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North Park offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
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University Student Promotes Intercultural Learning through Her Own Nonprofit
Crystal Buffington started her own nonprofit organization, and supports an orphanage in Kenya.
Crystal Buffington organizes March 10 fundraiser for Kenyan orphanage
CHICAGO (March 5, 2012) — Crystal Buffington listened as her grandmother, Bettye Olds-Green, described her community when she was younger. It was a place where neighbors knew each other, and helped each other as if they were family, Olds-Green would say. As she listened to those stories, Buffington wondered, "How can we get back to that place?"
Inspired by her grandmother's stories, Buffington started a nonprofit organization in 2009, Our Village, Our World Inc., thanks to some pro bono assistance from a Chicago law firm. Her vision of building an organization to help children living in challenging socio-economic conditions in the United States and abroad had become a reality. Buffington, from San Diego, Calif., is a North Park University senior majoring in communication with a minor in history.
"Basically what I'm trying to do is create intercultural learning opportunities for school-age children, and also connect and partner with organizations domestically and internationally to help meet their needs financially," Buffington said in an interview. While it's important that children be able to function well in a globalized society by knowing people who live in different cultures, Buffington said it's also important to "empathize" with people who are culturally different.
One way Buffington is putting her vision into action is by doing hands-on work in Africa, providing encouragement and support to an orphanage in Wangige, Kenya, managed by the Caroline Wambui Mungai (CWM) Foundation. Buffington got connected to the orphanage in 2009 through a friend. Our Village, Our World raised $900 through t-shirt sales, and contributed the funds toward the establishment of a library at the orphanage. That summer, Buffington visited the orphanage, which is home to about 40 at-risk adolescents from Kenya and Tanzania.
Buffington, top, worked with students at the Kenyan orphanage when she visited there in 2010.
Dr. Terry Lindsay, dean of the University's Office of Diversity and Intercultural Programs, has known Buffington for three years, including working with her when she was president of the African American Student Association. "She has a passion for and is committed to working with elementary school-age students to help them acquire the knowledge and essential skills needed to develop meaningful relationships with individuals who are culturally different than themselves," he said.
"Her professional attitude and ability to get along well with those with whom she worked are among the qualities I respect and admire about her," Lindsay added.
Funds raised from the benefit will be used to help improve the food served to the children at the orphanage, Buffington said. When she visited there in 2010, Buffington noticed that the children ate the same foods every day, such as porridge, and rice and beans. "I want to do something that's lasting," she said. "I figured the best way to do that was to provide them with a chicken coop and vegetable garden. That way they get the variety of nutrition they need." The garden and chicken coop may also serve as a source of income for the orphanage, she said.
"I've been to different places in Africa. But when I was in Kenya, I felt like I belonged. I have a heart for children. In some of these children, I saw my own story of similar things I've gone through in my life. I'm able to connect with them on another level," Buffington said.
This summer, Buffington plans to return to Kenya to visit the orphanage with members of her church, The Church of God in Christ. Among her long-term hopes for Our Village, Our World is the possibility of providing grants and scholarships to community service-minded young people, here and abroad, to visit and work in other countries.
"This work is something that I'm very passionate about. I'm hoping when I graduate, it's something I'm able to become more involved in," she added.
Thorin is one of three people nominated by the president to serve as an advisor to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) on general policy and practices, and on selections for the National Medal for Museum and Library Science, according to a Syracuse University news release. The board includes the IMLS director, deputy directors, and 20 members of the general public with expertise and commitment to libraries or museums, the release said. She was nominated for a term that ends in December 2015.
"These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and talent to their new roles, and I am proud to have them serve in this Administration. I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come," President Obama said.
Thorin was born in and grew up in Detroit. She attended North Park College from 1959-1963. While here, she sang in the 16-voice choir at the Church of the Ascension, Chicago. After graduation from North Park, she attended the University of Michigan where she earned a master's degree in music history. Thorin returned to Chicago where she taught music for four years, first at Marshall High School and then at Senn High School.
Thorin returned to the University of Michigan for a second master's degree in library science, and moved into music librarianship and then, administration. She grew up as a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), and later became a member of United Methodist Church. North Park University is affiliated with the ECC. Her late brother David, and her sister Christina, Hoffman Estates, Ill., both graduated from North Park College. David also graduated from North Park Theological Seminary.
