President’s Newsletter — April 2020

Security screening vehicles before allowing them on campus during COVID-19 pandemic

This newsletter from Bob Jones University’s president Steve Pettit is intended to inform BJU’s alumni and friends of student and faculty achievements and campus programs and activities. Communication regarding this newsletter may be addressed to [email protected].

Message from the President

BJU President Steve Pettit

Since the end of February, I, like most other college presidents, have been focused primarily on responding to COVID-19. On March 12, I announced to our students that on-campus classes would end the following day and they would complete the remainder of the semester online. My objectives in doing this were twofold: protecting the health of the university family and ensuring our students could finish this academic year successfully.

Our faculty and support staff are doing a yeoman’s job teaching class content online, and students appear to be adjusting to the new content delivery format. Online delivery of classes will end April 29, and students will complete final exams May 2.

With the end of this academic year in sight, I am switching my focus to the real issue—tomorrow! We are planning aggressively for the new academic year beginning in August. We believe our students can’t wait to get back on campus.

As we try to anticipate what conditions around the country will be the next four months, we are not sure how much the effects of COVID-19 will continue to impact higher education. As unemployment surges, we are confident it will hit our new and returning students, making it difficult for them to be here in August. Seventy percent of college presidents anticipate a 10–15% decline in enrollment this fall because of the impact of COVID-19. A drop of that magnitude would severely hurt BJU.

Our most critical need is to help enable our students to attend or return to the University this fall. To that end on April 14, I announced a $5 million campaign to assist students and provide COVID-19 emergency relief grants to incoming and returning students. These grants are one-time emergency grants to help students in these trying times.

Through the CARES Act, the federal government is providing $2.5 million for student needs and university operating expenses. We are seeking to raise an additional $2.5 million for the emergency relief grants.

I am asking friends of the University around the country to help our students attend this fall. If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, please visit bjualumni.net/covid. Thank you for your consideration.

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Faculty and Students Serve on Health Care Frontlines

Several BJU nursing faculty are serving on the frontlines in health care facilities, directly and indirectly helping to combat the coronavirus.

These faculty regularly serve in health care facilities—performing work that keeps them up to date on continually changing medical and hospital practices and enhances their teaching. With the advent of COVID-19, a number of their responsibilities have changed.

Here are a few of their stories.

Dr. Kathryn Wampole

Kathryn Wampole

Dr. Kathryn Wampole, assistant professor of nursing and program director for BJU’s online RN to BSN program, is a PRN float nurse in labor and delivery and the NICU at Spartanburg Regional Hospital in Spartanburg, South Carolina. On the research committee at the hospital, once a month she—along with other medical staff and representatives from other universities—reviews the scientific research of employees and students in master’s and doctoral programs. These reviews are currently postponed during the COVID-19 crisis.

Wampole also serves on the Hospital Emergency Response Team. In this capacity, she is now performing triage of patients before they enter the Emergency Room, screening for COVID-19 symptoms and testing individuals for the virus. “While we are living in very uncertain times, the care and camaraderie of people have been evident,” says Wampole. “God’s love is showing through these difficult times.”

Megan Lanpher

Megan Lanpher

Megan Lanpher—chair of BJU’s Division of Nursing and assistant professor of nursing—is a nurse practitioner in both inpatient and outpatient settings, also at Spartanburg Regional Hospital. With an adequate supply of personal protective equipment at that facility, Lanpher is continuing the type and level of inpatient care she typically provides. In light of COVID-19, however, she is seeing increased collaboration among the nursing staff to conserve resources.

In the outpatient setting, she has shifted from traditional face-to-face patient visits to telehealth and virtual visits with patients. “It’s truly been amazing to see technology provide ways for us to continue patient access to health care,” says Lanpher.

Dr. Valarie Petersen

Valarie Petersen

Dr. Valarie Petersen, associate professor of nursing, has a different story. Petersen is a family nurse practitioner in a primary care clinic in a local industrial setting with multiple locations, providing primary health care services to employees along with their spouses and children.

Since most visits prior to COVID-19 would not require PPE, Petersen’s company is experiencing difficulty procuring this equipment. With the State’s current travel restrictions, patients from other plant locations are unable to enter her clinic—she would need to treat them as appropriate in the parking lot.

The plant housing Petersen’s clinic produces automobile interior finishing. Until the closure of nonessential businesses is lifted in South Carolina, Petersen’s plant and her clinic remain closed.

Debbie Jones

Debbie Jones

Assistant professor of nursing, Debbie Jones, works in the ICU and medical/surgical units at North Greenville’s Long Term Acute Care Hospital in Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina. Her roles vary from floor nurse to charge nurse to telemetry monitor. As COVID-19 spread, Greenville-area hospitals closed some services and Jones began training nurses sent to her hospital from other facilities.

