Kraemer to lead Illinois District
Alton, IllinoisBy NCN News Staff
General Superintendent Jerry D. Porter announced the election of James M. Kraemer as the new superintendent of the Illinois District on July 18.
Kraemer currently serves as superintendent of the Prairie Lakes District, which includes Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
"Our journey the last 16 years has been amazing," Kraemer said. "The forming of the Prairie Lakes District, and now a church planting movement across these three states has reminded me that God can do anything! It is hard to leave the wonderful team of leaders on the Prairie Lakes District. We love the Prairie Lakes family and have had a blast working together. But I look forward to meeting and working with a new team in Illinois as God continues to unfold His plan for this new adventure."
Elected on the first ballot, Kraemer will begin his new assignment September 1. He succeeds James R. Spruce, who is retiring after 11 years in the position.
Kraemer began his service as Prairie Lakes district superintendent in 1998 after pastorates in Illinois (Pekin) and North Dakota (Mandan, Regent, Carrington). He was elected to the Church of the Nazarene's General Board in 2009 and currently serves on the Global Mission and Global Education/Clergy Development committees.
A graduate of Nazarene Bible College and North Dakota State University, Kraemer and his wife, Lezlie, currently reside in Oakes, North Dakota.
"Jim and Lezlie Kraemer are a wonderful gift from the Lord to the church," Porter said. "We honor their faithful and fruitful ministry on the Prairie Lakes District and we gratefully anticipate their Kingdom missional impact on the Illinois District during the coming years!"
Government officially recognizes church in Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau, Africa RegionThe Church of the Nazarene in Guinea-Bissau, Africa, is now officially recognized by the country's government after completing several requirements.
"There were many struggles during the year, but thanks to God and your prayers today, we can legally operate in the country," said missionary Mario Martinez.
The process of legalizing the Church of the Nazarene in Guinea-Bissau began a year ago under the leadership of Africa West Field Strategy Coordinator Dany Gomis.
"We had a small meeting in a hotel," Martinez said. "Brother Iemina Tchuda, a member of the Church of the Nazarene who we met in Cape Verde, had accompanied us to Guinea. The plan was for him to stay 10 days, but God placed a burden in his heart to preach to this people. He brought his wife and son. Gomis had come to help us settle down and start the document for legalization of the church. The lawyer who would help us was also there with [my wife,] Irma, and me."
Mario explains the importance of the church's new status.
"As Christians, we should be the first to obey the law," he said. "Furthermore, the government of Guinea-Bissau considers it in many tax exemptions and customs tax and other benefits. We can also have legal relationships with other government institutions, NGOs (nongovernmental organizations), and other agencies."
Guinea-Bissau is a Portuguese-speaking country in northwest Africa. The Church of the Nazarene officially entered the country in 2004.--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa
Kids Reaching Kids offering passes $5M mark
Global Ministry CenterSince the inception of the annual Kids Reaching Kids (formerly VBS) children's missions offering in 1987, children from around the world have faithfully contributed to an effort that has touched the lives of millions of children and their families on every world region. On July 10, the offering reached $5,000,000 in total funds received during its 27-year history.
Children who contribute to Kids Reaching Kids impact their world in a number of ways. Kids Reaching Kids believes the lives of children are impacted most effectively by a holistic approach. This impacts lives mentally through education to children's minds, physically through compassion to have children's basic needs met, spiritually through evangelism to reach children for Christ, and socially through discipleship to strengthen children's faith.
This year's offering, Listen, Learn and Let it Out!, is raising money to support orality (storytelling) ministries, and for the purchase and distribution of audio Bibles, which will take the good news of Jesus Christ to children who may not read a written language.
To find out more about Kids Reaching Kids, visit krknaz.com.--Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International
USA/Canada Region hosts Haitian National Convention
Dorchester, MassachusettsHaitian Nazarenes across the USA/Canada Region came together July 10 through 13 for equipping, fellowship, and spiritual renewal at the Haitian National Convention.
