Scripture is replete with the stories of brave men. Flawed and imperfect men made righteous by God and worthy of our admiration, not because of their own cunning or strength but because of their faith in and surrender to God. I have a few favorites.

I marvel at Caleb鈥檚 faith, his belief in the power of God, and his trust that God would keep His promises even as those around him were doubtful and fearful of their environment and Israel鈥檚 enemies (Numbers 13:30-33). Who can forget Daniel鈥檚 conviction to remain true to the God of Israel and God鈥檚 law, even as an exile in a foreign land who lived in the good graces of Babylonian leadership (Daniel 1:8-16). Joseph modeled supreme faith and trust in God as he took Mary, pregnant with Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, to be his wife (Matthew 1:24-25). Each of these men inspires me, but as a young man, it is King David who may have been the most influential Biblical figure in my spiritual development. While David is often heralded for his bravery and courage, it was his flaws and brokenness that spoke to me as a young man. David鈥檚 failures and redemption showed me that God in fact uses deeply flawed and broken people, which gave me hope that God could use me.

In addition to these biblical examples, I聽have personally been fortunate to have many influential聽Christian men聽to help form me as a Christian man;聽particularly聽my father, grandfathers, uncles, and聽cousins.聽In addition to聽family members, I have had teachers and professional mentors who have guided, encouraged, and corrected聽me. Even today, as a husband, father, and leader, I enjoy sacred relationship with Christian men who support and encourage me, and when needed, question and challenge me.

While I have been blessed with an abundance of faithful Christian men in my life, I grew up in a community plagued by the absence of men. Having married parents was atypical. Having an absent or incarcerated father was not uncommon. The absence of men was felt acutely in homes, church, and community structures. Single mothers did all they could to provide for their children, financially, spiritually, and emotionally, but the result of male absence was often poverty and many of its accompanying hardships. The plain truth is that families need fathers and husbands. And Houghton has a clear and important role to play in the preparation of God-honoring, faithful Christian men. I treasure Houghton鈥檚 opportunity to play a role in their Christian formation.

God created people, male and female, in His image (Genesis 1:27). Men and women bear the image of God our creator, equally valuable and loved by God. But men and women are not interchangeable. We are created with distinctions.聽As such, Houghton endeavors to provide聽a聽nurturing Christian community that equips,聽strengthens, and encourages young men as they prepare to become husbands, fathers, and servant leaders in their homes, families, churches, and communities.聽I聽聽want聽Houghton men聽to understand that they will serve in churches and communities marred by the absence and failures of men, and that their presence, service, strength, and compassion can play a healing and restorative role in聽the lives of young people who desperately need the influence of Christian men in their lives.聽It is a responsibility to be taken seriously.

The聽lives of聽Biblical men like Daniel, Caleb,聽David, and Joseph the stepfather of Jesus,聽continue to encourage and challenge聽me.聽But then,聽so do the lives and service of聽the聽courageous聽Christian聽men聽who serve at聽Houghton today.聽As Houghton鈥檚 president, my prayer and my aim聽is聽that聽the聽faith,聽obedience,聽failures,聽and triumphs聽of聽Biblical聽men and contemporary Houghton men,聽inspire the young men studying at Houghton聽to聽act justly, the love mercy,聽and to walk humbly with God聽(Micah 6:8).聽By God鈥檚 grace, may it be so.

Much has been said and written recently regarding viewpoint and ideological diversity, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression in American higher education. Anti-Israel campus demonstrations, ongoing debate surrounding preferential admissions and hiring policies, and the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University have all contributed to this critical moment in American higher education. We will likely determine in short order whether colleges and universities in the United States can in fact live up to being places where diverse viewpoints are welcomed and speech is protected, including ideas and opinions that run counter to dominant and prevailing perspectives.

Critics of American higher education have accused colleges and universities of operating and educating students through a decidedly progressive worldview. While some of the critique is extreme and some often-quoted examples represent only the most egregious of offenses to free expression, university leaders and faculty would be wise to not reject the criticism out of hand. Hiring policies and practices at many public universities have led to faculty bodies that are decidedly left leaning, and in some instances, with faculty who are hostile to religious or conservative perspectives. Expectations and standards for faculty promotion and tenure, academic publications standards, and peer reviewers who serve as gatekeepers to publication have all had a hand in creating and enforcing progressive leaning norms and standards. Conservative students at public institutions speak often of their fear of accidentally outing themselves as conservatives, and their perceived need to hide their religious convictions or political preferences in their writing and speech.

