Family Guide 2022-23

Anderson University is one of only

58

universities in the world that is an

Anderson University has earned it four consecutive times: 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2021.

RECENT NATIONAL RECOGNITION

• “Best College” among regional universities in the south: #26 – U.S. News & World Report, 2023

• “Best Value” among regional universities in the south: #18 – U.S. News & World Report, 2023

• “Best Southeastern” universities – The Princeton Review, 2023

• “Best Student Engagement” ranked #25 among all universities in the United States – The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, 2022

• Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs: #1 in Upstate South Carolina; #2 among private institutions in South Carolina; #2 in South Carolina; #50 nationally – U.S. News & World Report, 2021

• Online Graduate Business Administration Programs: #1 in Upstate South Carolina; #1 among private institutions in South Carolina; #2 in South Carolina; #139 nationally – U.S. News & World Report, 2021

• Online Master of Organizational Leadership Programs: #1 in Upstate South Carolina; #2 in South Carolina; #91 nationally – U.S. News & World Report, 2021

• Online Graduate Education Programs: #1 among private institutions in South Carolina; #3 in South Carolina; #91 nationally – U.S. News & World Report, 2021

• Online Graduate Nursing Programs: #1 among private institutions in South Carolina; #1 in Upstate South Carolina; #3 in South Carolina; #68 nationally – U.S. News & World Report, 2021

Innovation and Digital Learning Initiative at AU

Anderson University is a national leader in higher education in its use of technology to support and enhance all aspects of teaching and learning, which has led to AU being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School since 2014. All residential undergraduate students and select graduate program students receive an iPad Air and Apple Pencil.

Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D. President and Professor of Management

Greetings from the President

As one of the nation’s leading Christian universities, Anderson University is an innovative institution of serious scholarship, built upon the pillars of great academics, great faith, great hospitality, and great purpose.

Within this guide, you will discover our commitment to serving our students as we equip them with valuable knowledge both inside and outside of the classroom. We have high expectations of our students, and provide them with an educational journey that informs, inspires, and prepares them for a vocation. You will also note a number of accolades and recognitions Anderson University has received for its great value, innovation,

and growth. We are privileged to celebrate Anderson University’s continued successes and eagerly anticipate the future achievements that are still in store for our institution.

A university, however, is only as good as its students. Mentored by an accomplished faculty and supported by caring, committed staff, the excellent young men and women who attend Anderson have built its foundation.

It is in their hands that we commit the future of our University—and of our world.

Cordially, Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D. President

Academic Scholarships for First-Time Freshmen

Merit-Based Scholarships

P RESIDENT’S S CHOLARSHIP

$15,000 PER YEAR

• 3.5 high school GPA

• 1300 SAT or 28 ACT or 88 CLT

F OUNDERS’ S CHOLARSHIP

$13,000 PER YEAR

• 3.5 high school GPA

• 1220 SAT or 25 ACT or 78 CLT

• or, top 10% of class

P ROVOST’S S CHOLARSHIP

$12,000 PER YEAR

• 3.0 high school GPA

• 1100 SAT or 22 ACT or 74 CLT

• or, top 20% of class

A DMISSION C HECKLIST

APPLY REQUIRED

• Application (online at AndersonUniversity.edu)

•

•

•

D EAN’S S CHOLARSHIP

$10,000 PER YEAR

• 3.0 high school GPA

• 1020 SAT or 20 ACT or 66 CLT or, top 30% of class

AU G RANT

$8,000 PER YEAR

Awarded to any entering freshman not receiving a President’s, Founders’, Provost’s, or Dean’s Scholarship.

of traditional AU students receive financial aid.

O UT-OF- S TATE G RANT

$3,000 PER YEAR

Awarded to any out-of-state entering freshman.

•

*

OPTIONAL

• Official

•

then

Please Note: Students can only receive 1 of the 5 Anderson University merit-based scholarships. Students must meet Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to renew merit-based scholarships each year.

College is an Investment in Your Future

It’s not like buying a new car. After all, the moment you roll out of the dealership’s parking lot, it’s already worth far less than you paid for it. And after a few years, it retains very little of its value.

But the investment in a college education? It pays dividends for decades. Especially at a place like Anderson University.

To be sure, a college education is likely to make a person more prosperous; the lifetime income of families headed by individuals with a bachelor’s degree is about $1.6 million more than incomes of families headed by those with a high school diploma.