Speakers Susan Carole, Dumerzier Charles, Nahomie Samuel, and Harry Rich discussed the convention theme, holiness. Worship was led by Jeroboam Tisme of Waltham Haitian Church of the Nazarene and performed by Renet Permis of the Indiantown Evangelical Church of the Nazarene and a worship team from The Church of the Nazarene Friends of the Humble in Mattapan. Workshops were also provided.
"What a wonderful time we had worshiping with our Haitian brothers and sisters there in Boston," said Harry Rich, former Nazarene missionary to Haiti. "Their devotion and enthusiasm to win their people to the Lord was inspiring to me. My prayer is that the work of the annual conferences would be the revival of the immigrant church, and that church planting, revival, and soul winning would be revitalized to the extent that great gains would be made for the kingdom of God."--USA/Canada Multicultural Ministries
Prayer requested after attack in India
India, Eurasia RegionBy NCN News Staff
Prayer is requested after a Church of the Nazarene in India was attacked July 16.
Suspects entered the church around 2:30 p.m. during a youth service, according to statements from pastors and other church members published in news reports. After the group ransacked the church, physically harmed the pastor and several of the youth, and broke the steeple and other church furniture, they threatened church personnel with "dire consequences if the church was not closed down."
Local police reportedly made several arrests.
Prayer is requested for the church and affected members, as well as the many others in similar situations.
Additional NCNNews.com Stories This WeekRegional News
Africa
Power of prayer
Filabusi, Zimbabwe
Africa Communications recently received the following report from G. W. Phiri, a pastor in Zimbabwe, about the disappearance of his brother:
On 26 June, Enock Phiri, my brother, was traveling from his work place [in] Inyathi to his rural home in Filabusi when he stopped in Bulawayo and waited to board the bus. He communicated with brothers in town by cellphone and it was assumed he had gotten on the bus to go home, yet he got lost within the city of Bulawayo and ended up in the urban agricultural area known as Upper Rangemore.
Two days after realizing that something had happened to Enock, who had not arrived in Filabusi together with workmates, the family went into devotional prayers appealing to God to intervene. God answered the prayer by delivering Enock, who met youth from Pumula South Church of Nazarene in Bulawayo who were seeking firewood in the farm on Saturday, the fifth of July. My brother was found after 10 days wandering in the bush, without food and sleeping in the cold without blankets.
When the hand of the Lord is present, great things happen.
The connection of the lost man and the youth of the church pastored by a brother to the lost man is a miracle not to be forgotten in the history of the Church of the Nazarene Pumula South. "When the gospel was preached to them, a great number of Jews believed and were saved," (Acts 11:19-21). This is an expression of God's blessing. This happening has preached the gospel of the power of prayer in the name of the Lord.--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa
ANU announces new staff members
Nairobi, Kenya
Africa Nazarene University announced the hire of Rob and Cindy North, who will join the university administration in October. Rob will serve as director of Advancement and University Relations and Cindy will be the director of Spiritual Formation and lead the university chaplaincy team.
The Norths previously served as a missionaries in South Africa from 2000 to 2006. Cindy served as chaplain, professor, choral director, and internship coordinator for Nazarene Theological College-South Africa. Her 30-plus years of ministry also includes service as an industrial chaplain with Marketplace Ministries in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; associate director of Spiritual Formation at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma; youth and children's pastor assignments; community life pastor at Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene in Nashville, Tennessee; and leadership of many prayer retreats. Cindy taught courses adjunctly at six different higher education institutions and helped facilitate women in ministry groups at four campuses.
Cindy was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene on the Tennessee District in 1998 and completed a Doctor of Ministries degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, in July 2010. With a passion and calling to connect university students and ministry leaders to the heart of God, Cindy looks forward to this new season of ministry through Africa Nazarene University.