In her role at Syracuse, Thorin also serves as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet and oversees the Syracuse University Press. Previously, she was the Ruth Lilly university dean of libraries and associate vice president for digital libraries at Indiana University. Thorin was formerly chief of staff to the Librarian of Congress and the official U.S. representative for the G-7 electronic libraries project, one of eleven G-7 pilot projects for the Global Information Society.
North Park University Mourns Loss of Jimmie Alford, Nonprofit Leader, Teacher, and Alumnus
The Chicago Better Government Association presented Alford its Lifetime Achievement Award in October 2012.
Alford was University executive-in-residence, Axelson Center leader, contributor
CHICAGO (December 19, 2012) — Jimmie R. Alford, who for 50 years devoted his life to the betterment of nonprofit organizations throughout the United States, died suddenly December 18, following an apparent heart attack at his Chicago home. Alford, a North Park alumnus, was founder and chair of the Alford Group, and he was executive-in-residence at the North Park University School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), where he taught graduate courses and workshops.
Alford, 69, was well-known nationally. The Alford Group, which he founded in 1979 to serve the nonprofit sector, quickly grew into one of the premier consulting firms in the United States. It has served more than 3,000 nonprofit clients since its creation. He was twice recognized by The Nonprofit Times as "one of the 50 most influential people in the nonprofit sector." This past October, the Chicago Better Government Association presented Alford its lifetime achievement award.
Alford's legacy is the many people he touched through his life and work, Parkyn said. "He loved people. Jimmie devoted his life to the nonprofit sector because here he found an avenue through which to care for others. Because he loved others, he lived a life consistent with the mission of his alma mater. Through his uncompromising care for the well-being of others, Jimmie modeled the mission of North Park University: his life was one of 'significance and service.'"
Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, dean of the School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), said Alford was an important leader in the school and a frequent speaker on nonprofit topics. Lindahl recalled Alford's recent presentation on nonprofit trends before a large audience University Club, Chicago, as part of the North Park University Breakfast Series. "His recent speech will stay with me as I remember Jimmie," Lindahl said. "He was able to speak with authority about the nonprofit sector, and the audience was taken with his knowledge and connections to the field. Jimmie was one of the most networked people I’ve ever known. He used his connections across the city of Chicago to continually strengthen the nonprofit organizations that serve those in need. We will miss him tremendously."
"Jimmie welcomed me when I began at the Axelson Center in 2007," said Dr. Pier C. Rogers, director of the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management. "He opened so many doors for me in introducing me within numerous networks of nonprofit leaders in Chicago."
Rogers said in recent years Alford enjoyed spending time with his family and teaching. "He loved to teach, and share his knowledge and experiences with others. He often mentioned how he talked with or met with individuals who sought his counsel as they navigated through various stages of their careers. I often used him as a sounding board to discuss various ideas for Axelson Center programs." Just last week, Rogers said, she spoke with him about a presentation at the 2013 Axelson Symposium. Now, she and others are thinking about how best to honor Alford's numerous contributions to the University, the Axelson Center, and the nonprofit community.
Alford was born in Madisonville, Ky. He graduated from North Park in 1967, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology. In 2006, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University, and served on the board of trustees, completing his term in 2010. He also was a board member at Aurora University, Aurora, Ill., and had been awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the school.
Alford served with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago before he founded The Alford Group, and was an early advisor to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, Bloomington. He was a longtime member of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (AFP), and in 2009, was the recipient of the prestigious Chair’s Award for Outstanding Service, given to individuals for exceptional service to AFP, the fundraising profession, and the philanthropic community.
Alford was active as a volunteer with Cure Violence, Chicago, and was senior advisor to the Better Government Association. Last month, Alford and his wife, Maree Bullock, were presented the 2012 "Spirit of Youth" award by the National Runaway Switchboard, a Chicago organization that recognized their work to keep runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe.
Alford is survived by his wife and their three children, Ann (Sean) Reardon, and Joshua, Chicago; Alan, Breckenridge, Colo.; and two grandchildren. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent to benefit the Jimmie R. Alford Scholarship at North Park University (designate "Jimmie R. Alford Scholarship Fund").
North Park University School of Adult Learning Helps Busy Dads Finish Degrees
The University's School of Adult Learning offers evening and online classes to busy students, including dads, who want to complete degree programs.