But a college experience is about much more than money— it’s about how college helps shape a person, how it affects his or her quality of life and the potential to make a difference in the world.

The prospect of four years of college expenses can appear daunting. But if you value higher education and are committed to it—and it appears that you do, given the fact that you’re reading the Anderson University Family Guide to College and Financial Planning—it’s well worth the investment.

It requires choices, discipline, and a thorough investigation into financial aid options, of which there are many. (In the case of Anderson University, 100 percent of traditional students receive some sort of financial aid.)

Before we get too far, it’s important to recognize that many people are cautious about loans. And that’s a smart stance. Paying interest on anything that depreciates in value is something that should be considered carefully. But things like a home—and a college education—are different; each appreciates in value in enormous amounts.

Cost and value are not the same thing. You can be pennywise and pound-foolish, especially when it comes to the vitally important college choice. You should choose a college because it is an excellent match for you, a place where you’ll feel at home—not because it is the least expensive. Like any investment, think long term. Ask yourself what impact choosing a college like Anderson University will have on the rest of your life.

In fact, do this: Estimate the cost of four years at Anderson University. Then amortize that total over 60 years by dividing the total by 60, and then dividing by 12 to get the monthly cost. If you do this, I’m guessing that you’ll be surprised at that monthly total, and you’ll consider it a good investment. In fact, if you compare this investment with the cost of a daily latte at Starbucks, I think you’d find it remarkably similar.

But don’t just take our word for it. Consider these reflections from Luis Martinez, a distinguished Anderson University graduate:

I made the decision to attend Anderson University in the middle of the Great Recession. It was a decision that weighed heavily on me until it was made. My college plan was uncertain, my ability to get a job in the future was not guaranteed, and many of my questions were unanswered. For me, my decision to join the Trojan Family was a God thing. I started seeing doors begin to close, and the one door that remained open was my education. Anderson was the door that remained faithful.

When I enrolled in Anderson University many years ago, I made the decision to trust God despite the current setting in the United States. I chose to follow my dream to join the Trojan Family in hopes that it would provide me with a fruitful future. Looking back, I can assure you that the choice was not easy, but it was the best decision I have ever made.

As I compare the season we are in today to my own journey, I see similarities in the uncertainty that is being felt by students and

their families. By choosing to move forward with your student’s educational pursuit, you are investing today in a better tomorrow. My advice to parents walking through this journey would be this:

“

You have been investing in your student’s future education for his or her entire life, and regardless of the season you are in, I encourage you to continue to do so. Your student’s education is important, and it is an investment worth making.

Since graduating from Anderson University, I have been blessed. I now serve as the Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager at TD Bank, have been recognized twice as the top branch manager in the state, graduated from Leadership Anderson (Class of 03), was recently recognized by Anderson Independent’s “20 Under 40” initiative, and started Upstate South Carolina’s first bilingual call center. I do not say this to brag but to help you understand that the investment you make today will pay off in the future.

In my experience, it took one leap of faith in a time of uncertainty to lay the firm foundation on which I now stand. Had I hesitated in my decision to join the Trojan Family, I would not be where I am today. As I look back on my journey to Anderson University, I celebrate the season I was able to walk through. And given the choice again, I would choose to leap every time.

85%

of entering freshme n returned for their sophomore year

AU enrolls more South Carolina merit scholarship recipients than any other private university.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Competitive Scholarships

These competitive scholarships are designed for the highest achieving first-time freshman student who meet eligibility requirements. Please note: Test scores are required to receive consideration for competitive scholarships. An application to apply will be sent by exclusive invitation to all eligible recipients.

F ELLOWS S CHOLARSHIP P ROGRAM

UP TO FULL TUITION, ROOM, AND BOARD

The Fellows Scholarship Program provides opportunities for first-time freshman students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and mission-fit to Anderson University. The ability to apply for this scholarship is by invitation only.

Fellows Scholarship Program Opportunities

• Presidential Fellows: full tuition, room, and board scholarship Academic Fellows: full tuition scholarship and $5,000 room stipend

• AU Fellows: full tuition scholarship

Scholarship Information

• Minimum eligibility to receive an invitation to apply is a 1250+ SAT or a 27+ ACT or 82+ CLT AND 3.5 high school GPA.

• Recipients must serve in an approved campus leadership role each year.

• Annual award renewal amount is capped at the contract amount.