For the last eight years, Rob served as senior administrator for Nazarene Missions International, leading the day-to-day operations of the NMI office at the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas. During his time as a missionary in South Africa, he worked with the Africa Regional Office as facilities manager, partnership coordinator, and director of development for Nazarene Mission Aviation. While on the field in South Africa serving for NMI, Rob helped oversee field partnership development, coordinated Global Mission conferences, led Mission Call Development sessions, and facilitated the establishment of Mission Immersion trips for high school students who feel called to cross-cultural missions.
Rob has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Olivet Nazarene University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. He looks forward to this new role working side by side with the ANU administrative team and students to tell the powerful stories of what is happening on the ANU campus and through its alumni around the world.
Rob and Cindy have two sons, Quinn, 18, who will be attending MidAmerica Nazarene University this August pursuing a music education degree, and Jordan, 13, who loves music, drawing, and adventure.--Africa Nazarene University
Asia-Pacific
Kerrs accept new assignment to Sealands Field
Sealands Field, Asia-Pacific Region
Following serious prayer and consultations among Church of the Nazarene field, regional, and global leaders, Dave and Rosie Kerr were asked and accepted a new assignment on the Asia-Pacific Region's Sealands Field.
The Kerrs will leave Navua, Fiji, on August 11, where they have lived since March of 2012. The Melanesia South Pacific Field is grateful for the dedicated hard work and passion from Dave and Rosie and their two girls, Anna and Grace. The Kerrs have given of themselves and invested deeply into the two assignments they were asked to fulfill.
As chancellor of South Pacific Nazarene Theological College, Dave worked hard at developing and implementing new systems to meet International Board of Education requirements and introduce modern technology. At the same time, the Kerr family lived out grace-filled love in the community of Calia, Navua, to the point of being invited into their neighbors' lives, taking part in weddings and ceremonies, and often being asked to share and pray.
The Kerrs will learn a new language and culture in preparation for their work. They will be a valuable addition to the Sealands team.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
Mesoamerica
Explosive growth in Haiti creates opportunities for Work & Witness
Haiti, Mesoamerica Region
Darin and Tonya Kucey, missionaries who serve as Work & Witness coordinators for Haiti, expressed incredulity and dismay when they visited Nazarene pastor Civil earlier this year and saw where his family has lived since an earthquake devastated Haiti four years ago.
"He and his family were literally living in a pig pen," the Kuceys wrote on their ministry blog. "The district superintendent of the South Central District provided the only alternative housing available on the district: a pig pen. Because the pig pen is so small, located beside it is a decrepit tent providing further 'shelter' for Pastor Civil’s small children and elderly mother."
The Kuceys say that many other Nazarene pastors are living in earthquake-damaged church buildings, or under shelters made of coconut leaves, or in tarps.
"Eighty-five percent of our pastors live in extreme poverty," Tonya said.
As the most impoverished nation in the Western Hemisphere, the needs of Nazarenes in Haiti were great even before the earthquake. Four years since the earthquake that killed up to 160,000 people and displaced 1.5 million, the world seems to have moved on, but the needs and destruction are by no means resolved. (Figures provided by the US Agency for International Development.)For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.
Missionary Miguel Mejia passes away
San Jose, Costa Rica
Miguel Mejia, a former missionary to Costa Rica and Guatemala, passed away July 22. He was 87.
Mejia, an El Salvador native, became a missionary in 1980. He served in Costa Rica for seven years and in Guatemala for five years. He was the former Mexico and Central America Regional Office manager and was also manager at Nazarene Seminary of the Americas (SENDAS).
He is survived by his wife, Cecilia Mejia.
More information will be posted as it is made available
Flags of the Nations: Belize
Global Ministry Center
Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.
This week: Belize
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Belize in 1934.
Belize had a population of 334,297 in 2013. That same year, Belize reported 57 Churches of the Nazarene, 56 of which had been officially organized. Belize has 2,823 total members.
Belize is a Phase 3 district on the Mesoamerica Region.