Having lived professionally in colleges and universities since 2009, in varying roles at public and private institutions, I have experienced this tension personally. As a newly promoted and tenured faculty member at the University of Kentucky, I carefully considered whether I would accept an executive role in state government in a new Republican administration. As a relatively young professional at the time, I weighed the implications for my career in higher education. I knew taking the position would result in altered or severed relationships with colleagues and friends, discomfort in professional meetings and associations, and more limited opportunities for employment and advancement upon my return to higher education. In the end, my desire to positively influence the learning opportunities and outcomes for students, particularly economically disadvantaged students, outweighed concerns about my higher education career.

Should the response to a public higher education system that operates decidedly left of center be to reimagine and recreate it in the image of conservatism? I pray not. Instead, our public institutions should once again become places where students and faculty with varied ideological perspectives are welcomed, their speech is protected, and their work evaluated based solely on its merit, without fear that their religion, who they voted for, or their stance on tax or immigration policy will lead to moral judgement, ridicule, or marginalization on campus. Public colleges and universities are heavily subsidized by the tax dollars of progressive, moderate, conservative, and apolitical taxpayers alike. Up until now, Americans have supported this use of tax dollars because we believe these institutions serve a public interest, that what they provide is a collective benefit to all, regardless of our individual religious identities, political preferences, or whether we ourselves or our children attend public colleges and universities. The public is unlikely to continue such levels of financial support without movement toward greater ideological balance on campuses.

The Christian University and Viewpoint Diversity

Religious colleges and universities like Houghton are not taxpayer funded and have different missions than public colleges and universities. With the protections of federal and state law, Christian institutions often hire staff who align with their religious beliefs. For example, as an institution of The Wesleyan Church, Houghton鈥檚 employees鈥� beliefs and behavior are expected to align with orthodox Christianity and the core tenets of the denomination’s doctrine. Not only is such alignment a requirement of the Church, but it is essential to carry out Houghton鈥檚 mission of providing an academically challenging higher education experience in the Wesleyan Holiness tradition. Students choose Houghton and institutions like it knowing that they will be educated through an intentionally Christian worldview.

Still, exposure to and consideration of diverse viewpoints is a critically important part of a Houghton education. With uncompromising clarity concerning Houghton’s Christian beliefs and values, faculty are expected to expose students to various viewpoints, including conflicting ones. Houghton graduates leave the institution having engaged in learning experiences that have pushed and challenged them to think, to question, and to defend. We believe there is no better place for young Christians to be challenged and exposed to diverse viewpoints than in a supportive Christian learning community.

A Christian can understand the beliefs of Muslims and Hindus yet remain firmly grounded in the truth of the Gospel. A Christian can work collaboratively and live respectfully in community with Buddhists and atheists, while refusing to compromise or negotiate on the inerrancy of God鈥檚 Word. My hope and prayer for Houghton graduates is that they leave Houghton and live their lives as men and women convinced of the truth of the Gospel; not because they have not learned of other faith traditions or conflicting perspectives, but because they personally know and have experienced the love, grace, and peace of Jesus Christ. Our aim is to equip life-long scholar-servants who know and can articulate who they are, whose they are, what they believe, and why they believe it.

黑料科 President, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., talks with .

In the interview, Lewis shares about his experience serving as the chief education officer for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and how that work has prepared him in unique ways to serve as the 6th President of 黑料科.

From 2016 through 2019, I had the honor of serving the Commonwealth of Kentucky in state government, first as an executive policy leader and advisor in education and workforce development, and later, as Commissioner of Education. During my tenure as Commissioner, much of my team鈥檚 work centered on . Our state boasted one of the highest high school graduation rates in the nation, but longitudinal data showed that following high school graduation, too few graduates were achieving success in postsecondary education or the workforce. Further, data and conversations with students and families made it clear that many students’ high school experiences were severely lacking.

To address these challenges, we expanded access to high-quality postsecondary experiences for high school students, including industry-recognized certifications, pre-apprenticeship programs, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate coursework, and most notably, college coursework. Expanding high school students鈥� access to college courses and providing state funding to make them affordable positively impacted the high school experiences of thousands of Kentucky students. In alignment with , it also increased the likelihood of students鈥� matriculation to college immediately following high school graduation. Obviously, Kentucky鈥檚 story is not unique. It is no longer uncommon for students across the U.S. to take some college coursework while still in high school- including many of Houghton鈥檚 first-year students.

Houghton鈥檚 commitment to global engagement is longstanding and widely celebrated. I recognized it clearly as a candidate for the presidency. It was particularly encouraging to me as much of my faculty career included education abroad and international engagement. Prior to coming to Houghton, I traveled, taught and worked with students in Africa, Europe and Asia. My work with faculty and students from other countries created continued opportunities for my American students鈥� learning and engagement. Most meaningful of all, I was able to see and experience firsthand the power of international study for students, as they saw that despite sometimes significant national and cultural differences, people around the world and our various challenges are more similar and interconnected than often understood.