Dads testify to program's flexibility, faculty understanding, family support
CHICAGO (June 13, 2012) – Ramiro Medrano appreciates that he's been able to include his daughter in his classroom studies, and says his family life has been enhanced. Anthony Isla said his professors were understanding, and enthusiastically talks up his degree program with colleagues. Clinton Frank said convenience and family support helped him finish a degree, and he sees greater career opportunity with his longtime employer.
Thanks to North Park University's School of Adult Learning (SAL), all three dads have made substantial progress toward or completed bachelor's degree programs, each after years of on-and-off college study elsewhere. They have managed to balance the responsibilities of being fathers, employees, and students with help from their families and a program that works and is facilitated by caring and understanding faculty.
"This is at the core of why we have an adult-degree completion program," said Dr. Bryan J. Watkins, associate professor and SAL dean. "Education is important, and so are other priorities. We have to recognize that and offer a program that allows people to balance all of those." It helps that many SAL faculty have been adult learners themselves, experiencing the same pressures of being parents, employees, and students, he added.
More than 25 years ago, Medrano came to North Park University as a Young Life volunteer, and began to follow his call to youth ministry. Knowing of the University's Christian, multicultural, and urban core values, and recalling his earlier experience, Medrano returned to North Park with a group of youth he was working with, and challenged them to go to school in the city on a diverse campus. "Afterwards, I thought, 'it's time for me to go back and finish what I first started in 2006,'" he said. "If I'm asking students to come here, then I had to be part of the diversity of which I referred. I looked into SAL and I thought it was a great way to connect the dots." The SAL's evening classes were ideal, Medrano said.
Medrano's family life was enriched, too. "The sharing of caregiver responsibilities for my children with my wife has been a great blessing for me," he said. He was able to include his daughter in a psychology course exercise. In another course, he involved his children in learning about plant and animal life, and this summer Medrano will share jazz and classical music selections with his daughter, part of a musical connections class.
Medrano has participated in other University offerings such as the Sankofa program and the recent Justice Summit and Chicago Reload conference, things he's passionate about. And he may pursue a master's degree in social work. "I really have appreciated my time at North Park," he said, adding that he'd like for part-time adult students to have more on-campus opportunities.
Students can select from seven majors offered by the School of Adult Learning.
Isla learned about the North Park University SAL program when his wife, a bilingual teacher, got a notice in the mail for a continuing education program at the University. He knew about North Park, but never considered attending until prompted by the mailer to take a look. Isla had attended college in the 1990s, but stopped and went to work during the growth of the dot-com industry. The Islas are parents of three girls, ages 6, 3, and 1. He works in information technology in the Chicago Police Department. With support from his family and extended family, Isla entered the SAL three years ago, and recently earned a bachelor's degree in management information systems.
SAL professors were very much aware of Isla's family and work responsibilities. "They were accommodating. If you needed more time, they were understanding of the circumstances of an adult student," he said. Isla's North Park degree program was tough, but worthwhile. "There are easier routes to get your degree. I think North Park is more challenging than other adult programs. If you want to learn something, I definitely think North Park is the way to go."
Having a college degree to back up his IT experience has given Isla more career options, and he tells his police department colleagues about North Park's SAL whenever he can. Most need college degrees to advance in the department. "I've had this conversation with numerous people. I'm a big advocate for North Park University. I've always recommended it as a route to go to if you want to finish your degree," he said.
Frank, who attended many different colleges previously, earned a bachelor's degree in business administration after 18 months of study in SAL. He is a product manager with Grainger, Chicago, a company he's been with for 19 years. Frank lives in Grayslake, Ill., with his wife and two daughters, 14 and 5. He attended several SAL classes at the University's Grayslake satellite campus, and took others at the University's Chicago campus or online.
"I've been lucky enough to move up with experience and knowledge of the business," he said. "But in the last few years, I've been running out of runway without a degree. The competition was getting tough. Some people in my position have master's degrees, and I didn't want to miss an opportunity because I didn't have a degree." What attracted Frank to North Park was the University's Christian emphasis, small classes, and convenient satellite location, all with solid support from his family and colleagues.
The SAL's 7-week quad structure allowed him to complete two classes per semester. Knowing the instructors personally helped Frank remain engaged in school, even while he and his family attended to a close relative living out-of-town who was ill during much of that time, he said. Like Medrano, Frank was able to include his older daughter, who will enter college in a few years, in a strategic management class.
Frank may return to the University for an advanced degree, possibly an MBA. "If I'm going to work on a master's degree, I won't even look anywhere else," he said.