Outside scholarships and federal grants and loans may be applied to cover room and board.

D ENMARK S CHOLARSHIP

UP TO $3,000 PER YEAR

The Denmark Scholarship is a competitive scholarship reserved for first-time freshmen. The ability to apply for this scholarship is by invitation only.

Scholarship Information

• Minimum eligibility to receive an invitation to apply is a 1100+ SAT or a 22+ ACT or 74+ CLT AND 3.0 high school GPA.

Recipients must serve in an approved campus leadership role each year.

of our faculty members hold the highest degree in their field.

of our faculty members hold the highest degree in their field.

P RESIDENTIAL B OYS S TATE S CHOLARSHIP

$40,000 ($10,000 PER YEAR )

As the host for South Carolina’s prestigious annual Palmetto Boys State summer leadership program, Anderson University has committed one $40,000 scholarship ($10,000 per year) to a Palmetto Boys State Citizen. Anderson University is also privileged to offer a number of other scholarship opportunities to students who apply for the Presidential Boys State Scholarship.

I NTERIOR D ESIGN S CHOLARSHIPS

AWARDS VARY

• The School of Interior Design is home to national and regional award-winning students who have been recognized by the American Society of Interior Design (ASID), Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), and International Interior Design Association (IIDA) student competitions.

• An application and portfolio review are recommended for students interested in earning an Interior Design Scholarship.

• Prospective students are offered an opportunity to participate in a hands-on learning experience during Anderson University’s annual Interior Design Workshop.

To learn more about Interior Design Scholarships or the annual Interior Design Workshop, email admissioncounselor@andersonuniversity.edu

Scholarships and Financial Aid for South Carolina Residents

SC P ALMETTO F ELLOWS *

$6,700 FRESHMAN YEAR; $7,500 EACH FOLLOWING YEAR

• Must be a first-time entering freshman or transfer student.

• HOPE and LIFE recipients do not qualify.

• Recipients are selected by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

SC HOPE S CHOLARSHIP *

$2,800 PER YEAR (FRESHMAN ONLY AWARD)

This is a one-year scholarship for first-time entering freshmen.

• Must have a 3.0 high school GPA (SC uniform grading scale.)

• At the end of a SC HOPE recipient’s first year, the student may be eligible to receive the LIFE Scholarship in subsequent years if he/she meets renewal requirements.

SC P ALMETTO F ELLOW AND LIFE

S CHOLARSHIP E NHANCEMENTS *

Anderson University ranks South Carolina for the number of enrolled Palmetto Fellows.

among private universities in#1

SC L IFE S CHOLARSHIP *

$5,000 PER YEAR

• Must be a first-time entering freshman or transfer. Palmetto Fellows and HOPE recipients do not qualify. First-time entering freshmen must meet two of the following three criteria:

• 3.0 high school GPA (SC uniform grading scale.)

• 1100 SAT or 24 ACT.

• Top 30% of graduating class.

T RANSFER S CHOLARSHIPS

RANGING FROM $9,000-$11,000

• Awarded to first-time transfer students based upon cumulative college GPA.

$2,500 PER YEAR

• Must be a Palmetto Fellow or LIFE Scholarship recipient. Entering freshmen are not eligible. Recipients must be a returning sophomore in a state approved math or science degree program.

• Eligibility is determined by academic performance and credits earned during the freshman year of college.

SC T UITION G RANT *

UP TO $4,500

• Must be a first-time entering freshman or transfer.

• Need-based.

• FAFSA required by June 30.

• For additional information, visit: www.sctuitiongrants.com

I NTERNATIONAL S TUDENTS

$8,500 INTERNATIONAL GRANT

To learn more about our scholarships, visit andersonuniversity.edu/sc-residents

P ALMETTO B OYS AND G IRLS S TATE S CHOLARSHIP

be named a

or Girls State citizen.

the

State

Anderson University enrolls the most Teaching Fellows of any private university in South Carolina.

S OUTH C AROLINA B APTIST S CHOLARSHIP

$300 PER YEAR

to any first-time entering freshman or transfer student who attended a Baptist church. Partially funded by a generous grant from the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

State

and South Carolina

and

Tuition Grant. See academic catalog

upon approved funding

To learn more about Teaching Fellows, visit andersonuniversity.edu/teaching-fellows

Visual and Performing Arts Scholarships

The South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University trains professional visual, musical, and theatrical artists who are serious about both their art and Christian faith. Staffed by highly trained world-class artists, musicians, actors, dancers, theatrical designers, and scholars, we mentor students to develop their artistry to its fullest potential so they may thrive professionally and serve others through the arts.