Hands-On Learning Around the World

Houghton’s commitment to global engagement, grounded in its Christian faith, is part of what makes Houghton such a unique and exciting place of learning. We have always understood that our Christian faith transcends the bounds of nations, and we have recognized that one鈥檚 patriotism needs never be at odds with loving and serving brothers and sisters from other nations. Most important, we have understood that the Great Commission summons us to lives of Christian evangelism, discipleship and service 鈥渋n Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth鈥� (Acts 1:8).Through Houghton鈥檚 London Honors program, students are immersed in literature and culture and engage with faculty and peers through a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum, all while experiencing the city of London鈥檚 people, art, music, theatre, architecture, food and faith communities. Students in Houghton鈥檚 Science Honors program enjoy a learning experience that is so much more than learning about science. The curriculum includes hands-on research experiences that require students to do science. Science Honors students engage with their faculty and peers while simultaneously engaging and learning about Puerto Rico鈥檚 beautiful environment, people and culture.

The Great Commission in Action

In addition to the honors and general curriculum study abroad opportunities available to Houghton students, the opportunity to travel for missions ministry continues to be a mainstay of the University. Central to Houghton鈥檚 identity as a Christian university is equipping students to carry the Gospel and be the hands and feet of Jesus locally and globally. In recent years, Highlanders have served in places including Brazil, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic and Nicaragua. As a group, Houghton鈥檚 student athletes are the largest group of Highlanders to participate in global missions. Over a four-year experience, Houghton鈥檚 student athletes will have at least one opportunity to serve globally through sports ministry. Participation in global missions as students is one of the ways that Highlanders begin their ministry experience and gain understanding that will be foundational for future world missions ministry through their churches and parachurch mission organizations.

While we continue to strengthen and expand opportunities for Houghton students to study and serve abroad, most Houghton students鈥� college experience will not include international travel. As such, we believe it is vitally important to ensure that the Houghton curriculum includes various opportunities to engage the world from our campus. Different from when Houghton began this work, the Internet has made meaningful engagement with experts, leaders and other students from across the globe much easier than in previous eras. The Houghton faculty continue to engage with colleagues and institutions worldwide, and use their learning and relationships to connect the Houghton campus with international people and places.

A Global Community in Western New York

Arguably the most important element of Houghton鈥檚 continued global engagement is the international students we are privileged to welcome to our campus community as Highlanders. Houghton has long been a place that intentionally recruits and welcomes international students. I know this not just from yearbook pictures and Houghton Star articles, but because I have had the blessing of meeting and knowing so many Houghton alumni who came to Houghton from places including Canada, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama and South Africa. Current students and recent graduates include students whose homes are in some of these countries as well as Cameroon, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Japan, Malaysia, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, South Korea and Zimbabwe. Houghton’s international students鈥� presence, their culture, their voices and their experiences contribute to the incredibly rich, culturally diverse Christian community that makes Houghton such a beautiful and wonderful place to live, learn and grow.

We are undoubtedly experiencing a time of transition for higher education in the United States. As usual, a new presidential administration has brought shifts in policy and priorities. In this case, however, the direction and priorities of the Trump administration represent a rather dramatic shift for American higher education. But change is neither new for Houghton nor for higher education. While the Trump administration鈥檚 higher education priorities are leading to significant change in some parts of the sector, in truth, very little has or is likely to change for Houghton. We have and will continue to honor God, submit to the authority of Scripture and provide a transformative educational experience that equips students to lead and labor as faithful scholar-servants in a world that is desperate for truth, hope, and love.

A Rare Option in New York and the Northeast

Religious higher education institutions in New York and the northeast are rare. Christian institutions like Houghton that provide an academically challenging educational experience in a God-honoring manner, unapologetically grounded in the truth of the Word of God, are even rarer. We fill an important niche in the higher education ecosystem by providing an option for students and families who want a rigorous academic experience that aligns with their Christian faith. Tucked in the woods of New York鈥檚 Southern Tier, along the Genesee River, Houghton has provided such an option for students and families for more than 140 years. We understand that our ability to continue to operate in alignment with our faith and convictions is impacted by federal policy. The first Trump administration was supportive of religious liberty, including the religious liberty of Christian colleges and universities to operate in alignment with their faith-centered missions.聽We are hopeful that the current Trump administration will maintain that posture of support for religious institutions.

Monitoring Changes to Federal Policy

Houghton鈥檚 leadership continues to monitor the potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education and any associated staffing and program changes. We have kept a particularly close eye to any changes that might impact federal aid for Houghton students. Currently, we are not hearing of changes or challenges related to students鈥� applications and processing for federal financial assistance. We have heard of the possibility that responsibility for administering federal student aid might move from the U.S. Department of Education to another federal agency, potentially the Small Business Administration (SBA). As of my writing, however, no plans for that shift have been formally communicated. Houghton鈥檚 interest in this area, regardless of what federal agency has responsibility for administering aid, is that sufficient federal financial aid remains available to qualified students, particularly economically disadvantaged students, in amounts that are adequate for attending private institutions, and that such aid is administered through an efficient, student- and institution-friendly process.