North Park University Confers Degrees at 2012 Winter Commencement Convocation
Degrees were presented December 14 to North Park University graduates at Winter Commencement.
245 students expected to earn graduate and undergraduate degrees
CHICAGO (December 17, 2012) — Before a full house in the North Park Gymnasium and a significant audience watching a live webcast, North Park University presented degrees December 14 at its 2012 Winter Commencement convocation. The University expected to confer undergraduate and graduate degrees to 245 students.
In his charge to the graduates, the president of North Park University, Dr. David Parkyn, cited the biblical stories of creation in Genesis and Jesus’ birth in the Gospel of Luke. God stopped on the seventh day, according to the creation story, and Mary paused to ponder after the shepherds left the manger, he noted. In both cases, each stopped to claim as holy the creation and the infant Jesus, Parkyn suggested. The same can be said of significant life events, such as graduation, he observed.
“On this night we stop, ever so briefly, to mark learning, to mark your life as a student, as holy. We stop to ponder, we stop to remember, we stop to claim the act of learning as holy, and to claim as holy all you have learned,” the University president told the graduates. Graduation is “a sacred moment in your life, even as each day of the past years of learning at North Park has been a holy time,” Parkyn added.
The convocation included Scripture and prayers, choral performances by the University Choir, a graduation litany, and presentation of degrees by University deans. Students led the procession with the flags of countries and territories in which graduates were born, are citizens, or have been residents. The flags included those of the United States, Brazil, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Nigeria, Palestine, the Philippines, Romania, Serbia, and Sweden. The commencement program included a benediction from Numbers 6:24-26, read by graduates in nine languages, including Arabic, Hebrew, Mongolian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, and Swedish.
The University began its commencement with a recognition of the tragic school shooting earlier in the day at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Conn. “As an educator, I have always thought the adventure of learning is meant to give life, yet today for 26 people, school became a place where life ended,” Parkyn said. “I’m also reminded as an educator of the … individuals who died having dedicated their lives, like many in the room tonight, to helping students fulfill their dreams.” The president’s comments were followed by a moment of silence and prayer.
Zipcar's location on the University campus is at the corner of Kedzie and West Foster Avenues, Chicago.
Cars available for University students, personnel, area residents
CHICAGO (March 21, 2012) – Zipcar, a national company that makes it possible for qualified drivers to rent cars for short-term use, now has a car located on the North Park University campus available to Zipcar members.
Zipcar representatives will be on the University's Chicago campus beginning this week to answer questions and assist people to become Zipcar members. The company will also send information to University students and personnel to help introduce the program.
"We want to be good stewards of the urban environment," said Carl Balsam, North Park University executive vice president and chief financial officer. "There are two reasons why we wanted this — stewardship and sustainability. If we can provide cars this way to people who need them, we can reduce our carbon footprint in this part of the city. We can also provide students with a tool to access the city."
Zipcar operates nationally on some 250 colleges and university campuses, including North Park University and other college campuses in the Chicago area.
Zipcar service expansion on the campus could ultimately help relieve crowded campus parking lots, provided students, faculty, and staff choose to access the available cars, Balsam said.
Presently, a Zipcar is available on the University campus at 5141 N. Kedzie. Zipcars are also located at a nearby location at Kimball and Lawrence Avenues, Chicago.
Zipcar was founded as a new category in urban transportation, designed "to offer a convenient, flexible, affordable, and sustainable solution" for occasional urban drivers seeking alternatives to high costs and challenges of owning a car in a city, said Jessica Margolis-Pineo, Zipcar public relations associate. Zipcar operates on some 250 colleges and university campuses, some of which are in the Chicago area. Members can also use Zipcars in other areas of country where Zipcar operates, she said.
Drivers must be at least 21 years of age, and have a Zipcar membership to use its cars. Members can drive cars starting at $7.75 per hour or $72 a day. Each trip includes gasoline, insurance, and up to 180 free miles. Thanks to Zipcar's alliance with Ford Motor Co., a portion of the membership fee will be waived for the first 100,000 new University members nationally who sign up, plus the company will offer $1 off the hourly rate for the first 1 million hours of use on any of the new Ford vehicles at participating colleges and universities.
North Park Alumnus Dr. G. Timothy Johnson Discusses the Future of Health Care Reform on Chicago Tonight
Dr. G. Timothy Johson was interviewed by Phil Ponce, host, for a segment of Chicago Tonight which aired on WTTW Channel 11 in Chicago Wednesday night.