The North Greenville hospital recently was designated a COVID-19 facility, and all patients were moved to another hospital typically dedicated to elective surgeries. Jones and her colleagues switched facilities and now provide continuity of care to their patient population at the second hospital.

Students

Nearly 30 students also currently serve in hospitals and other medical and long-term care facilities—students with academic majors such as Health Sciences, Nursing, Premed, Kinesiology and RN to BSN. Their roles are varied: patient care technician, ECG technician, medical scribe, social worker, EMT staff, etc. Senior Premed major, Benjamin Teruel, is an ECG technician at Upstate South Carolina’s largest hospital system. He says of his work on the night shift, “The coronavirus has definitely made work a lot more exhilarating but also worrisome, as every shift I have to perform at least several ECGs on COVID patients due to the cardiopulmonary effects of the virus.”

See Also: Caring on the Front Lines of COVID-19

Dr. Jessica Minor

Jessica Minor

On a related front, Dr. Jessica Minor (MA in Bioethics and PhD in Healthcare Ethics), dean of BJU’s School of Health Professions, is on the ethics committee at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. If the number of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 in the Greenville area significantly increases, at the end of April, Minor will begin serving on the hospital triage team which will make clinical decisions about resource allocation.

”Bob Jones University is proud of our faculty, students and many graduates around the world committed to using their medical training to meet the health care needs of others in the face of this global pandemic,” says Dr. Gary Weier, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “We pray they will have both a strong Christian testimony and physical safety as they work in today’s challenging conditions.”

In Memoriam

Bob Jones University pays tribute to Ms. Lisa Joy Ewald, 1989 nursing graduate, who contracted COVID-19 while working at Henry Ford Hospital’s main campus in Detroit, Michigan, and died at her Dearborn home at the end of March. The university community extends deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

See Also: Nursing Grads Share View from Front Lines

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Jessica Teruel Wins AMA Social Impact Scholarship

Jessica Teruel, junior journalism and mass communication major from Greenville, South Carolina, was awarded an American Marketing Association (AMA) Foundation Social Impact Scholarship at the AMA International Collegiate Conference March 12–14 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Teruel presented her work during the conference and received a $2,000 financial award at the closing banquet.

The social impact scholarship program honors students who use marketing campaigns to address societal issues and promote better outcomes at the local level. Additional eligibility criteria include being a full-time undergraduate student planning to return to college in the fall semester, participating in the campus AMA chapter and maintaining a minimum 3.25 GPA.

Jessica Teruel at the AMA International Collegiate Conference

In her application for the scholarship, Teruel—also the marketing communications director for the BJU Student Leadership Council (SLC)—detailed her work on a variety of projects such as creating a video to raise awareness and funds for Switch (an organization which fights against human trafficking in Upstate South Carolina), marketing a BJU student’s summer storage business and interviewing Paul Isaacs, president of Save the Storks, for a video series intended to raise money for a mobile medical unit to be donated to the Carolina Pregnancy Center. This Bible Conference fundraiser raised over $185,000, enough to purchase and equip the mobile medical unit.

Her marketing efforts included printed promotional materials, social media campaigns, merchandise design and sales, and promotion among student groups.

Established in 2016, the AMA Foundation works to recognize those who use their marketing skills to affect positive change. Winners are selected by AMA collegiate council members and chapter advisors from around the country.

“Due to her work with the SLC and University Marketing Association, I knew Jessica would be a great applicant,” said BJU faculty member Dr. Adele Dunn. “I witnessed her passion for the Bible Conference fundraiser marketing firsthand and am delighted she received this recognition.”

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Alan Benson Completes Doctorate

Alan Benson

BJU Vice President for Student Development and Discipleship Alan Benson has completed a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching from BJU Seminary. His dissertation titled, “Helping Gen Z Students at a Conservative Christian College Choose a Local Church,” is a case study of the process BJU went through in developing its new local church attendance policy. The study focused on the learning style of Gen Z students and how they internalize decisions and student development philosophy along with the necessity of preaching for spiritual decision making.

Benson began working on the degree before joining BJU’s executive team in July 2018. He also holds a BA in Bible from BJU, a Master of Ministry from BJU Seminary, and a Master of Divinity from Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary, 40 hours of which he completed at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary.

In his nearly two years on the BJU executive team, Benson has made significant contributions in areas such as residence hall life, facilitating freshman residence halls, student leadership development, inclusion of day students in student discipleship groups and initiating and enhancing formal and informal student activities. A regular chapel speaker, he teams with other executives in supporting the president’s direction of the University and developing and refining university and student policies.