For more information about the Church of the Nazarene in Belize, click here.
Previous flags featured:
Argentina
Aruba
Belize
Benin
Bolivia
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Chile
Colombia
Côte d'Ivoire
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia
France
Gabon
Guatemala
Germany
Ghana
Guam
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Conakry
Guyana
Haiti
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Liberia
Madagascar
Mali
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Paraguay
Peru
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Africa
South Sudan
Suriname
Swaziland
Togo
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Venezuela
Additional World Areas
Some countries cannot be represented in this project in order to maintain security of those working there.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
Global Ministry Center News
Global praise reports and prayer requests
Global Ministry Center
Recent praise reports and prayer requests from NCN News, Nazarene Missions International, and JESUS Film Harvest Partners include:
PRAISES
JESUS Film - Bolivia
"For years, I did not attend church," said Joan in Bolivia. "Then someone invited me to see the JESUS film, and I attended. I loved it! Now, I am starting to go again to the house of God to learn more about Him."
JESUS Film - Cuba
"My life was full of physical, mental, and spiritual problems," said a viewer in Cuba. "People have always let me down, and I lost faith in humanity. I began to con and cheat anyone I could. One day, trying to con a boy, he showed me a cube he had in his hand. It got my attention. He said he was a child of God and told me the plan for salvation. Today, I feel very different. My life has changed! I see people in another light and know the only thing which will get them to change their lifestyle is an encounter with God. I am working with an evangelism group at my church to tell the world what Christ has done for me!"
JESUS Film - Nepal
"It was the right opportunity to present Christ," said Sushil in Nepal. "My son's shoes had many holes in them, and they needed repair. We took him to a shoe repairman, and I began talking with him. The opportunity presented itself, and I asked if he had heard of Christ. He was excited to meet a Christian because he was interested in the faith. The next day, he came to church and accepted Christ! Because of the torn shoe, a man was won in Christ."
Jim Radcliffe
Missionary doctor Jim Radcliffe underwent heart surgery on July 17. On July 21 he and his wife, Kathy, wrote, "We are praising God for many answers to prayer and for the wonderful care at Cleveland Clinic. Oh, how we thank you for standing with us in prayer and encouragement. We lift our praises to the Lord, thank Him for many blessings as we walked through open heart surgery." Jim will soon travel from Cleveland to Mount Vernon, Ohio, to continue recovery.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Malaysian Airlines flight
The Malaysian Airlines flight that was shot down over Ukraine carried nearly 200 Dutch citizens, some of them who were close to or related to members of Nazarene churches in the Netherlands. One family lost a brother, sister-in-law, and their two children; some teachers lost students; others lost colleagues.
Middle East conflicts
Prayers for peace are requested for the Middle East and additional areas experiencing deadly conflict.
TransAsia Airlines flight
A TransAsia flight crashed in bad weather Thursday on an outlying Taiwanese island. According to the Taiwan District, no Nazarenes were on board. Prayer is requested for the families of the 48 people who lost their lives in the crash, as well as the 10 survivors.
HEALTH-RELATED REQUESTS
Angela Ketchum
Angie Ketchum is recovering from cancer treatment. Angie, her husband, Ryan, and their four girls, are Global Serve workers teaching at a school in Cambodia. Click here to learn more about Ryan and Angie's work in Cambodia.
MORE...
For more global concerns and continued requests, see the NMI Prayer Mobilization Line by clicking here or JESUS Film Harvest Partners by clicking here.
To share additional praises or prayer requests, please use the comment section below or see the Prayer Mobilization Line's Facebook page.
GMC employment opportunities
Global Ministry Center
By NCN News Staff
The following positions are available at the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center:
Global Mission Mobilization — Program Assistant
This position's primary responsibility is to carry out various tasks related to Work & Witness administration and insurance, and assist the mobilization coordinator in a variety of tasks as assigned.