The Trump administration has made clear through executive action their intent to limit participation in women鈥檚 athletics to female student athletes. That policy position is a shift for collegiate athletics. In recent years, federal policy had permitted and protected the participation of biological males in women鈥檚 athletics. Grounded in the truth of Scripture and for the safety of female student athletes, Houghton has always only permitted female students to participate in women鈥檚 athletics and occupy women鈥檚 single-sex spaces. As such, there has been no need for policy change at Houghton. However, the result of recent federal executive action has provided welcomed protection for Houghton鈥檚 female student athletes; ensuring that they will not be forced to compete against and share single-sex spaces with biological males.

Houghton鈥檚 Enduring Commitment

Much has been written in relation to the U.S. Department of Education鈥檚 recent鈥�� letter, through which it sought to 鈥渃larify and reaffirm the nondiscrimination obligations of schools and other entities that receive federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Education.鈥� We do not have concerns for Houghton’s policies or practice in relation to the letter. It is neither the policy nor practice of 黑料科 to discriminate against any person, student or employee, based on their race, ethnicity, or national origin. Neither policy nor practice at Houghton provides racial preferences for students or employees in admissions, financial aid, hiring, promotion, compensation, training, or institutional programming. Neither does Houghton require or encourage segregation by race for students or employees with programming, training, coursework, workspace or living accommodations. Student spaces, clubs and programming are open to students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, including but not limited to clubs, initiatives and organizations centered on learning about and celebrating racial, ethnic and international diversity. Employee training and professional development experiences are based on job function and responsibilities and not differentiated based on employees鈥� racial or ethnic background.

Through executive action and the withholding of federal funds from universities, the Trump administration has signaled its insistence that higher education institutions protect the safety of their students in the wake of protests; in particular, that institutions ensure the protection of Jewish students amid pro-Hamas and anti-Israel demonstrations. Houghton has not experienced such campus demonstrations. Nevertheless, if such demonstrations would ever arise, Houghton is committed to protecting the rights and safety of all students and ensuring that the integrity of our Christian academic learning community is not compromised.

Without belittling or stigmatizing any group of people based on their racial, ethnic or national background, we will continue to celebrate the diverse people of our community, nation and the world. In alignment with Scriptures, we believe each person has been created by God, in His image, with intention and purpose. We believe every person is entitled to dignity and respect, with no person or group of people entitled to any more or any less respect than anyone else. We look forward with joyful anticipation of the scene John describes in Revelation, where 鈥渁 great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language,鈥� will stand before the throne of the Lamb of God, glorifying Him together with their voices (Revelation 7:9-10).

Moving Forward with Hope

This is an exciting season for Houghton. God is moving here in unmistakable ways. More and more outstanding students are choosing Houghton for their undergraduate and graduate preparation. Our students are responding to the call of God on their lives. They are loving and serving people through local churches, missions and service organizations. Our remarkable leaders, faculty and staff are gaining greater national and international prominence, as they continue to have a transformative impact on the lives and learning of our students. Students and families trust that we are who we say we are, and that even in a time characterized by vitriol, chaos and deception, Houghton will remain grounded in the unchanging truth of the Gospel and the hope that is found only in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

黑料科 President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., has been . This appointment highlights Houghton’s continued leadership in private higher education across New York State.

“I am honored to join the Board of Trustees of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York (CICU),” said Lewis. “Under President Brabham鈥檚 leadership, the CICU provides effective advocacy for the independent college and university sector in New York State. New York鈥檚 independent college sector provides diverse high-quality educational options for students. Our institutions are vital to our communities and our regional economies, and our sector is invaluable to New York State and the Northeast. I look forward to working alongside my trustee colleagues to champion the value of independent higher education options for students in New York.”

Lewis joins a distinguished group of presidents from colleges and universities representing every region of New York State who are committed to advocating for the needs of independent institutions, their students and their communities.聽 鈥淲e are proud to have such a strong incoming class of trustees to lend their expertise, talent, and vision for ensuring higher education in New York State remains strong,鈥� said Lola W. Brabham, president of CICU. 鈥淓ach president on CICU鈥檚 Board of Trustees is an invaluable voice that will help elevate and amplify CICU鈥檚 advocacy for the Independent Sector.鈥�

Since becoming Houghton’s sixth president in June 2021, Lewis has led the successful transition from Houghton College to 黑料科, driven undergraduate and graduate enrollment growth, expanded the Early College program, and implemented the University’s new strategic plan focused on academic excellence and community impact. He also serves on multiple national boards and committees, including the NCAA Division III membership committee and the boards of directors for the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA).

