NCUMagazineSpring 2016

A Conversation with President Gordon Anderson

Official Magazine of North Central University

PREPARING FOR A NEW FUTURE

northcentral.edu

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I often get the question, What is North Central going to do when youre gone?

I have a good answer: North Central will continue to focus on its mission as a Christ-centered, Bible-based, Pentecostal school with a commitment to academic excellence!

A change in leadership does not mean a change in mission. Just as I will be continuing my time here with a commitment to that mission, I am confident that God will empower and equip the next president of this university with the will and ability to do the same.

My personal transition is a time to ref lect. The articles in this edition of NCU Magazine remind me of many of the things Im grateful for at NCU: faculty modeling lifelong learning through scholarship (page 10), programs achieving new milestones (page 11), alumni and students, like Tera Weyer, continuing North Central s tradition of missions in new and creative ways (page 20), or families heeding Gods call to care for orphans, as theyve grown their families through adoption (page 24).

Another noteworthy transition at North Central is the departure of Cheryl Book (page 8), who served as our vice president of business and finance for nearly 33 years. Cheryl was a talented leader, and contributed immensely to the success of our university these past three decades.

Our spring graduating class is full of world-changers, ready to fulf ill biblical models of leadership and ministry throughout the world. Join me in praying for their continued success as ambassadors for Christs Kingdom in a world that needs His Light.

Thank you for your continued partnership in prayer and support of North Central University.

Sincerely,

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTNCUMagazine Spring 2016

North Central University910 Elliot Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55404612.343.4400

Administration President

Gordon Anderson, Ph.D.

Vice President, Business & Finance Joy Brathwaite, M.B.A.

Vice President, University Relations Andrew Denton, Ph.D.

Vice President, Spiritual Life Doug Graham, D.Min.

Vice President, Student Development Mike Nosser, M.S.

Vice President, Academic Affairs Don Tucker, Ed.D.

Executive Director, Advancement Paul Freitag, Ph.D.

Chief Enrollment Officer Daniel Dee McDonald, M.B.A.

Editorial Nancy Zugschwert, Editor

Sara Schwalbe, Lead Designer Julian Flores 14, Lead Photographer

All photos by Julian Flores unless noted

Contributors Andrew Fischer 14

Shayna Fowler Erica Hanson 13

Janelle Higdon Judy Jones

Aimee (Perrin 94) Robertson Emily Robertson

Victoria (Pyron 14) Tankersley

Contact Office of Communications

communications@northcentral.edu 612.343.5001

University Relations universityrelations@northcentral.edu

612.343.4743

Alumni alumni@northcentral.edu

612.343.4143

Admissions admissions@northcentral.edu

800.289.6222

NCU Magazine is produced by University Relations offices of Communication and

Marketing and mailed free of charge to alumni, donors, and friends of North Central University.

NCU Mission

North Central University is a Christ-centered, Bible-based, Pentecostal school with a

commitment to academic excellence that prepares students to fulfill biblical models of

leadership and ministry throughout the world.Ephesians 4:11-12

Copyright 2016North Central University

All Rights Reserved

Gordon Anderson, Ph.D.President

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ON THE COVER: President Gordon Anderson

Photo by Andrew Fischer 14; Edited by Julian Flores 14

Spring 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

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4

14

16

26

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Campus NewsPresident Anderson to Retire

Cheryl Book: Vice President and Role Model

New Leaders and Faculty

Faculty Highlights

Social Work Program Accreditation

AthleticsRams set record for UMAC Academic All-Conference

Elissa Pheneger Serves on NCAA Committee

Mens and Womens Basketball NCCAA Tournament Highlights

FeaturesPREPARING FOR THE FUTURE: A Conversation with President Gordon Anderson

BACKYARD AND BEYOND: North Central Missions in Minneapolis and Around the World

CONNECTED HEARTS AND LIVES: NCU Alumni Share Stories of Adoption

Alumni NewsAlumni Snapshot

North Central Then and Now

Additions

Updates

In Memory

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Se Y

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NCU President Gordon Anderson to Retire in June 2017On Jan. 20, Gordon L. Anderson, Ph.D., announced his retirement plans before an audience of students, faculty, and staff gathered for daily chapel. His retirement will be effective June 1, 2017.