Information Technology — Senior Software Developer
Members of the software development team are primarily responsible for facilitating the ministry of the Global Ministry Center through the analysis, design, implementation, and support of software solutions. For the full job description, click here. (Full-time)
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries — Computer Programming Coordinator
The person in this position will lead NCM's development team in developing and maintaining NCM's web applications, systems, and websites. (Full-time)
USA/Canada Regional Office — Communications Assistant
This position works closely with the communications coordinator to plan and implement the communications strategy for the USA/Canada Region. (Full-time)
USA/Canada Regional Office — NYI Events Office Assistant (2)
These positions report directly to the USA/Canada events and meetings planner and assists him/her in coordinating USA/Canada events, including Nazarene Youth Conference 2015, to be held July 8 through 12, 2015. (Temporary, part-time positions; 20-30 hours per week through August 31, 2015)
USA/Canada Regional Office — Office Assistant
This position provides assistance to the UCRO administrative coordinator with event planning, word processing, scheduling, website maintenance, and other tasks as needed. (Part-time position; 20 hours per week)
USA/Canada Regional Office — Youth Coordinator Program Assistant
This position provides a wide variety of administrative assistance and support to the USA/Canada youth coordinator on an assortment of projects, meetings, and duties. (Temporary, full-time position through August 31, 2015)
About
Located in Lenexa, Kansas, the Global Ministry Center is the administrative, mission, and service hub for the denomination's ministries in 159 world areas. All GMC positions report to this location. To obtain additional information, please call (913) 577-0500 and ask for Human Resources
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
The Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center offers equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, sex, or veteran status. The Global Ministry Center is an "at will" employer.
Our Faith-Based Organization
We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are smoke, alcohol, and drug free Christian workplaces.
Application Processing
Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the open position for which the application was submitted.
An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumes are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions. Resumes may be submitted by mail.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling (913) 577-0500, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office at the same address.
For more information, see the GMC's Human Resources page by clicking here.
In Memoriam
Global Ministry Center
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received July 21-25, 2014.
Ralph Albertson, 90, of Thomasville, North Carolina, passed away July 19. He was a retired minister, serving in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie (Nifong) Albertson, in 2007.
Walter Attig, 91, of Mattoon, Illinois, passed away July 24. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Illinois and Iowa. He is survived by his wife, Martha Attig.
James Garland, 57, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away July 19. He was a licensed minister and is survived by his wife, Gloria (Smith) Garland.
Elton Hughes, 81, of Searcy, Arkansas, passed away July 20. He was a retired minister, serving in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois. He is survived by his wife, J. Laverne (Whisnant) Hughes.
Solomon "Hotch" Kekoa, 78, of Kaneohe, Hawaii, passed away July 20. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Hawaii. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Kekoa, in 1996.
Kathryn Manker, 87, of Kent City, Michigan, passed away July 23. She was the widow of retired minister and evangelist Wesley Manker, who served in Michigan. Wesley Manker passed away in 1992.
Miguel Mejia, 87, of San Jose, Costa Rica, passed away July 22. He was a missionary, previously serving in Costa Rica and Guatemala. He is survived by his wife, Celia Mejia. (story)
Lois (Emery) Nielson, 91, of Dallas, Texas, passed away July 13. She was the widow of retired minister and evangelist Robert Nielson, who served in Massachusetts, Missouri, Kansas, and Texas. Robert Nielson passed away in 2002.
Gordon Taylor, 84, of Franklin, Indiana, passed away July 20. He was a retired minister, serving in Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Lois Taylor.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section on ncnnews.com by clicking here.
Note: Please join with us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to submitnews@ncnnews.com.--Compiled by NCN News
Collegiate NewsMNU chosen to help change demographics of teaching workforce
Olathe, Kansas
MidAmerica Nazarene University announced it is one of 10 universities nationwide selected by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) to participate in the association's first Networked Improvement Community (NIC). The group aims to increase the diversity of the nation's teacher candidate pool by focusing on recruitment of more black and Hispanic/Latino men in teacher preparation programs.