黑料科 黑料科

黑料科 is a nationally ranked Christian college of the liberal arts and sciences and New York鈥檚 leading evangelical Christian university. Offering over 50 undergraduate programs鈥攊ncluding education, equestrian studies, pre-law, and biological sciences鈥攁s well as graduate programs in business, education, and music, Houghton commits to both academic excellence and affordability through initiatives like the Founder’s Promise Scholarship. Houghton’s two-year enrollment growth affirms the appeal of Christ-centered education in the Northeast, attracting students eager to transform the world for the glory of God. For more information, please visit www.houghton.edu.

黑料科 the CICU

CICU represents the public policy interests of more than 100 independent colleges and universities in New York State. Founded in 1956 by a small group of college and university presidents, CICU is an educational corporation formed under the New York State Regents whose mission is to provide opportunity and access to higher education through fairness, equity, and humanity. Visit to learn more.

黑料科 President, Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., delivered a presentation on “Christian Stewardship and Human Resources Management” at .

Lewis emphasized a stewardship perspective in human resources, stating, “At its core, a distinctively Christian approach to human resources management recognizes that the people we are privileged to serve through leadership are image bearers of the Lord God, and thus, priceless resources deserving of our respect and compassion. We are merely stewards of the people and organizations we have the responsibility of leading. “

His session explored how Christian leaders can approach core HR functions鈥攊ncluding recruitment, development, and performance management鈥攊n ways that honor God.

The semi-annual Leadership One Day Conference provides practical leadership tools for Christians across various sectors, featuring insights from regional experts in both industry and ministry.

Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, OK welcomed 黑料科 President, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., as a guest speaker in their chapel this February. In his message from , Lewis emphasized how David assured Saul of his readiness by recounting God’s faithful protection during encounters with a lion and a bear. Lewis encouraged students to reflect on their own past challenges, reminding them that just as God had been their strength through previous difficulties, His presence would remain constant through anything that lies ahead.

黑料科 President, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., recently preached at . Lewis spoke from about how David, confident in God’s past protection and provision, knew he could fearlessly face Goliath.

Dear 黑料科 Parents and Families,

On February 14th, the U.S. Department of Education鈥檚 Office for Civil Rights issued a Dear Colleague letter for the purpose of 鈥渃larify[ing] and reaffirm[ing] the nondiscrimination obligations of schools and other entities that receive federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Education.鈥�

Since the letter’s issuance, there has been considerable conversation across the nation. To provide absolute clarity, I want to share with you, the families of our students, about Houghton鈥檚 convictions, policies and practices in relation to the substance of the letter. To be clear, 黑料科鈥檚 policies and procedures aligned with the expectations of the Dear Colleague letter prior to its issuance.

It is important for us to state that Houghton has and will continue to recognize and celebrate the diversity of our university community, as well as national and world diversity. As Christians, we believe every person is created by God, in His image, intentionally and with purpose. Our diversity is part of His design. Every image bearer, without exception, deserves respect, with no person or people deserving more or less respect than others. Correspondingly, any coursework, training or programming that stigmatizes, belittles or discriminates against students based on their race, ethnicity or national origin would conflict with our institutional beliefs and convictions. At Houghton, we examine, explore and celebrate racial, ethnic, linguistic and international diversity, with visions of the scene John describes in Revelation, where 鈥渁 great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language,鈥� will stand before the throne of the Lamb of God, glorifying Him together with their voices (Revelation 7:9-10).

Houghton鈥檚 policies and practice align with the expectations in the Dear Colleague letter. It is neither Houghton鈥檚 policy nor practice to discriminate against students or employees, current or prospective, based on their race, ethnicity or national origin. Neither Houghton’s policies nor practices provide racial preferences in admission, financial aid, hiring, promotion, compensation, training or institutional programming. Neither does Houghton require or encourage racial segregation for students or employees with programming, training, coursework, workspace or living accommodations. Student spaces, clubs and programming are open to students of all racial, ethnic and national backgrounds, including but not limited to clubs, initiatives, and organizations centered on learning about and celebrating racial, ethnic and international diversity. Employee training and professional development are based on job function and responsibilities and not differentiated based on employees鈥� race or ethnicity.

I will continue to monitor legal and policy developments at the national and state level, but at this time, I find no challenges to living out our commitments to love, serve and celebrate the diverse students and employees we are blessed to work and walk with.

We are humbled by the trust you have placed in us to love and serve your children and loved ones. Thank you.

