15 minute read
Hats Off to President Collins
BY AMBER BOWMAN AND SARAH HUXFORD CAMP
PHOTOS/EDITING BY RAGAN BARNES JOHNSON '21
It’s difficult to imagine a more fitting leader for Point University over the past two decades than Dean Collins. He took the helm of the University during a difficult financial season, and he has led it through many trials since. He presided over a moment when then-Atlanta Christian College was faced with the challenge of relocating the main campus in order to thrive. He navigated the launch of adult degree completion and the subsequent move to fully online degree programs. Under his leadership, the University found creative ways to address increased competition for college-bound students and economic pressures that made it difficult for students and families to afford a Christian higher education.
As Dean prepares for retirement — and a transition to the role of chancellor — on June 30, Point takes a look at 10 of the University’s most significant achievements during his tenure.
Relocation
When Dean became president of Atlanta Christian College in 2006, the campus was located in East Point, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. The historic campus was part of a 300acre farm inherited by Nora Head Hathcock, wife of College founder Judge T. O. Hathcock. The campus was distinctly rural in its earliest days, but by the time of Dean’s presidency, it was surrounded by residential housing and the ever-encroaching sprawl of the city. The student body was beginning to outgrow the campus, and there were limited opportunities for further expansion. The board agreed that it was time to find a new location for our main campus, and they began searching for other potential locations for the College.
In fall 2012, the traditional, residential campus relocated to West Point, Georgia and the growing Greater Valley Area, a community with ample opportunity for the growth of the University’s campus. The relocation took an immense amount of planning and wise leadership. Dean successfully led the students, employees, alumni and friends of the University through this transition with humble wisdom and grace.
Name Change
Along with the relocation of the main campus came the need for a new name. It would’ve been difficult to continue as Atlanta Christian College in a community decidedly outside the metro area, and Point’s expansion to multiple site locations made a geographic name less appropriate. Further, the planned diversification into graduate programs made the name “university” a better fit.
The University worked with a Christian public relations firm to brainstorm and vet many possible names. Ultimately, the name Point was selected for both its geographic significance — our move from East Point to West Point — and its symbolic significance related to pointing students to Christ. “Our new name not only captures our historic and future geographic locations, but our ongoing mission to equip students who are passionate about being points of influence in business, the arts, education or the nonprofit world,” said Dean at the time.
Enrollment Growth
When Dean became interim president of Atlanta Christian College in 2006, the College had a total enrollment just under 400 students. It’s difficult for residential colleges and universities to succeed at that size due to the economies of scale involved in running a college campus. Dean saw that Point would need to grow in order to survive in a competitive higher education market.
Thanks to a wider variety of degree programs and modalities, Point now has a total enrollment of more than 2,700 students. This growth can be attributed to Dean’s visionary leadership in the expansion of graduate programs, online programs, including Elevate, and dual-credit enrollment (learn more in numbers seven and eight on the following pages). With this growth comes a greater opportunity for Point to make an impact for the kingdom of God throughout the world.
Focus on Belonging
One of Point’s most distinctive qualities is the way it imitates the kingdom of God in the makeup of its student body. In 2006, the campus population was already racially diverse, especially when compared to other private colleges. Today, Point’s student body has seen increases in the Black, Asian, Hispanic and Native American populations. Women continue to make up about half of the student body. Most interesting is Point’s variety of international students; the University enrolls students from 39 countries and 46 states, both on campus and in online programs. In the Point community, we all reflect the image of God and learn from one another. Point’s campus makeup allows students to have new and different experiences than they would have received at another college or university. Dean’s focus on making college accessible for all people, no matter their background or socioeconomic status, has helped guide the University’s efforts.
Campus Expansion
When Point relocated to West Point, Georgia, in 2012, the campus consisted of just four buildings — the Lanier Academic Center, the Scott Fine Arts Center, the Dining Hall, and the Parr House. The University leased local apartment buildings to serve as student housing. Since then, the University has acquired or leased nine more facilities — the Hub student center, the Band Building, the Point University Golf Club, and student housing locations Skyhawk Landing, The Lofts, The Summit, Hawk Refuge, The Nest, the Living-Learning Community, and the Townhomes. Under Dean’s leadership, Point’s campus has greatly expanded and now spans across downtown West Point. The University also shares local facilities for its athletic programs in West Point and in Valley, Alabama.