More than 50 AACTE member institutions in 25 states applied to be a part of the community, known as Changing the Demographic Makeup of the Teaching Workforce. Following a rigorous review, these institutions were selected for the three-year program:
Boston University
California State University, Fullerton
Florida Atlantic University
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Northeastern Illinois University
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
University of Connecticut
University of Saint Thomas
Western Kentucky University
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Nancy Damron, dean of MNU's School of Education, said the goal is to increase the percentages of black and Hispanic/Latino male teachers by examining recruitment methods, equity-based admissions practices, and incentives to pursue a career in teaching.
"We want to increase the enrollment of black and Hispanic/Latino males in our teacher education program by 25 percent by September 2016," Damron said. "Our committee will begin professional development with AACTE in August, then apply what we learn to our admissions process and program elements in the School of Education."
AACTE states about 80 percent of pre-K through 12th grade teachers are white, middle-class women. The pre-K through 12th grade student population is much more diverse; more than 40 percent of students are non-white, yet more than 40 percent of public schools have no teachers of color at all. According to data collected from AACTE members through the Professional Education Data System, of the total number of bachelor's degrees awarded in 2009-2010 to teacher candidates, only 6 percent were awarded to black candidates and about 4 percent to Hispanic/Latino candidates. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 2 percent of public school teachers are black males, and fewer are Hispanic/Latino males.
Research also shows that the top three determining factors for minority males in deciding where to enroll and what discipline in which to major are the time it takes to complete the degree, the cost of the degree, and the earning potential of the chosen field. MNU's accelerated elementary education program answers all of those concerns, according to Damron.
"Our program takes just 18 months to complete for students who already have at least an associate's degree or a minimum of 60 transferable semester hours," she said. "All classes meet at night or are online so students can still work until their student teaching semester. The cost of the program is less than the salary of a first year of teacher. By its very nature, this program alleviates all three of these concerns."
Damron says the NIC group will employ improvement science to reach its goal. Improvement science is a process that draws on business improvement models such as Six Sigma and Lean production principles to drive change. MNU will utilize the "drivers" of recruitment strategy, equity-based admission, and incentives to pursue teaching in an effort to bring more minority males to the field.
Specific plans will be executed after August 2014 and evaluated every 90 days. The process is fast-paced, making continual improvement more likely.
"We work on the 'study, act, plan, and do' model," Damron said. "After 90 days we evaluate progress, tweak the process, and repeat."
One of the resources the NIC will use is The Improvement Guide: A Practical Approach to Enhancing Organizational Performance by Langley and Moen, et al.
Updates on the work of all 10 schools in the NIC over the course of the next three years will be available at theinnovationexchange.net. Innovations that emerge from the work of this small group will be shared with the entire AACTE membership.
"As the only faith-based university in the NIC, we have a resource other universities might not have," Damron said. "Our regional Nazarene churches have diverse membership, and our relationship with those churches may provide us with an already strong network of prospective teachers. It is, in essence, a ready-made network of individuals that might respond to the calling of God to change lives through a career in education."
MNU will receive travel expenses to AACTE conferences and $1,000 per year for the life of the NIC program, as well as free professional development in the form of webinars.
More information on MNU's accelerated elementary education program can be found on the university's website.--MidAmerica Nazarene University
NNU Robotics Vision team researches crop monitoring to aid local agriculture
Nampa, Idaho
Several teams from the Northwest Nazarene University Department of Engineering are conducting research this summer in conjunction with NASA programs and grants. One of those teams is NNU Robotics Vision.
The team consists of John Lonani, Darrell Leber, Paulo Salvador, and Heather Skovgard, under the direction of Assistant Professor of Engineering Duke Bulanon. This research group is dedicated to exploring machine vision technologies, which are used not only for automation and robotics, but also for other areas, such as agriculture. The research is funded through grants from the Idaho Space Grant Consortium (a branch of NASA), the Idaho Department of Agriculture, and the Watson Fellowship.