Our Degree Programs

We offer Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Education degrees with majors and concentrations in photography, painting and drawing, graphic design, ceramics, art education, musical theatre, theatrical design, acting and directing, dance, worship leadership, music education, vocal, keyboard and instrumental performance.

Features Include:

• state-of-the-art performance venues

• two new dance studios

• art galleries

• multiple graphic design studios

• downtown Chiquola theater and design studios

• a new music media studio

• a music technology laboratory

Your Stage. Your Craft. Your Calling.

Art + Design Portfolio Review Scholarship

• A portfolio review is required for all students planning to major in Art + Design.

• Students are invited to compete for a portfolio-based visual art scholarship up to $5,000.

Music Audition Scholarship

• An audition is required for all students planning to major in Music.

• Students are invited to compete for a performance-based music scholarship up to $5,000.

Theatre & Dance Audition Scholarship

• An audition is required for all students planning to major in Theatre or Dance.

• Students are invited to compete for a performance-based theatre scholarship for up to $5,000.

To learn more about The South Carolina School of the Arts scholarships, visit schoolofthearts.com

The South Carolina School of the Arts is one of a small number of Christian schools with national accreditation in Art + Design, Music, and Theatre.

The South Carolina School of the Arts is one of a small number of Christian schools with national accreditation in Art + Design, Music, and Theatre.

(Learn more about our accreditation on p. 15)

New Research Proves Christian Higher Education is an Incredible Return on Investment

The Great Recession was a watershed moment in American history. The financial cataclysm of the late 2000s forced everyone to take a long look in the mirror and question long-held assumptions about our society.

Everything was on the table: How strong is our national economy, really? How much debt is too much? Is home ownership all that it’s cracked up to be?

Many of these questions linger, a decade later. One in particular is still very much in the spotlight, and, as the president of the second-largest private university in South Carolina, it’s never far from my thoughts.

How do university leaders ensure a college degree remains a valuable investment?

The answer is that we must constantly examine our value proposition in today’s post-Great Recession society. At Anderson University, a number of things set us apart, making such an examination no easy task. While we are a university thriving in a challenging environment, we are also a private, faith-based, comprehensive institution with liberal arts and professional degree programs. What, then, is Anderson University’s role in the cultural, political and economic landscape?

The answer, unequivocally, is that we have an enormously important, exceedingly valuable role. That isn’t just a personal opinion. It’s backed by hard data.

Recently, the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), of which Anderson University is a proud member, released the results of a groundbreaking study that quantified more than just the value of a college education. It explicitly made the case for Christian higher education, a cause for which AU has been committed since our founding in 1911.

By Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D.

The overall economic impact of the more than 140 U.S.based CCCU institutions is staggering. Collectively we generate $60 billion annually for the U.S. economy, which comes out to roughly $166 million per day. What’s more, CCCU institutions employ 340,000 people, who earn $17.8 billion in salary and benefits.

Our thesis is simple: Christian higher education is important to the social, cultural and economic well-being of the United States in general, and South Carolina specifically. In a political landscape scarred by the memory of the Great Recession, lawmakers have to ask hard questions and make bold decisions.

The six CCCU institutions in South Carolina employ roughly 2,500 South Carolinians who support the education of more than 11,000 undergraduate and 3,500 graduate students. None of these institutions receive direct federal or state funds for operations, yet our students do receive federal and state grants and scholarships they can use at either public or private colleges and universities.

In light of the runaway federal deficit, and oftencontentious debates in Congress on how best to allocate taxpayer dollars, cuts to grants and scholarships for college students wouldn’t be prudent. After all, you’ll not find many returns on investment better than that provided by Christian higher education.

For every $1 in federal grant money a student receives, CCCU institutions far more than match the investment, providing $5 in aid to that same student through their own grants and scholarships. When you drill down on the

“

data, you find that the $470 million in annual grant aid provided by the federal government amounts to $9.7 billion in federal tax revenue.

Needless to say, a $9 billion profit is an incredible return on investment.

The overall economic impact of the more than 140 U.S.-based CCCU institutions is staggering. Collectively we generate $60 billion annually for the U.S. economy, which comes out to roughly $166 million per day.