Addition of Graduate Programs
Knowing that graduate programs would be a necessary part of the University’s growth, Dean first proposed the idea to trustees in 2008. Adding new programs requires working extensively with the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the University’s accrediting body, as well as a significant budget commitment. During Point 2020, the University’s 2015-20 strategic plan, graduate programs were listed as a priority, and the board unanimously approved continuing efforts to develop these programs.
In early 2016, the application for the level change required to offer graduate programs was submitted to SACSCOC. After approval, the first graduate programs — the master of transformative ministry and the master of business administration — were launched that fall. The first students to earn master’s degrees graduated in 2018, and since then, nearly 200 students have followed in their footsteps. The establishment of graduate programs clearly paved the way for the University’s continued growth.
Elevate Program & GAP Scholarship
In 2021, several Chick-fil-A operators approached Dean about their interest in a new concept for higher education. The idea that resulted from that brainstorming session: a program that allows employers to pay an annual fee to send their employees to college — at no cost to the employee. Out of this idea, the Elevate program was born. Since its launch in 2022, the program has grown to include more than 300 businesses and organizations, educating more than 1,000 students. The program keeps employees who want to continue their education from having to choose between working full time or earning their degrees. Elevate makes it possible for them to do both, thus creating opportunities for individuals who might not have otherwise earned a degree.
The concept for Elevate has also led to the establishment of the GAP Scholarship. Donors who are interested in this model can give a set annual amount, which provides access to Point University’s online programs for a given number of students. The University chooses the students through its partnerships with various churches and nonprofit organizations, and these students can earn their degrees and graduate debt-free.
The Elevate program and GAP Scholarship are just two more ways that Dean’s innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit has enabled Point to make college more accessible for everyone.
Online Programs
For most of its history, all Atlanta Christian College degree programs were only offered in person, but in 2008, the College launched Access, a new program offered to adults seeking to continue their education. This in-person program, which started with once-weekly night classes for adult students, evolved into a fully online program for those desiring a degree they could earn without traveling to the University’s physical locations. Point’s online program now makes up 75 percent of the University’s student body.
Online education has expanded to include more than 40 programs, ranging from social work to accounting. These programs are fully asynchronous, allowing students to complete their degrees on their own schedules, while receiving the same support from the University that a residential student would. Dean’s vision for the online program has allowed Point to become a competitive option for students across the country — and around the world.
Athletic Growth
When Dean became president of Atlanta Christian College, the College fielded six athletic teams. Under his leadership, athletic programs saw increasing success, with the baseball team winning the NCCAA Division II World Series. At the time of his retirement, the University has 13 sports teams, competes as part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and most residential students are student-athletes. Point is a member of the Southern States Athletic Conference, with 10 conference championships and 28 NAIA tournament appearances. Point University was named an NAIA Champions of Character Gold Five-Star Institution for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years.
Care for Students’ Spiritual Growth
Dean has had numerous accomplishments and milestones during his tenure at Point, but the one with eternal value is his commitment to the spiritual growth of Point’s students. While the growth and success of the University are certainly worthy endeavors, it has always been evident that the priority for Dean was the spiritual development and flourishing of the students.
Psalm 145:4 says, “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” From convocations to chapels to individual meetings with students, Dean’s priority has been the teaching of the next generation of the mighty acts of God, so that they may know the love of Christ and commit their lives to him. It is a work of everlasting worth, one that will cause ripple effects for decades to come.
Advice from a former president
I had barely settled into my seat as president, and I was desperate for help. Our cash flow was down to a trickle. I called the chair of our board and asked him to call a meeting of our Finance Committee. They said, “Y’all work up a plan and let us know about it next week.” I was so despondent until one of the trustees approached me. He put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Don’t worry, Jim, it will be okay.”
I did relax, not because he put a check in my hand or promised to send us one when he got home, but because I had a friend and mentor who loved and supported me and believed in the ministry of Atlanta Christian College (now Point University).
I lived with the pressure of raising support to fund the ministry of the college for nine years. It was the most anxiety-laden experience of my life. If I did not feel called by God to do that important work, I would have given up.