Anderson is the sixth president in the history of the school, having served effectively and faithfully since June 1995.

President Anderson has been quietly initiating conversations with the executive committee of the Regents, prayerfully anticipating transition at North Central University, said Ron Bontrager 78, pastor of Lakeview Church in Indianapolis, Ind., and chair of the NCU Board of Regents. He formally announced his plans to the board on December 12, 2015, and publicly shared the news with faculty, staff, and students [on Jan. 20]. He has announced this transition now in order to give the board plenty of notice, assure an effective transition of leadership, and to maintain institutional momentum.

Bontrager added, The entire family of North Central University shares a deep love and high respect for Gordon and Dianne Anderson and their investment of time, love and self-sacrif ice through the years. The legacy they leave will be lasting, and has fruitful harvest in Christs kingdom worldwide. We will miss them when that transition occurs, but know we are building on a solid foundation as we pursue an exciting future for North Central University.

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At the announcement of President Gordon Andersons retirement, Board of Regents Chair Ron Bontrager informed the community that the board will direct an extensive nationwide search for presidential appointment. The executive committee has secured the services of CarterBaldwin Executive Search of Atlanta, Ga., a renowned executive search firm with a proven record in Christian higher education searches and a specif ic history in the Assemblies of God fellowship.

The process is anticipated to take approximately one year, with hopes that a new president can be named in early 2017.

The search includes the establishment of a transition committee that has appointed search committee members, except for two faculty representatives, elected by the faculty.

Details and periodic search process updates are available at northcentral.edu/presidentsearch.

When news of President Andersons retirement was shared on social media, the comments rolled in from alumni and others who have been influenced by his leadership. Here are some of the shout-outs seen on Facebook:

Presidents Announcement Lights Up Facebook News Feed

Board Chair Outlines Search Process

Amanda (Covert 06) Nelson I feel so honored to have attended NCU with him as our president! Friday sermons were the anticipated chapel for me every week. I am equally sad to hear more students wont get that experience, but I am confident that Dr. Anderson must feel Gods hand moving him and Dianne to new waters. So we send blessings their way as they move forward with Gods perfect timing!!

Matt Brown 05 What an incredible, humble, faithful, godly leader. He will be greatly missed, and his impact and legacy lives far beyond what we can ever know. Sending much love and many thanks, Dr. Anderson. We love you!

Dan Sandeen Dr. A, you have left a legacy of being humble in leadership and open to the Holy Spirits guidance. Thank you!

Randy Christensen 84 If he is not one of your favorites, you probably dont know the man. I am thankful for the investment he has made in my life and in the lives of many others.

Trey Meadows 04 A generation of young adults have been greatly impacted by the humble, servant leadership of Dr. Anderson. A champion of faith in an age of unbelief, a true scholar in an age of arm-chair experts and a man of character in a time of faltering moral leadership. Both as a student and young professional in my field, his life has impacted mine and thus many more people in the future.

Rachel Joy (Klas 06) Yorkowitz Dr. Anderson shaped me in ways that I am still discovering. So grateful to have lived and learned under his leadership!

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Award-winning album Hearts on Fire was recorded live at NCU.

The track, Love of God, from the Hearts on Fire worship album produced by the College of Fine Arts, was named #14 on Worship Leaders Top 20 Worship Songs of 2015 (worshipleader.com). North Central was in good company with major artists and writers such as Chris Tomlin, Hillsong, Vertical Worship, Matt Maher, Christy Nockels, Passion, and Matt Redman.

Hearts on Fire was released in March 2015, recorded live during a series of NCU Chapel worship experiences. The recording features original songs by faculty and students from the College of Fine Arts, and was produced under the guidance of Larry Bach, M.A., dean of the College of Fine Arts, and Jeff Deyo, worship arts specialist and assistant professor.

Opportunities for students to participate in professionalquality recordings are a hallmark of North Central s Worship Arts program.