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Visit BJU from Home

While students and parents may not be able to visit BJU right now due to COVID-19, BJU has two ways they can visit campus from home.

First, students and parents may make a Virtual Visit tailored to their individual interests. Virtual Visits are available every day Monday–Friday on the hour. Included are a personal campus tour by a student ambassador and opportunities to talk with a faculty member in a specific field and/or an admission counselor.

Student ambassador interacts with prospective students during Virtual College Up Close (Photo by Derek Eckenroth)

Second, BJU is offering live, interactive Virtual College Up Close visits where multiple students can tour campus, meet students and faculty, and get an overall look at what it means to be a student at BJU.

Available on designated days, Virtual College Up Close kicks off at 9 a.m. with a live campus tour led by a student ambassador. Following the tour, students interact with faculty who provide details and answer questions about specific academic programs students are interested in. Also included are a session on selecting the right major and career and a panel of students who answer questions about life at BJU. In the afternoon, students and parents can request to meet one-one-one with a faculty member on a specific area of interest and/or an admission counselor. Prospective students are finding these meetings extremely helpful in understanding specific academic majors.

For both the Virtual Visit and the Virtual College Up Close, participants need Zoom Client for Meetings installed on their computer. They do not need to have a Zoom account.

The next Virtual College Up Close will be Wednesday, April 22. Dates for additional sessions will be posted on the website shortly. Registration for both the Virtual Visit and the Virtual College Up Close is available at bju.edu/visit.

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Dr. Sam Horn Transitions to The Master’s University and Seminary

Sam Horn

At the end of May, Bob Jones University will say farewell to a key member of the BJU executive team, Dr. Sam Horn. On Feb. 7, the Board of Directors of The Master’s University and Seminary in Santa Clarita, California, elected Dr. Horn their ninth president effective June 1.

Dr. Horn has served as BJU’s executive vice president for enrollment and ministerial advancement and dean of the School of Religion and BJU Seminary since January 2015, coming to BJU from the presidency of Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Plymouth, Minnesota.

“BJU has had a profound impact on my life and that of my family,” says Dr. Horn. “It has been a great joy and a wonderful privilege to serve at BJU with Dr. Pettit and the executive team during these years. I have had the opportunity to serve with some great teams in the Enrollment and Marketing division as well as in the School of Religion, Ministerial Advancement and BJU Seminary. I leave with a heart of gratitude and a commitment to continue praying for God’s blessing on BJU and the great people who serve a wonderful group of students each year.”

In his six years as executive vice president at BJU, Dr. Horn grew his areas of influence including the undergraduate Bible and Seminary programs as well as the overall BJU enrollment. He authored core foundational documents detailing BJU’s position on current theological issues. As a preacher and teacher, he spoke regularly in chapel services, taught core classes and preached nearly every weekend in churches around the country.

Dr. Horn formerly served as faculty member in BJU’s School of Religion and as director of BJU’s Office of Extended Education. From 1996 to 2002, he held various academic and administrative positions at Northland International University, and in 2004 became senior pastor of Brookside Baptist Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Dr. Horn participated on the founding teams of both Universidad Cristiana de Las Américas in Monterrey, Mexico, and Central Africa Baptist College in Zambia, Africa. He currently is a member of the boards of CABC in Zambia and Gospel Fellowship Association in Greenville, South Carolina, and the advisory board for Worldwide Tentmakers International.

“My good friend, Sam Horn, has been a Barnabas (‘son of encouragement’) to me in so many ways,” says BJU President Steve Pettit. “There is no one like Sam Horn! His education, experience, passion for God’s work and multiple skill sets were exceptionally used in my first six years as the president of BJU. I am thrilled for his future! I believe God is going to use this unique man in a special way as the new president of The Master’s University and Seminary.”

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President Pettit’s Communications

BJU President Steve Pettit filming "BJU Unseen" from the roof of Rodeheaver Auditorium

Since students left campus in mid-March due to COVID-19, President Pettit is continuing the Monday and Wednesday chapel services through the end of the semester. These services are available live at 11 a.m. EDT on those days at bju.edu/live. Past chapel messages may be viewed at livestream.com/bju.

Tuesdays and Thursdays through the end of the semester, Dr. Pettit’s Daily Devotionals are posted on his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

His weekly ”Highest Potential” podcasts highlighting BJU events and people along with the weekly “BJU Unseen” videos—a lighter look at BJU—are also posted on his social media sites and are available on BJUtoday.

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Status of BJU Events

In view of COVID-19, BJU has had to make a number of changes. Here is the status of key upcoming events as of mid-April. Any changes in status will be communicated.