CHICAGO (November 1, 2012) — Dr. G. Timothy Johnson and his wife, Nancy, were in Chicago last week for the groundbreaking celebration of the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life at North Park University. While in town, Johnson took the opportunity to sit for an interview with Phil Ponce, host of WTTW Channel 11's popular show Chicago Tonight, discussing the future of health care reform in the United States.
The segment, which aired on Wednesday, October 31, focused on Johnson's expertise and experience as a medical expert and chief medical editor for ABC News.
Watch the full interview segment; near minute 10 of the video, Ponce and Johnson discuss the Johnson Center, North Park, and show several of the architectural renderings of the building.
Read more from Johnson's interview, and watch another video segment, on the Chicago Tonight website.
University Hosts New Testament Scholar for Annual Kermit Zarley Lectures
Dr. Simon Gathercole presents the Zarley Lectures at the University November 14 and 15.
Dr. Simon Gathercole to deliver lectures November 14 and 15
CHICAGO (November 12, 2012) – A senior lecturer in New Testament studies at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom will present lectures at North Park University focusing on early Christinity. Dr. Simon Gathercole will address "Jesus in canonical and extra-canonical gospels," November 14, and "Who are the Gnostics?" November 15, at the University's Anderson Chapel. Each lecture begins at 3:30 pm.
Gathercole is the presenter for the twelfth annual Kermit Zarley Lecture series, sponsored by the University's Biblical and Theological Studies Department. Both lectures are free and open to the public.
Gathercole's recent research work is in early Christianity, said Dr. Joel Willitts, North Park University associate professor of biblical and theological studies. One of the lectures will be about interpretations of Jesus in the New Testament, and in texts such as the Gospel of Thomas – one of the early "Gnostic Gospels" — which contains a number of sayings attributed to Jesus. The second lecture will address the Gnostic Gospels and their Christian influence. The Gnostic Gospels are a collection of 52 texts based on teachings of several early prophets and spiritual leaders. While they do not appear in standard Bibles of Christian denominations, they have gained greater public attention in recent years.
Gathercole was asked to present the lectures because "he's an academician who is also committed to the church," said Willitts. "He also teaches at a university, and has broad experience in relating to students through teaching undergraduate and graduate students, and supervising doctoral students," he said. "We wanted someone who could communicate with younger people who may not have much experience with the New Testament."
The lecture series is named for Kermit Zarley, a professional golfer, with an interest in biblical and theological studies. Zarley has provided support for the lectures, hosted by the University since the series began in 2001.
Past presenters have included Cardinal Francis George, bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago; D.A. Hagner, author and emeritus professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.; Phyllis Tickle, contributing editor in religion for Publishers Weekly, noted authority in religion, author, and lecturer; and Bishop Kallistos Ware, an English bishop of the Eastern Orthodox Church and theologian.
NAICU members are private, nonprofit colleges and universities, and private professional schools totaling more than 1,000 higher education institutions. Parkyn's election was ratified at the NAICU board meeting this week in Washington following his election to the board late last year. As a board member, he will represent the NAICU region that includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
"President Parkyn was selected by his peers because of his expertise in the field, proven leadership, and commitment to America’s college students," said NAICU President David L. Warren. "He assumes his responsibilities at a time of great challenge and transformation for American higher education."
"The invitation to join the NAICU board of directors is an opportunity for service in support of colleges and universities across the country," Parkyn said. He also emphasized his appointment is an opportunity to work "in support of the many students at North Park who receive federal financial aid."
The NAICU "serves as the unified national voice of independent higher education," according to its website. Since 1976, it has represented private colleges and universities on policy issues with the federal government, such as those affecting student aid, taxation, and government regulation. The organization's staff tracks campus trends, conducts research, analyzes higher education issues, publishes information, helps coordinate state-level activities, and advises members of legislative and regulatory developments with potential impact on their institutions.
Parkyn has served as president of the University since 2006. His career includes higher education experience at Endicott College, Beverly, Mass. where he taught religious studies and philosophy, and was director of religious life; Messiah College, Grantham, Pa., where served 23 years in various teaching and senior-level administrative positions; and Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, where Parkyn was provost and senior vice president before he became North Park University president.
