WHEN I ARRIVED at EMU in January 2017 at the beginning of our centennial celebrations, I was captivated by our noble mission: “to prepare students to serve and lead in a global context” in the spirit of scripture: “to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). I still am. The evidence is overwhelming that we meet our mission when you see where and how our many graduates serve and lead at home and across the globe.
A university’s mission is only part of its overall value to its stakeholders and society. As we turn the chapter to a new century, we have been asking: “Why EMU for Century Two?” That question invokes vision. Where are we going? What is our strategic direction? How is our value proposition uniquely relevant and aspirational in this second decade of the 21st century? A captivating vision connects to mission, lights the way to an empowering future, seizes momentum, engenders confidence, and empowers and mobilizes people.
In November, the Board of Trustees ratified an aspirational vision statement that was crafted in a collaborative process by many EMU stakeholders as an outgrowth of last year’s comprehensive brand audit.
We will open new pathways of access and achievement for all students who aspire to grow as unifying leaders equipped with intercultural competence, oriented toward peace and justice, and rooted in an active faith modeled on the life and teachings of Jesus.
It does matter what road we take. That is the advice we have for prospective students and their families who, like Alice, contemplate the roads ahead.
We know affordability, scheduling patterns, learning styles, delivery platforms, cohort student groups, career outcomes and other considerations can be perceived by prospective students and families as either well-lit pathways for access and achievement or cumbersome entanglements and feared dead-ends.
As we embark on our new path to the future, may we heed the words of recent alums who have already answered the question: “Why EMU for Century Two?”
- EMU has challenged me to become a servant leader for life!
- The cross-cultural program changed my life.
- EMU has been a safe place to look at my faith without fear of criticism. It is a place to grow as a Christian.
Thank you EMU for all you do to change this world for the better!
~ Susan