Wayne D. Lewis, Jr.
President

There is perhaps no word in the English language more overused and misused than love. People often talk loosely of their love for food, media, software and even fictional characters. Social media has in some ways contributed to our overuse of the word by giving us the ability to not only like posts and media, but to love them. Even with real people we have relationships with, we can sometimes use the language of loving a person, when what we mean is, we really like something they have done or said, or how they carry themselves. Love can become a shorthand of sorts for communicating one’s appreciation, devaluing the true meaning and significance of the word.

黑料科 President, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., joined Larry C. Johnson, founder of and former vice president for Advancement at Houghton, to discuss mission focus for organizations. In their wide ranging conversation, they discussed Houghton’s transition to University, the beauty of New York’s southern tier, and the importance of the presence of an intentionally Christian university in New York.

There was nothing prestigious about the job of the shepherd. Shepherds were usually from poor families and considered to be of very low societal status. Not only did society look down upon them, but their work was difficult, particularly at night. Shepherds kept watch over their flocks, ensuring sheep did not wander into danger, and preventing predators, like wolves, from ravaging their flocks.

With that in mind, it is noteworthy that the Lord would choose to announce the news of Jesus鈥� birth to such a group; a group of people who by societal standards would have been unremarkable. Yet scripture tells us that is exactly what happened. That seems to be a pattern of our Lord鈥攗sing the seemingly unnoteworthy, ill-prepared and unequipped, at least by human standards, to accomplish His purposes.

Worldview is most simply described as a person鈥檚 or a people鈥檚 way of viewing and thinking about the world. It includes beliefs about a creator (God), the physical world, humankind, the beginnings and continuance of human life, death and the end of human life and afterlife. It also includes beliefs about peoples鈥� interaction with a creator, the physical world and other people. Worldview matters, particularly when considering the role it plays in education. While often not explicitly discussed, the beliefs and assumptions that form worldview affect every aspect of curriculum, instruction and administration.

The Foundation of a Christ-centered Education

Worldviews, whether named or unnamed, are foundational for all educational experiences. Different than public institutions that often espouse ideological neutrality, Christ-centered institutions like 黑料科 are explicit about their worldview. Students at Christian institutions study and receive diplomas, degrees and credentials in many of the same areas as their peers at public institutions, including the humanities, natural sciences, computer science, education, business and the arts. Of course, some students at Christian institutions are preparing for lives and careers in vocational ministry. But regardless of their selected area of study, from education to exercise science, a Bible-based set of assumptions and beliefs underly a Christian education. Many of those core assumptions that are foundational to such a Christian worldview are summarized succinctly with the Apostles鈥� Creed:

The angel Gabriel had delivered news to Mary the likes of which she could not have comprehended with human logic or reason. Mary had found favor with God鈥攗ndeserving, unmerited grace. What wonderful news to receive! Which of us would not like to hear news of God鈥檚 grace and presence in our lives? But God鈥檚 favor in Mary’s life, as is often the case in our lives, did not come聽sunshine and roses. In Mary鈥檚 life, as in our own lives, God鈥檚 favor and calling was not for her comfort and acclaim, it was for God鈥檚 purposes and His glory. For Mary this meant hearing the news Gabriel spoke to her and even in a state of bewilderment, responding, 鈥�…Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word鈥澛�(Luke 1:38). Mary did not understand the biology of how she would conceive a child by the power of the Holy Spirit. She would have been incapable of debating such a happening with any disbelieving learned men of her time. She likely did not yet have the words to explain such an occurrence to Joseph, the man she was legally and publicly committed to marry. Yet with faith in her heart, she leaned not to her own understanding, but trusted God completely (Proverbs 3:5).

I often marvel over Christians working through the uncertainties and difficulties of life while remaining people of great and sincere hope. Seared into my memory are examples of faithful Christians whose lives have exhibited such hope, even in the midst of great human strain and turmoil. Notable figures like John the Baptist, Stephen (Acts 6-7) and the Apostle Peter loom large in our collective Christian experience, but many of us also carry a mental rolodex of Christians we have personally known and touched, whose lives are testaments of the hope of Jesus Christ, even in trying times.

There was a time, however, when hopelessness abounded. Because of the sin and defiance of man, he was separated from our holy and perfect God. God had given His perfect law to His people, but they found themselves incapable of keeping it. The world needed a Savior. And because God loves us so much and He desires for us, men and women, Jew and Gentile, to be reconciled with Him, He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus make it such that:

黑料科 President, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., joined Dr. Brett Larson for SKOPOS on WDCX to discuss Christian education in the United States. During their candid conversation, Lewis reflected on his personal faith journey, sharing stories of the mentors who shaped his path and describing God’s guidance for his family through pivotal moments in his career before sharing recommendations for Christian families considering college.