Commencement Postponed

Commencement 2019 (Photo by Derek Eckenroth)

The May 8 Commencement has been postponed. The Class of 2020 will be notified shortly how the University will acknowledge their milestone accomplishments that day. Commencement will be rescheduled when travel restrictions are lifted, and groups are able to assemble. Seniors will be polled on two potential dates and asked for their ideas. The new Commencement date will be publicized as soon as it is finalized.

Summer Orientation to Be Delivered Online

Summer Orientation 2019 (Photo by Derek Eckenroth)

This summer, BJU will hold Summer Orientation for incoming freshmen online and provide additional programming for new students when they arrive on campus this fall. Incoming students and their parents will be notified of the virtual Summer Orientation dates when they are determined.

EDUcamp Scheduled as Planned

Campers practice readers theater performances for EDUcamp 2019 (Photo by David Ruiz)

As of mid-April, BJU is planning to hold its EDUcamp program as scheduled. We anticipate making a final decision on EDUcamp Jr. by the end of the first week in May and EDUcamp Proper for high schoolers by June 1. Visit educamp.bju.edu for a complete description of camps offered this summer and their dates. Registration is also available at this site. If we need to cancel any individual camps due to COVID-19, BJU will issue refunds for all payments made including camp deposits.

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Online Learning Resources Available to Schools Closed by COVID-19

Photo of the 2018 production of King Lear in Rodeheaver Auditorium (Photo by Derek Eckenroth)

To support schools closed because of COVID-19, BJU’s School of Fine Arts and Communication is offering free online resources to schools, educators and parents available on the BJU website.

BJU is making available materials theatre and English teachers can utilize in their virtual classroom. For 90 years, BJU’s national award-winning Classic Players have produced top-quality theatrical productions of some of literature’s finest works by authors such as William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Edmond Rostand. Dozens of recorded performances are available in the Concert, Opera and Drama Series archive.

In addition, Dr. Darren Lawson, dean of the School of Fine Arts and Communication, is conducting Zoom lectures for high school students on dramatic character research development, the production design process and Shakespeare.

The BJU Theatre department also recently launched a podcast titled “Exits and Entrances” featuring a discussion with faculty members, Dr. Erin Naler and Ron Pyle, about what theatre majors learn during the course of their studies.

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Graphic Design Students Win American Advertising Federation Awards

Seven BJU graphic design students received awards during the American Advertising Federation’s annual national competition earlier this semester. The competition is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition and recognizes both professional and student creative excellence.

The AAF Greenville chapter presented the awards to the following students at its annual gala:

Graphic design seniors stand at the entrance to their exhibition in the Sargent Art Building (Photo by Hal Cook)
  • Abby Marasigan—(senior, Greer, South Carolina) Gold Award, Package Design
  • Karl Tremper—(senior, Warren, Michigan) Silver Award, Outdoor & Transit Advertising Campaign
  • Amanda Brown—(senior, Greenville, South Carolina) Silver Award, Magazine Design
  • Maddy Klass—(sophomore, Greenville, South Carolina) Silver Award, Cover Design
  • Lindsey Bott—(senior, Brevard, North Carolina) Silver Award, Magazine Advertising
  • Laura Davis—(junior, Greer, South Carolina) Silver Award, Integrated Brand Identity Campaign

“It’s encouraging to see our students consistently recognized for excellent work by professionals in the field they are seeking to enter,” says Jay Bopp, chair of BJU’s Division of Art + Design. “We count it a privilege to work with such talented and dedicated students, and their success in school and beyond provides confirmation that we’re on the right track.”

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Students Present Mozart’s Così fan tutte

The Division of Music and the Division of Communication present Mozart's comic opera Cosi fan Tutte, the University’s first student led opera (Photo by Derek Eckenroth)

March 13, as in-person campus classes ended and students were preparing to leave campus to complete the semester online, BJU presented an adaptation of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s comic opera Così fan tutte with an all-student cast.

Così fan tutte, which premiered in 1790, explores the relationship complications that result from deceit and trickery. Military officers, Ferrando and Guglielmo, seek to test their fiancées’ faithfulness by pretending to leave for war and then, while in disguise, convincing them to fall for “new” suitors. Hilarity ensues as the men’s hijinks combined with a supporting cast of companions culminates in a double wedding.

The opera was a joint effort of BJU’s theatre, art and music departments. Under the direction of Mr. Jeff Stegall, Dr. Michael Moore and Dr. Shellie Beeman, students contributed to every aspect of the production. The opera provided a challenging but rewarding opportunity for students, especially student performers.

“I love the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of this project,” said Dr. Michael Moore, BJU’s Division of Music chair. “From constructing set pieces to marketing and bringing music to life, we had students across all the arts disciplines and more working and growing together. It was a very exciting experience for everyone involved and an audience treat.”

See Also: ‘I Love Lucy’ Meets Mozart in Student Opera

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