Published: Saturday, July 25, 2009
Trinity Lutheran College teachers take on new roles in tough times
EVERETT — Like a lot of small private schools trying to stay afloat during a national recession, Trinity Lutheran College in downtown Everett faced some tough decisions this spring.
In the end, it cut four administrative positions and reduced hours for some faculty members instead of eliminating academic programs or raising tuition.
Instructors will take on extra roles: the chairwoman of biblical studies will add the title director of alumni and church relations; the business department chairman will oversee the student bookstore and the psychology chairwoman will serve as dean of students.
“The new model maintains our roster of faculty members, but asks these colleagues to do something that colleges did centuries ago — fulfill key nonclassroom functions,” said Jeff Mallinson, Trinity’s academic dean. “In this model, we will integrate faith, learning and service not only throughout the curriculum, but also throughout the campus and out into Everett.”
Mark Jackson will divide time between teaching children, youth and family studies classes, and serving as associate dean of administration.
“I believe a number of us see the potential that this new model has in such a way we are willing to commit to it,” Jackson said.
At the same time, the college is breaking down walls between the classroom and extracurricular experiences. Business students, for instance, will use the school’s bookstore to learn marketing, accounting and management skills while student worship leaders can enroll in a course on worship planning.
The college, founded in 1944 as the Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle, moved from Issaquah to downtown Everett last September.
It had just under 100 students, including 24 spring graduates, during the past school year, but it expects roughly a 20 percent increase in enrollment this fall. Over time, it hopes to see enrollment grow beyond 250 students.
College officials feared a tuition increase would discourage students from enrolling. Tuition will remain at $18,925.
“We recognize the growing cost of higher education and do not want to further burden students’ families in coming up with ways to cover rising tuition costs in a tight economic climate,” said Thomas Ramsey, vice president of finance.
For now, college leaders will share leadership. College president John Stamm retired June 30. He led the college since 1998.
Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com.
In the end, it cut four administrative positions and reduced hours for some faculty members instead of eliminating academic programs or raising tuition.
Instructors will take on extra roles: the chairwoman of biblical studies will add the title director of alumni and church relations; the business department chairman will oversee the student bookstore and the psychology chairwoman will serve as dean of students.
“The new model maintains our roster of faculty members, but asks these colleagues to do something that colleges did centuries ago — fulfill key nonclassroom functions,” said Jeff Mallinson, Trinity’s academic dean. “In this model, we will integrate faith, learning and service not only throughout the curriculum, but also throughout the campus and out into Everett.”
Mark Jackson will divide time between teaching children, youth and family studies classes, and serving as associate dean of administration.
“I believe a number of us see the potential that this new model has in such a way we are willing to commit to it,” Jackson said.
At the same time, the college is breaking down walls between the classroom and extracurricular experiences. Business students, for instance, will use the school’s bookstore to learn marketing, accounting and management skills while student worship leaders can enroll in a course on worship planning.
The college, founded in 1944 as the Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle, moved from Issaquah to downtown Everett last September.
It had just under 100 students, including 24 spring graduates, during the past school year, but it expects roughly a 20 percent increase in enrollment this fall. Over time, it hopes to see enrollment grow beyond 250 students.
College officials feared a tuition increase would discourage students from enrolling. Tuition will remain at $18,925.
“We recognize the growing cost of higher education and do not want to further burden students’ families in coming up with ways to cover rising tuition costs in a tight economic climate,” said Thomas Ramsey, vice president of finance.
For now, college leaders will share leadership. College president John Stamm retired June 30. He led the college since 1998.
Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com.
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