The team is currently designing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can be used for monitoring agricultural fields. The goal of this research is to design a low-cost option for farmers to use in planning their fields and determining how to distribute their resources according to that plan. This could "improve crop production efficiency to sustain agricultural production not only in Idaho, but the whole world," Skovgard said.
In addition to the research the Robotics Vision team is doing, they are also taking time to reach out and educate the community. They hope their research will not only benefit local farmers, but also be useful in educating children about the science, technology, math, and engineering fields. While visiting local classroom throughout the Treasure Valley, the team explains and demonstrates their research and uses the UAV to take a picture of the class.
The team also presents at local agricultural information meetings, events, and conferences in the area. This gives them the chance to connect with farmers about the tool. Robotics Vision is presenting at the Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research at Boise State at the end of July and their next public event is on September 5 at the University of Idaho Annual Field Fruit Day, where the team will demonstrate its crop monitoring technology.
The team will travel to the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, October 13 and 14 to visit with the Mobility and Robotic Systems Section of JPL. The team works with JPL as part of the grant from the Idaho Space Grant Consortium.--Northwest Nazarene University
Olivet announces School of Music
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Olivet Nazarene University announced the renaming of the Department of Music to the School of Music, effective July 1. Don Reddick was appointed as dean.
"Our new name is an affirmation of what our current music program truly is," Reddick said. "Since 1982, we have maintained our accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music. We are at the front of where music education is heading."
Over the past 10 years, Olivet's music program experienced unprecedented expansion, including:
Growing from one concert band with 60 members to three concert bands with approximately 60 members each
Increasing from a single orchestra with 25 string players to two orchestras with a total of more than 70 string players
Addition of the Proclamation Gospel Choir and Show Choir
Doubling the number of adjunct faculty members
Continually increasing the number of concerts and performances given by students and faculty members
More than 500 students (majors and non-majors) currently participate in Olivet's music programs. The school offers five degree programs: Bachelor of Music degrees in music education, music performance, music composition, and music ministry; and a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree.
In 2013, the Department of Music launched the iLearn@Olivet initiative, providing sheet music, textbooks, and apps to all music students through iPads. This was the first distribution of the iPad in the university's history and one of the first iPad deployments at any college in the country designed specifically to empower young musicians and transform music education.
"Olivet recognizes the music program's growth in accomplishments, degree offerings, and involvement by moving to this new designation," said Dennis Crocker, vice president for Academic Affairs. "It is a tribute to the work of the faculty and staff — now as in the past — to bring the program to this point of development and maturity. For students, this is an additional recognition of the quality program from which they will be receiving their degrees."
A building expansion of about 18,000 square feet is planned for the current Larsen Fine Arts Center, where the School of Music is housed. The school also hopes to establish a Master in Music degree program.
"As an Olivet alumnus, as well as the dean, I want Olivet to be the best it can be," Reddick said. "We are building on our strengths while keeping our eyes on our potential for growth."--Olivet Nazarene University
Trevecca education professor appointed to state commission
Nashville, Tennessee
Trevecca Education Professor Alice Patterson was selected to serve on the Charter Review Commission of the Tennessee State Board of Education. Patterson, selected because of her experience as a curriculum specialist, will serve with other educators to review charter school applications submitted to the Tennessee State Board of Education.
Prior to joining Trevecca's education faculty in 1998, Patterson taught in Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) for 21 years. In addition to her teaching responsibilities at Trevecca, Patterson also volunteers her services at a local charter school, New Vision Charter School.
Patterson, who earned a Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, and Doctor of Education from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, is the director of Trevecca's Doctor of Education Program in leadership and professional practice. She serves on two councils for MNPS, one on the local school level and one on the district level. She is a facilitator for Antioch High School's Academy of Education, Training, and Service Advisory Council, a group of business partners who collaborate with administration and faculty for internships, externships, and job shadowing for those students seeking careers in teaching, military service, and counseling. She is also a member of MNPS's Health and Public Service Partnership Council, a district-wide council advising all of the district-wide academies, specifically those academies related to arts, media, and communications. The group is managed and supported by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.
