Erskine trustees greeted with good news in Due West
The Erskine Board of Trustees met on the Due West campus Thursday and Friday, May 16-17, led by Chairman Jill Gazzaway of Davidson, N.C. The trustees heard presentations from faculty members and coaches; learned that the Kern Family Foundation has approved a generous grant for a “3+2 B.A. to M.Div.” program at Erskine; and received record-breaking enrollment news from the college.
A highlight of the meeting for many trustees was an opportunity to hear from several professors and coaches. Speakers included Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Anna Brady, Assistant Professor of History Dr. Alessandra Brivio, Professor of Sociology Dr. Steve Sniteman, and Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Briana Van Scoy, as well as Head Lacrosse Coach Jason Cody and Head Women’s Basketball Coach Shannon Reid.
“It was inspiring to hear the faculty speak of their role as a calling. Their heart for the students is evident,” alumna and trustee Catherine Davis ’07 said.
Director of Advancement Michael Irvin announced to the trustees a grant in the amount of $488,000 from the Kern Family Foundation in support of a program enabling students to complete both a bachelor’s degree and a master of divinity degree in a total of only five years.
“The Kern Family Foundation desires to assist colleges and seminaries in moving students who are called to Christian service through pastoral leadership from the classroom into ministry as soon as possible, with as little debt as possible,” Irvin said. “To that end they are funding 3+2 B.A. to M.Div. programs at over 30 colleges and seminaries across the country.”
Irvin said the grant “is meaningful in so many ways,” especially as “an indicator of trust and belief in Erskine’s commitment to excellence and ability to conduct a program of this magnitude.”
The board also received the news that Erskine College is getting ready to receive the largest freshman class in its history this fall.
“I’m especially grateful to the faculty and staff for the additional work they’re doing in order to prepare for a much larger incoming class of freshmen this fall,” Provost of the College Dr. Tom Hellams said. “All are taking on additional responsibilities in order to serve the largest number of incoming students we’ve ever welcomed to Erskine College.”
On Thursday evening, the trustees honored Dena Hodge, assistant to Erskine President Dr. Robert Gustafson. Hodge, who serves as assistant secretary to the board and has served as assistant to several Erskine presidents, plans to retire early in July.
“It was an honor to celebrate Dena and thank her for her 29 years of service,” Gazzaway said. “Dena represents the heart of Erskine, and she will be dearly missed.”
It was an honor to celebrate Dena and thank her for her 29 years of service. Dena represents the heart of Erskine, and she will be dearly missed.
