Search - D. Malcolm Maxwell

The mission of Pacific Union College has always been to offer a quality, Christ centered education. The mission statement is to the point: "Our mission is to offer an excellent and distinctive Christian education designed to prepare our students for productive lives of useful service and uncompromising integrity." In short, PUC's goal is to graduate students who are like Christ. Of course, such a goal is idealistic. Still, it reflects the faith of our college's founders and the dream we share for all of our schools. A brief stroll on PUC's campus--stopping to chat with various students--makes it clear that the mission is alive and well today. When the board of trustees met on February 28, it was encouraged to see how the college's commitment to that mission remains central. The board was also presented with some harsh realities. It is increasingly apparent that PUC lacks the financial strength to overcome an encroaching dilemma: the desperate need for entry-level housing for faculty and staff. The Pacific Union certainly chose one of the most beautiful locations in the world when it purchased Edwin Angwin's health resort in 1909 for PUC's campus. Two days later, Ellen White surveyed the newly purchased property...

Over the past few months, you may have heard that the college has considered selling some land. It's an option PUC has prayerfully explored, seeking out the advice of experts and the opinions of the college's constituents. Because so many people genuinely and passionately care about PUC's future, the discussion has been widespread. Unfortunately, some incorrect information has circulated, so we want to report on what is (and isn't) happening. An Overview The finance committee, a subcommittee of PUC's board of trustees, met last March to explore ways to achieve the three goals outlined in PUC's new strategic plan. For sure, the goals are bold and worthy: [1] Access, [2] Quality, and [3] Resources. ACCESS: PUC will make Christian liberal arts education more accessible to qualified applicants by expanding PUC's capacity to provide financial assistance and by providing expanded delivery systems. QUALITY: PUC will enhance our program of continuous and intentional development of faculty and staff to their highest potential in order to ensure distinctive student learning outcomes. RESOURCES: PUC will support academic excellence by generating resources adequate to promote and fund the twin goals of access and quality. Tackling this brave plan, the committee favored the concept "of a...