"Dr. Patterson's appointment is indicative of her stature with educators in this state," said Suzie Harris, dean of Trevecca's School of Education. "She has a long history of working with Tennessee schools and districts in a variety of capacities, work that has given her a knowledge base of best practices for the education of all students — in all kinds of schools. She brings to this appointment much experience and valuable insight."--Trevecca Nazarene University
NCN SportsPLNU joins NCAA
San Diego, California
Point Loma Nazarene University passed the final step of the NCAA Management Council approval process and will officially join the NCAA September 1 as a full-fledged Division II member.
"I am so impressed and proud of the high quality, collaborative work done by several individuals and departments on our campus in achieving this significant milestone," said Ethan Hamilton, Point Loma athletic director. "PLNU is truly a special place, and the NCAA made regular mention of this. I am very excited for the future experiences of our student-athletes and look forward to continued opportunities to help them grow in every facet of their life."
All 11 Point Loma athletic teams are now eligible for the postseason in both the Pacific West Conference and the NCAA, as well as all NCAA individual and team awards.
"The three-year transition process has strengthened our athletic program and prepared us for full participation in NCAA DII," said Bob Brower, PLNU president. "Completing the full admission process to NCAA is an exciting step for PLNU athletics. The PacWest Conference is a leading NCAA DII conference and I'm looking forward to PLNU's full participation at the NCAA level."
The Sea Lions have had 2014-2015 in their sights since the beginning of the transition process. Despite not having the opportunity to participate in the NCAA playoffs, PLNU thrived across multiple sports at the National Christian College Athletic Association Championships. Eight teams participated in NCCAA postseason play and both the men's basketball and women's volleyball teams brought home national titles. Point Loma student-athletes also collected 23 All-American honors and 31 NCCAA Scholar-Athlete awards.
The upcoming school year will also mark the third year for PLNU as members of the Pacific West Conference, the largest NCAA DII conference in the West Region. The Sea Lions saw a 44-game turnaround in their team's PacWest records from year one to year two as they posted a .570 winning percentage in 2013-2014 (131-99). Point Loma also improved from ninth to sixth (out of 13 schools) in the PacWest Commissioner's Cup standings and its student-athletes accumulated a 3.3 grade point average during the academic year.
Point Loma will be part of an eight-school class that will bring the NCAA Division to 300 active members. PLNU joins fellow Nazarene schools Southern Nazarene University, Trevecca Nazarene University, Northwest Nazarene University, and Eastern Nazarene College (Division III) in the NCAA, along with longtime Golden State Athletic Conference rival Azusa Pacific.--Point Loma Nazarene University
SNU achieves full membership to NCAA Division II
Bethany, Oklahoma
Southern Nazarene University President Loren Gresham announced at a Thursday press conference that the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Membership Committee admitted the university to active status, which is full membership.
With this achievement, SNU becomes the first private higher education institution in the state of Oklahoma to attain NCAA DII membership.
"This marks the culmination of a decade plus long process to elevate the competitive level and the academic progress and graduation rates to higher numbers for our student athletes," Gresham said. "Much gratitude is due our entire campus for this accomplishment, especially the staff of the athletics department under the leadership of Director Bobby Martin. We witnessed a stellar team effort in bringing us to this place. As full members, we now can compete for Great American Conference awards and national NCAA DII championships."
As Bobby Martin concluded the press conference with prayer, he stated, "We all give thanks to God for the opportunity of influencing young lives for future Kingdom service."
SNU celebrates this achievement and is eager to support the Crimson Storm teams in the Great American Conference and the NCAA DII.
For video of the press conference and more information about SNU Athletics, see snuathletics.com.--Southern Nazarene University
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