“What you get a degree in does matter. I think parents and young people as they are thinking about what the next step is鈥� should be thinking about what the young person wants to do鈥� Then think about what in higher education鈥攚hat in next steps in training鈥攁re most appropriate in helping you to get there.”

SKOPOS is a Greek word for focus, to view or to aim. Every day, Dr. Larson will take biblical topics and challenge listeners to think and grow deeper with God.

We began the 2024-2025 academic year at 黑料科 as we typically do, with worship at our Fall Convocation. Now in the 4th year of our FEARLESS campaign, I have had the opportunity to share depictions of Godly strength and courage from the Old and New Testaments. These include, but are not limited to, the lives of Moses, Joshua, Esther, Mary the mother of Jesus and the Apostle Paul. This year, I selected the 3rd chapter of Daniel as the text for my fall convocation message, and I lifted Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego) as models of courage for our students to consider. Their story is well-known and often told. I will not retell all of it here, but as our students are beginning a new academic year, I wanted to remind them of another group of talented, hardworking and courageous young people who loved God, with the hope that their fierce courage and convictions might inspire our own.

The Courage of Their Convictions

I reminded our students that these young men, as Israelite exiles, had been newly appointed to positions of honor, respect and authority in Babylon. Then, relatively soon after their appointment, with the threat of imminent execution by fire, they faced the question of whether they would follow the order of an earthly king and bow down and worship a golden image or remain faithful to their God and continue with their refusal to bow down and worship. Everyone else around them was bowing down and worshipping as commanded, exiled Jews and Babylonians alike. But even with the threat of death, these young men refused. Their courageous response to the king comes in Daniel 3:16-18:

鈥淜ing Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from your Majesty鈥檚 hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.鈥�

As New Yorkers vote in November, in addition to our electoral choices, on the back of the ballot, we will also cast votes in favor of or in opposition to . On its face, Proposal 1鈥檚 intended changes to the state constitution seem simple and straightforward. They are not. The attempt to make them appear as such hides the reality that, if passed, Proposal 1 would have significant implications for living, learning and working in New York. I strongly encourage all New Yorkers, but New Yorkers of faith in particular, to not be misled by overly simplistic advocacy and talking points. Do not be deceived into believing these are commonsense or insignificant changes intended only to create a more fair and just New York. If passed, Proposal 1 will have tremendous impact for individuals, families, schools and colleges, community organizations and corporations in New York.

While I have personal opinions and concerns about Proposal 1, here I want to share concerns stemming from my leadership of 黑料科, a 141-year-old Christian university in New York鈥檚 Southern Tier. As Houghton鈥檚 president, the proposed amendments to the state constitution would adversely affect our institution, our students and our employees. The most significant of those adverse effects are related to parental rights, women鈥檚 athletics and religious liberty.

Parental Rights

As a New York employer that actively recruits faculty and staff nationally and internationally, the quality and operation of our schools is often a primary consideration for prospective employees with school-age children. Proposal 1 would create a pathway in the state constitution for limiting the rights of parents in the lives and decision making of their children; permitting schools and other state actors to encourage and facilitate students鈥� decision making regarding their sex and gender, while hiding those conversations and decisions from parents. Such a reality would be unethical and a violation of the natural and legal rights of parents. Further, it would create an additional significant barrier for corporations seeking to attract talented out-of-state and international workers to New York.

The New Testament book of Revelation depicts a glorious scene: 鈥渁 great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb鈥� (Rev. 7:9 NIV). This depiction of what is to come, to me, is reminiscent of a scene in the early Christian church that is recorded in Acts chapter 2. It was the day of Pentecost. Following Jesus鈥檚 death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven, the apostles of Jesus had been filled with the Holy Spirit and given the ability to speak other languages, such that 鈥淧arthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene鈥� (Acts 2:9鈥�10) all heard the apostles declaring the wonders of the Lord in their own languages. Both scenes (and many others) illustrate the radically inclusive nature of the Gospel and affirm that the salvation of the Lord is available to men and women from every nationality, race, ethnicity, creed, and tongue. These are vivid word pictures of the truth declared by the Apostle Paul in Romans 10:13: 鈥淓veryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.鈥� There is no greater model or illustration of inclusion than the cross of Jesus Christ.

The radically inclusive cross of Jesus welcomed these sinners to faith in Jesus by offering forgiveness for their sins and providing salvation. Jesus invited them as sinners to come to Himself, just as He invited me as a sinner to believe in Him. But the invitation to faith in Jesus is not an invitation to remain in sin. God鈥檚 love for us is not affirmation of our sin. The radical inclusion and invitation of the cross is for the sinner but not for our sin. To believe otherwise is to either misunderstand or reject the truth of the Gospel.