Dean Collins has faithfully followed God’s call in leading Point University for more than twice as long as I! His work has been so much more complex than mine because of the complexity of our culture. On top of that, he has had to raise an annual amount of money with more zeroes on the end of that number! I have seen the effect of the burden of responsibility that is on his shoulders. I commend him for a job well done.
Dean is known nationally among independent Christian colleges and universities as a visionary and an effective leader. However, I want everyone to know that more than anything, he is a godly man of prayer. It is his prayer life that has kept him upright and faithful to his call.
Dean, the best advice that I can offer you as a former president is to not jump into anything too quickly. Allow yourself to decompress. You and Penny relax and enjoy yourselves!
As you and I have discussed, what you do next may depend on the next president. There is value for the president to have you close, and there is value in you being away — far away. You must nuance that, as I know you are quite capable of doing.
In my experience, I did not stick around to “assist” Dr. Eddie Groover ’67, my successor, pictured with us above. He was my dear friend and confidant, so he knew that I was available day or night. I became his preacher! As a matter of fact, I became your preacher at that time, as well. You and I worked in worship together at Southwest Christian Church as you helped launch and lead our contemporary service.
Thank you for your friendship to me and countless others associated with Point. Unofficially, on behalf of the alumni, we thank you for taking care of our alma mater. Thank you for your vision and leadership. Thank you for a job well done.
—Dr. Jim Donovan ’74
From Dean’s Family
—Natalie Collins Braden ’04
Dear Dad,
You did it! What a wild, wonderful journey these years have been. It’s been an incredible experience watching a place I knew and loved as a student evolve into something far beyond what I ever could have imagined. Having a front-row seat to this chapter in Point’s story has been a gift.
I’ve always admired how you’ve faced challenges and embraced opportunities with such calm, faithful intention. Knowing the history of Atlanta Christian College so well, it’s impossible to ignore the countless special people who’ve passed through those doors. Seeing so many of them now contributing to what is Point University today is truly awe-inspiring. It’s hard to put into words just how remarkable it is to witness what God has done during your time as president.
But, if I had to pick my favorite part, it’s watching your face light up when you share the stories of students who have found faith, or who’ve gone on to do incredible things for God’s kingdom. Or the stories of faculty and staff who have dedicated themselves to supporting and shaping students — not just as learners, but as people.
I am so proud of you. So thankful for you. Your impact is immeasurable, and I’m blessed to be able to witness it.
On behalf of our family, we are all so deeply grateful for the legacy you’ve built here. Your leadership and love for this place have left a lasting mark on so many lives, and we feel blessed to have been a part of it.
With all my love and gratitude,
Natalie
Brimming with Personality: A Q&A with Dean About his Signature Look
What led you to choosing this style of hat?
I didn’t think I could pull off the cowboy hat unless I lived in Texas or out west somewhere! And I thought I looked silly in a fedora, bowler or Panama-style hat, so I went with the basic flat cap style.
What is your favorite thing about your hats?
They keep my head cool or warm, depending on the material of the hat. And after 25 years of wearing them, I don’t feel fully dressed without one now. If I happen to go outside without one, someone will usually ask me, “Where’s your hat?”
Where do you get your hats?
Many places! I have purchased hats from online hat stores, in department stores and in hat shops. And I sometimes get them as gifts.
What’s your favorite brand of hat?
I don’t have a favorite brand, but I do have a couple of hats that Betty Lanier gave me when her husband, my life-long mentor and friend, Smith Lanier, died. They came from Scotland and are very good for fall and winter months.
How many hats do you have?
I haven’t counted them lately, but probably 25 flat cap-style hats, along with three or four golf hats that have a wider brim and maybe 12-15 baseball caps.
When did you start collecting hats?
I never really intended to collect hats; it just sort of happened. Different seasons require different materials. And before I realized it, I had quite a collection.
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to adopt a signature accessory?
Hats are a great accessory, and everyone would benefit from wearing them. We all have risk of skin cancer, and hats reduce your risk. I sometimes ask a friend or a family member If I can pull off a certain hat. If you have people who will be honest with you, then you can find the style that works for you. About 15 years ago, someone asked me about a brightly colored hat I had, and I told them: “As you get older, you have to go bolder!”