Our thesis is simple: Christian higher education is important to the social, cultural and economic well-being of the United States in general, and South Carolina specifically. In a political landscape scarred by the memory of the Great Recession, lawmakers have to ask hard questions and make bold decisions.

We certainly understand. In my view, however, it’s vitally important that when considering federal- and state-based aid funding, lawmakers should keep their focus on the people most affected: the college students on whom so much of our country’s future relies, and the young men and women schools like Anderson University so effectively educate.

Of course, it’s not just dollars and cents. More than 35 percent of CCCU students provide out-of-classroom service to their communities, totaling 5.4 million hours every year. Graduation rates are high. And the default rate on student loans for CCCU graduates is 6.3 percent; the national average for all college graduates is much higher, standing at 11.5 percent.

Dr. Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D., is the president of Anderson University, where he has served since 2002. He is a past member and chairman of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, having been appointed by then-Governor Nikki Haley.

AU at a Glance

more than 1,000 events

activities

Here at Anderson University, academics are rooted in our Christian mission and grounded in the liberal arts. Guided by a commitment to teaching excellence, AU professors will cultivate your creativity and productivity. You will develop a deep love for learning and discover a campus community that feels like family. As a distinctly Christian university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Anderson University is devoted to the spiritual growth of its students. Faith is woven into every aspect of the AU experience.

have

of opportunities

stay connected and grow

Here it’s integrated into your classrooms, your extracurricular activities, and, of course, the ministries you’ll have the opportunity to join. Through involvement, leadership, and relationships with faculty, staff, and peers, you will grow to know yourself and your gifts. At AU, you will also encounter faith in Christ in new, challenging, and refreshing ways. And that’s why the integration of faith and learning is a foundational aspect of the Anderson University experience.

Our Students & Campus Community

students

different countries represented

different states represented

of students are people of color

study abroad programs

student to faculty ratio

of our freshmen students live on campus

modern on-campus housing options ranging from traditional halls to apartment-style suites

clubs & organizations

ongoing student activities each year

of our students participated in 22 intramural sports last year

athletic programs with women’s lacrosse and football coming soon

On-campus dining options include the AU Culinary Center, Chick-fil-A, Chronicles Café, and Books & Beans, a We Proudly Serve Starbucks location.

The University pool includes barbeque grills, ample seating for relaxing or studying, and Wi-Fi.

The G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Student Center is home to a stateof-the-art fitness center, outfitted with the latest in cardio, weight training equipment and group fitness classes.

AU biologists, students and local naturalists can enjoy and explore Rocky River Nature Park—a 160-acre Conservation Easement of combined wetland and upland.

The AU Makerspace is a hub for students and faculty to experiment, build, and learn through machines, technology, and problem-based learning methods.

Students at the Anderson University Center for Cancer Research work with advanced equipment and skilled researchers to study cancer treatments and causes.

Our Campus

Ideally situated on 387 acres in the elegant historical district of Anderson, South Carolina, Anderson University’s campus provides a definitively collegiate setting for your student’s educational journey.

Our Accreditation

Anderson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Anderson University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404.679.4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Professional accreditation includes the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) through National Council for Accreditation of

Anderson University does not unlawfully discriminate

Teacher Education (NCATE) Legacy, the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Our Global Journey

During their junior year, qualified students can take a threecredit course that includes a short-term, faculty sponsored study abroad experience (some recent trips include: England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Germany, France, and Vietnam) our students engage in approximately 10 college-sponsored mission and service trips each year and provide many hours of community service.

Our Vision

For God and humanity, Anderson University seeks to be an innovative, entrepreneurial, premier comprehensive university where liberal arts, professional studies, and graduate studies thrive within an uplifting, welcoming, and distinctively Christian community of diverse faculty, staff and students dedicated to intellectually rigorous learning, a caring and hospitable campus culture, and personal transformation.

Dr. L.

SC,

A Journey of Academic Excellence & Faith

100% Online Undergraduate & Graduate Degrees

one of the fastest growing online schools, Anderson University offers you more than 60 programs and 100% online degree options

Nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report, our online programs provide you with a flexible, fast, and affordable pathway to earn your diploma. From bachelor’s degrees to PhDs, Anderson University Online has a program to help you achieve your educational and career goals as part of a vibrant, intentionally Christian community.

