in the ever-changing climate of higher education, but also by a board seeking both the good of Erskine and decisions pleasing to God,” Gazzaway spoke this week about the meeting’s focus.

“The board had a long and sincere discussion regarding the relationship between the Alumni Association and the Erskine Board of Trustees,” Gazzaway said.

In response to the Board of Trustees discussion, a message was sent to Erskine alumni from Alumni Board President Angie Grooms and Coordinator of Alumni Relations and Communications Andy Anderson, saying, in part, “The Alumni Board stands alongside the Board of Trustees and will seek ways to work both with the ARP Synod and the larger Erskine community.”

Also on the agenda at the meeting was the subject of intercollegiate football, and on August 24, Erskine Athletics announced that, with the board’s approval, intercollegiate football will be returning to the Erskine campus.

“We are excited about the opportunity to bring young people interested in collegiate football into a place where they will also be challenged academically in an environment that is Christ-centered,” Gazzaway said.

Expressing confidence in the leadership of Erskine President Dr. Robert Gustafson, she said the board trusts the administration’s recommendation to begin the football program, believing “it will enhance our mission and not take away from it.”

“I am thankful for the unity and wisdom displayed in the meeting on Thursday,” she said.

On behalf of the board, Gazzaway asked the Erskine community for prayer and said the board is thankful to God “for the wonderful blessings He continues to pour out on Erskine College and Seminary.”