CHICAGO (June 26, 2012) – North Park University has improved its graduate dual-degree programs that combine theological instruction from the University's North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS) with business and nonprofit administration education, offered through the University's School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM). Graduates of these educational programs say their dual degrees have helped them in their ministries and opened up career paths.
The University offers dual-degree programs with six different possibilities. The new degree structure is clearer, and integrates the two degree programs more, said Rev. Dr. Stephen Chester, NPTS professor of New Testament and acting associate academic dean. "The degree programs are better balanced in such a way that it's not two degree programs operating separately," he said. "This is an exciting and unusual opportunity for students."
The revamped graduate dual-degree programs include two required courses in which students reflect on the relationship of faith and business issues, said Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, SBNM dean and Nils Axelson Professor of Nonprofit Management. In addition to learning business skills, students in the dual-degree programs "have access to literature and books, and make connections with professors whom they can call on for advice regularly," he said.
Students can earn one of three degrees offered by the Seminary: master of divinity, master of arts in Christian formation, and master of arts in Christian ministry. Each of these degree programs can be combined simultaneously with one of two degree programs offered through the SBNM — master of nonprofit administration and master of business administration.
Studying for dual-degrees "allowed me to pursue my seminary education and pay attention to the part of me that loves to organize, and manage detail," said Rev. Erik Strom. "To me, this was faithful in pursuing my call. Each piece was very important."
Strom earned master of divinity and master of nonprofit administration degrees from the University in 2007, then served four years as youth pastor at Winnetka Covenant Church, Wilmette, Ill. About one year ago, he became executive director at Covenant Point Bible Camp, Iron River, Mich., where Strom is able to live out his longtime interest in camping ministry. "I would not be equipped for this had it not been my choice to pursue the dual degrees," he said. The search committee wanted someone with knowledge of Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) theology, and who would keep the camp connected to other area ECC congregations. They also wanted their leader to manage budgets, make financial decisions, and raise funds. Strom said that for any professional church leader thinking about organizational leadership, the University's dual-degree program is worth considering.
Rev. Trishia Kholodenko earned master of divinity and master of business administration degrees in 2008, motivated through her congregational experience in starting shelters for people who were homeless. "I found myself at this intersection of the deepest needs of people, and trying to meet those needs," she said. "I always had to reach out to CEOs and managers for sponsorship and funding, and I needed to be able to speak their language."
Graduates say their ministries and career paths have been enhanced by earning dual degrees.
Kholodenko is associate pastor at New Life Covenant Church, an Assemblies of God congregation in Chicago, and director of a nonprofit corporation, the Chicago Dream Center, that helps people become self-sufficient. The Dream Center operates a full-service restaurant and catering business to maintain its own self-sufficiency. "I would have never been able to do that without my degrees," she said. "We do several large-scale fundraisers, and we have to do forecasting and marketing. It is God's grace, coupled with skills and training, that has allowed things to be done as effectively as they have." Not every pastor needs dual degrees, Kholodenko said, "but I can't think of a pastor who would not benefit from it." She has since added expertise, earning North Park University certificates in organizational development, nonprofit management, and entrepreneurship to go with her dual degrees.
Rev. Steven V. Hoden, who earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the University in 2000, returned after working five years as a science teacher to work on a dual-degree program. Hoden chose the Seminary as opposed to others because of the dual-degree offering, and said taking some online business classes helped him juggle class time commitments. He and his wife served as short-term ECC missionaries in Spain, earning remaining field internship credits after he earned his divinity and nonprofit administration degrees in 2010. Almost immediately, Hoden put his business skills to work there while helping to establish an ecumenical bookstore to support an ECC church plant. Now he serves as pastor of Palmyra Mission Covenant Church, Hector, Minn.
"I think as a solo pastor, the (dual degrees) make it easier to be in this type of position," Hoden said. "I could have been called into this position without it, but I didn't realize the level of administrative tasks that would come to me right away. There were high expectations from the congregation, and having this foundation is really helpful."
His business knowledge has been useful in working with the church's administrative board, recruiting and mobilizing volunteers, and in financial matters. "I stay away from the financial giving of individuals and families, however, I appreciate knowing how to read a financial statement each month, and seeing the trends. When you're in a small congregation, financials can have a lot of impact," he added.
E. Kirsten Burdick, director of Seminary admissions, said she's answered several inquiries about the University's revised dual-degree program. "I think the complexity of what's expected of pastors — the integration of ministry and business preparation — is highly significant. Most pastors will likely have to deal with business matters," she said.
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