Our Collective Journey

Inspiring Faculty, Students & Alumni

Trojan Football Operations Center is Latest Step Toward Anderson University Football Program’s Arrival

In preparation for the inaugural season of Trojan Football, Anderson University began construction of its new Football Operations Center last summer. Construction of the 45,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to conclude ahead of the 2023-2024 academic year. It will house coaches’ offices, locker rooms, team meeting rooms, and a training and sports medicine center.

> andersonuniversity.edu/news/trojan-football-operations-center

Alumna Wins Award for Saving Lives During COVID-19 Pandemic

An Anderson University College of Arts and Sciences graduate won an award for helping create a ventilator training app during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adina Lundquist graduated with degrees in communication and advertising in 2014.

> andersonuniversity.edu/news/ventilator-app-saves-lives

Anderson University Center for Global Engagement Coordinator Earns Prestigious Diversity Fellowship

Jordan Anderson, a coordinator for the Anderson University Center for Global Engagement, was named one of only 10 higher education professionals to the NAFSA Representation, Inclusion, Sup port and Empowerment Fellowship program. NAFSA RISE is a two-year professional development program that promotes diversity in international education.

> andersonuniversity.edu/news/NAFSA-Rise-Fellowship

Anderson University Graduate Founds Non-Profit School to Serve Children in Zambia

While still an undergraduate student in the Anderson University College of Education, Savannah Leighton Black founded Hands of Hope, a non-profit organization and primary school that is providing education, clean water and nutrition services to impoverished children in Lusaka, Zambia. Savannah is a 2018 graduate of the Anderson University College of Education.

> andersonuniversity.edu/news/hands-of-hope-zambia

Read

Anderson University Once Again Named One of the Best College Workplaces in the Nation

For the third consecutive year, Anderson University is one of the best college workplaces in the United States. The Great Colleges to Work For© program in September placed Anderson University on its Honor Roll as AU was lauded in all 10 of The Great Colleges to Work For recognition categories.

> andersonuniversity.edu/news/great-colleges-to-work-for-2022

When Anderson University students hear Dr. Candace Livingston lecture on the art and culture of faraway places, it comes from someone who’s been there. Dr. Livingston, an art history professor in The South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University, has spent many of her summers as a lecturer aboard cruise ships.

> andersonuniversity.edu/news/livingston-travels-the-world

Art Professor Creates Interactive Exhibit to Show Solidarity With Ukraine

Amid the Russian war against Ukraine, Professor Zac Benson, who teaches 3D and ceramics at The South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University, created an interactive sculpture built to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The project was funded by a grant from the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

> andersonuniversity.edu/news/ukraine-solidarity-sculpture

College of Christian Studies Launches Center for the Study of African-American Preaching

The Center for the Study of African-American Preaching is the newest initiative of the Anderson University College of Christian Studies and Clamp Divinity School, which will develop new scholarship about preaching in the Black church and create a publicly available online library of audio recordings of well-known African-American preachers.

> andersonuniversity.edu/news/livingston-travels-the-world

Dr. Candace Livingston Travels the Globe as an Archaeologist, Historian… and Cruise Ship Lecturer

Pam Bryant-Ross

Vice President for Enrollment Management at Anderson University

Supporting Your Student in the College Search

With all that is surrounding us, I believe it is important for parents and guardians to remain connected as they seek to support their students through the college search process. My hope is that we can unify with one another in this important season, and as an enrollment professional and mom to two, I look forward to sharing my perspective with you about selecting a college home with your student.

In my four decades of service to Anderson University, I have had the privilege of witnessing the ever-changing landscape of college enrollment and the valuable growth in the lives of our students. In my 29 years as a parent, I have had an even greater privilege to witness this growth in the lives of my own children. There is no guidebook that can ever prepare you for what it means to be a parent (especially to college students), but I hope the lessons I have learned will empower you to empower your student through their journey.

From the valuable insights I have gained over the past four decades, one of the greatest lessons I have learned is this:

“

Your student is going to college somewhere, and they need your guidance in the process.

Deciding where to go to college is one of the first major decisions your student will face in his or her life. Your student is essentially choosing a place to call home for the next four years, and that is no easy decision. There will be moments of doubt, overwhelming joy, stress, clarity, and everything in between. It is an impactful season for you, your student, and your relationship. I am sure you are asking yourself, “What can I do to help?”