As we are baptized into faith in Jesus, the power of sin in our lives is broken and we are freed to live new lives as new creatures. The Apostle Paul declared in Romans 6:6鈥�7, 鈥淔or we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin鈥攂ecause anyone who has died has been set free from sin.鈥� Radically, Christian inclusion invites men, women, and children of every age, nationality, race, ethnicity, and tongue to leave our sin, our desperation and our brokenness at the foot of the cross, place our faith and trust in Jesus and be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirt.

黑料科 President, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., was . In the interview, President Lewis spoke of Houghton’s second consecutive year of growth and the public desire for Christ-centered higher education in New York.

“We are really thankful for the families that continue to put trust in 黑料科 as we are moving in a positive direction with enrollment. As we are replacing smaller graduating classes with larger incoming classes, our enrollment is beginning to grow again…we have lots to be thankful for and give God praise for.”

黑料科 President, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., preached at where he serves on the teaching team. His message focused on Acts 2:42-47, with special focus on how the early church lived out the Christian life together in verses 44-45.

“If there’s any one word that stands out to me in terms of how they behaved and how they went about their work, it is “collectively.” They did it together.”

Lewis went on to identify three primary takeaways from these verses:

1. That there was a willingness and desire to do Christian life together鈥擟hristianity was never intended to be lived out in isolation, but in community with other believers鈥攖he Church.
2. That the early believers had a willingness and desire to act selflessly and bear each others burdens鈥攖he needs and petitions of individual believers become the needs and petitions of the body of believers鈥攖he聽Church.
3. That there was a recognition of the power of the Christian collective鈥攖he Church, as a body of Christian believers, is much more impactful than Christians acting individually.

During the Saturday night service, Lewis had the privilege to introduce Stephenie (Garey ’08) Couch, a Houghton alumna and homegrown missionary from Eastern Hills.

President Lewis Begins Speaking at 24:30

黑料科 President, Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., was recently interviewed on about Church on the Beach. In the interview, President Lewis and show host Neil Boron discussed the excitement of Church on the Beach and the desire to see young people realize their ability to impact the world for Christ’s glory.

I never want young people to shortchange the way God can use them in spreading the Gospel鈥攊n bringing other young people to a saving knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ.

On Sunday, July 14, President Lewis challenged listeners to have the courage to drop their nets like Peter. Speaking from Luke 5, Lewis considered how Jesus’ direction to drop their nets again after a night of unsuccessful fishing did not make sense to Peter. But even as he expressed his doubts, he did as Jesus directed. For each of us, it is important to remember that God’s Word and leading are never wrong, even when they do not align with our logic.

The Lewis family also enjoyed spending time with attendees, including Neil and Mary Boron and the grandparents of a Houghton student who made the trip when they heard their granddaughter’s university president would be preaching.

On May 31, 2024, Houghton President Emeritus Daniel R. Chamberlain passed away. The magnitude of impact on Houghton or Wesleyan higher education that President Chamberlain had over three decades of leadership is unmatched. Many university employees and students knew Dr. Chamberlain personally during his tenure. With 30 years of faithful service to Houghton, from 1976 through 2006, a large portion of the university鈥檚 living alumni were students during his presidency.

The length of President Chamberlain鈥檚 service to Houghton is alone worthy of celebration, but his legacy is so much more than the length of his service. His leadership at Houghton was transformational, both literally and metaphorically. Physically, the campus changed shape in significant ways. The physical movement of Fancher Hall, the building of a new academic building (now The Chamberlain Center) and construction of the Center for the Arts are a few of the most visible examples of campus change.

Equally as important as the more visible additions and enhancements to the campus was the transformative impact of his faithful, visionary leadership. He assumed leadership of Houghton in 1976, one of the most turbulent times in American history. America and the church found itself polarized, in many ways similar to the polarization that plagues the United States and the American church today. Though without violence or disruption, that turbulence and polarization did in some ways impact Houghton. Further, just a few short years into his presidency, the Houghton College community specifically would experience the greatest tragedy the institution had known鈥攖he loss of six beautiful young lives in a fatal car accident. Through these periods of change and crisis, President Chamberlain鈥檚 leadership was pastoral and steady.

During his presidential tenure, Houghton truly came into its own and was recognized widely for its excellence in Christ-centered higher education. Houghton experienced growth in student enrollment, extended reach through programs in Buffalo and the PACE (Program for Accelerating College Education) program and added academic programs and course experiences鈥攗ndergraduate and graduate, domestic and international.

I am thankful for the opportunities I had to spend time with Dr. Chamberlain during my visits to Brooksville, FL. From our time together I gained a better understanding of the history and context of the university I now serve. My appreciation for who Dr. Chamberlain was as a person and the quality of leadership he provided for Houghton grew deeper. Houghton is a better and stronger university because of his leadership.