Is Adventist Education on the Scariest Path in the World?

Where are we headed? Are we on a tight rope - going where?

Dr. Jim Jeffery, Dean

AU School of Education

Overview for TodayLook at several PhD studies/articles: Lekic (2006), Sudds, (2008), Osborn (2007), Anderson (2009). book and Adventist Review

articleLook at how healthy Adventist Education (K-

12) is and how that might affect Andrews University in the future.

Ask for your thoughtful participation.

Lekic PhD (2006)Former Education Director for CanadaNow Division Director of the Southern Asia –

Pacific DivisionIn Canada in 1972 there were 13 students

for every 100 church members.In 2001 there were only 8 students for every

100 church members.

Sudds, PhD (2008) The Lake Union K-8 enrollment declined from

5,257 students in 1980, to 4,023 students in 1990 and 3,460 students in 2000, (Closing Report,

North American Division Office of Education: 1980 & 2000).

These trends reveal an overall decline in the K-8 enrollment of 1,797 students in the Lake Union over 20 years.

Osborn (2007) 1994-2005 – K-12 enrollment in the NAD

has been on a steady decline.In 1994 with a membership of 822,150,

primary schools had 51,927 students amounting to 63 students per 1,000 members

Declined in 2005 to 43,284 students or 42 students per 1,000 members.

Secondary enrollment declined from 16,722 students or 18 students per 1,000 members to 16,313 students or 16 students per 1,000 members.

The decline of the boarding academySan Pasqual Academy (CA) closed in 1997Garden State Academy (NJ) closed in 2005Broadview Academy (IL) closed in 2005Platte Valley Academy (NE) closed in 2007 -

40 studentsJoined with Enterprise Academy to become

Great Plains Academy (40-50 students)Will close for good at the end of this year

Personal ExperienceBoarding academy principal for western

Canada. In 1985 we had 300 students; today there are less than 90 students.

Boarding academy enrollments continue to dry up - many just barely holding on with 40-90 students.

What does this forebode for Andrews University. Are we on a scary path?

Might it look like the El Charro Path in Spain?

El Chorro situated in the south of Spain is one of the most dangerous walkways in the world. Take a look…

http://www.wimp.com/scariestpath

Confronting the Challenges of Adventist Education (2007)Dr. Dick Osborn (2007) Immediate Past

President of Pacific Union College.Osborn’s opening statement in his

assessment of Adventist Education is that “our college and university campuses represent the future of Adventist education.”

Can a North American church with 1, 000, 000 members continue to support 15 colleges and universities and a vast K-12 system?

Osborn (2007) Demographic projects are more grim than

happy. Osborn notes that the average Adventist

family, cannot afford the costs associated with higher education.

The group that traditionally funded Adventist institutions and programs is an endangered species.

There is no enthusiastic generation waiting in the wings.

Facing Our Challenges (Osborn, 2007)College/university enrollment increased in 1994

from 18,955 to 23,492 students in 2005. K-12 education did not keep pace with membership

growth.However, much of this growth in higher education

came at five institutions--three health care institutions—FHCHS, KCMA, and LLU (with much of the growth from those not of our faith);

Two colleges that became universities with significant graduate school growth—LSU and SAU—and one international university with large growth in the SDA Theological Seminary—Andrews University.

Osborn’s assessment of AndrewsThe growth of the very multi-ethnic and

international Andrews can't be described as typical since most of their increase has taken place in the Seminary with nearly 900 students out of 3,200.

“In fact, their undergraduate enrollment has been under 1,000 meaning that if they didn't have the Seminary or graduate programs they would be a smaller college than most any in the system except for AUC, Washington Adventist U. and Canadian University College.

Osborn’s assessment….“They (Andrews) are focused on increasing

their undergraduate enrollment with some success

but the academies in the Lake Union have low enrollments which poses a problem for a strong undergraduate enrollment …meaning that unless they draw from other unions because of the strength of being a graduate school or from offering significant tuition discounts that many of us can't match, it will be a struggle.”

Osborn….“Along with LLU, they also receive

substantial G.C. subsidies and a subsidy from the Lake Union totaling much more than any other non health-care institution

but they also have much higher expenses in maintaining a graduate program and numerous overseas obligations.” (Richard Osborn, July 6, 2008 The Spectrum online edition)

Anderson (2009)Are We Killing Adventist Education?How to Protect One of the Church’s Most

Valuabel Resources – Adventist Review, Oct 15, 2009

Starts out by showcasing WHY Adventist Education is in decline across the NAD.

Vague answers to the question: What has brought Adventist Education to the difficulties it now faces?

Shane Anderson (2009)Pastor of the New Market Virginia Church (on the campus of Shenandoah Valley Academy)

Here are the vague reasons that he has seen given:

“Parents aren’t committed to Adventist education anymore.”

“Adventist education is too expensive.”“We don’t market our schools effectively enough now.”

We could add more speculation….But what are the real reasons?Anderson (2009) gives us his 6 reasons. See what

you think.

1. “The lack of passion among churchgoing members for being a “conservative” Seventh-day Adventist.

2. “A misunderstanding of what constitutes biblical discipleship.”

3. “Poor pastoral support of Adventist education,”

Three more……4.“Poor parenting.”5.“The inroads of

postmodernism, secularism, and “liberalism” in Adventism.”

6. “Poor quality Schools”

But then Pastor Anderson makes this statement“Almost knowing how we got into this mess will not suffice.

Instead, we have to uncover these deeper, more core reasons that Adventist Education is in decline.

Only then can we understand what steps to take to move our schools back into health.”

What are these “deeper, more core reasons?”Here’s your chance to dialogue with

us……..1. 2.3.4.5.6.