One of the best gifts you can give your student is empowerment and encouragement in this season. So, what does that look like? For some, it may be relinquishing control to your student and providing a listening ear as

he or she decides what is best. For others, it may be stepping up as the voice of reason during your student’s uncertainty. For all of us, it is sitting with your student in prayer that God will guide your family through this season.

When I began the college search with my children, I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed but incredibly encouraged knowing I had witnessed so many families before me navigate the process well. As you walk through this season, I want to share with you key consistencies I have witnessed in my role that proved a student would be successful in this journey:

The student gave it over to God first. I once read that God is trying to give us gifts, but often, our hands are too full to receive them. From my experience, I can assure you that if you empty your hands and ask God to bless your decision, He will come through every time.

The student was empowered by his or her family to make the final decision. We often believe parents and guardians always know best, and while that may be true, this is a choice that your student needs to feel equipped and encouraged to make. Families should provide guidance, support, and a knowledgeable perspective, but in the end, this decision must feel right to the student.

You have a great opportunity to walk with your student through one of the most impactful seasons of his or her life, and your guidance right now is more crucial than ever. Each of you will grow in ways you did not realize were possible, you will celebrate moments of clarity and joy, and you will cling to each other in moments of indecision and doubt.

The student continued to receive support from his or her family once the decision was made. As your student selects his or her future home, you need to be firm in your support and unwavering in your encouragement. This is your student’s journey to navigate, and what he or she needs most is the recognition that you believe in the decision that was made.

Let me acknowledge the fact that your student may hold to this decision without falter during the next four years, but your student may also realize months later this was not the best choice. Regardless of the outcome, you must recognize each decision will bring growth and valuable lessons to your family. Your role is to remain positive, supportive, and empowering no matter where this journey leads.

I chose to implement each of these actions when my daughters began the college search process, and while the journey was not always easy, it was made easier because we trusted God, and I trusted them.

You have a great opportunity to walk with your student through one of the most impactful seasons of his or her life, and your guidance right now is more crucial than ever. Each of you will grow in ways you did not realize were possible, you will celebrate moments of clarity and joy, and you will cling to each other in moments of indecision and doubt. Through each moment though, you will find rest and peace knowing

God is guiding the way.

Trust Him, and trust your student. Your journey awaits.

Channels of Support for Anderson University Students:

• Center for Student Success provides programs and individualized services offering students the opportunity to be successful.

• Center for Career Development & AU PRO is designed to improve students written and oral communication skills while illuminating the overall characteristics of a professional image.

• Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) enriches students’ academic experiences by providing co-curricular opportunities that reinforce the educational and personal development of students.

• Anderson University Ron Blue Center is an affiliate of the Ron Blue Institute, an Indiana-based organization hosted by Indiana Wesleyan University. The mission of the Ron Blue Center at Anderson University is to advance biblical financial education, enabling Christians to make financial decisions within a biblical framework.

• Thrive Wellness Center provides on-campus health care and counseling services easily accessible for the Trojan Family.

• Campus Ministries: Anderson University has a Christian faculty and staff, challenging spiritual programs, and strong Christian organizations—all of which come together to help Anderson University students deepen their faith, share in Christ’s love, and grow.

• Clubs and Organizations: There are 38 registered clubs and organizations for students to join as they discover their passions.

• Center for Innovation and Digital Learning (CIDL) enriches teaching and learning through academic innovation.

• Anderson University Parent Association invites parents and guardians to share their ideas, talents, and contributions as they each play an instrumental role at Anderson University and create memories that will last far beyond a student’s college career.

To learn more, visit andersonuniversity.edu

Our Location & Drive Times

in the Upstate region of South Carolina, the city of Anderson has been recognized as the “Friendliest City in South Carolina.” Anderson is a regional destination city for shopping and dining, as well as outdoor sports at nearby Lake Hartwell and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located less than 30 minutes from downtown Greenville and two hours from Atlanta and Charlotte, Anderson students have easy access to vibrant professional, cultural, recreational and employment opportunities, and are within driving distance of South Carolina’s beaches.

Atlanta, GA 2.0 Hours

Augusta, GA 2.0 Hours

Birmingham, AL 4.0 Hours Charleston, SC 4.0 Hours

Charlotte, NC 2.0 Hours

Greensboro, NC 4.0 Hours

Hilton Head, SC 4.5 Hours

Jacksonville, FL 7.0 Hours Orlando, FL 9.0 Hours

Raleigh, NC 5.0 Hours Savannah, GA 4.5 Hours