Lilly Endowment gift generates seven new programs

Huntington, Ind.- A matching grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., will enable Huntington College to offer seven new academic programs. College officials have earmarked $1.5 million for developing and marketing a master's degree in Education and additional bachelor's degrees in the fields of communication, business, political science, recreation, social science, and ministry.

Earlier this year, Huntington College received $2.6 million in matching funds through Lilly Endowment's Special Initiative to Strengthen Philanthropy for Indiana Higher Education. The program was designed to broaden and deepen charitable support for all Indiana colleges and universities. In total, Huntington College raised $5,985,447 from alumni, students, parents, personnel, and other interested parties during the grant period. Of this sum, $2.6 million was eligible for the matching grant.

Huntington College president G. Blair Dowden set aside $1,000,000 of the match to establish new academic programs, and an additional $500,000 for promoting these new programs.

Additional funds from the matching grant have been invested in scholarship endowments. These endowments will yield approximately $72,000 of financial assistance for Huntington College students each year.

"Throughout this academic year, we have engaged in feasibility studies and market research to determine which program proposals would best meet the needs of college-bound students throughout the region," said Dowden. "We are very grateful to the Lilly Endowment for their strategic support of higher education in Indiana. The substantial funding we have received through the Special Initiative to Strengthen Philanthropy provides a unique opportunity to expand our academic offerings and serve the needs of more students."

Seven new academic programs have been approved by the Huntington College faculty, and one additional feasibility study is still underway.

Master of Education

Upon approval from the Indiana Professional Standards Board, Huntington College plans to begin offering the Master of Education degree in 2005. The new graduate program is designed for teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in education from a regionally accredited institution. Master of Education concentrations will be available in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Reading, Early Adolescent Education, and Adolescent and Young Adult Education.

Business: Economics and Finance

Starting the fall semester of 2004, Huntington's Business Department will offer a new bachelor's degree in Economics and Finance. The program will prepare students for employments in fields such as financial services, banking, insurance, risk management and real estate. The new curriculum revises and expands the existing business economics track. Since 1997, business program enrollment has grown 37 percent. Over that same time period, enrollment in the economics track has grown over 300 percent. The new Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Finance is designed to meet this demand and serve greater numbers of students.

Digital Media Arts

In the fall of 2004, the Communication Department will launch a new Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Media Arts. The new program will complement other tracks offered at Huntington College, including Broadcast Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Communication Studies, and Digital Film Studies. Graduates with a degree in Digital Media Arts will be prepared for employment in web design and publishing, disc authoring, television production, film making, photography and image editing, illustration, 2D and 3D animation, advertising and design.

Political Studies

Also beginning in fall 2004, Huntington College students may choose to major in political studies. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Studies will allow students to succeed in a wide variety of careers after college including employment in public administration, the legal professions, teaching, public service, and political research and writing. The program will provide both theoretical and practical knowledge of the American political process. Students will complete an internship with a department of local, state or federal government, political party, public affairs organization, or advocacy group. Alternately, students may participate in the American Studies Program in Washington, D.C., a semester-long experience sponsored by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

Social Work

Huntington College will launch a bachelor's degree in social work in the fall semester of 2005. This professional degree will prepare students for careers with private and public social service agencies. The College will seek accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

"Social workers are face to face with people who suffer from some of the most troubling issues in society, including poverty, abuse, hunger, management, illness, educational depravation, and more," said Dr. Norris Friesen, Vice President and Dean of Huntington College. "A bachelor's degree in social work is designed to prepare students to serve others and is increasingly viewed as necessary for employment in the field."

Sports Ministry

Huntington College will offer a bachelor's degree in Recreation and Sports Ministry beginning in the fall semester of 2004. The new program is a collaborative effort of the Departments of Recreation Management and Ministry and Missions. The degree will meet the needs of recreation and sports ministries in the local church, youth organizations, and other related agencies.

Worship Leadership

A Bachelor of Science degree in Worship Leadership, to be launched in the fall semester of 2005, will provide students with the ministry skills, understanding, and competencies needed to facilitate meaningful worship experiences that are both culturally sensitive and theologically sound. The Worship Leadership program will offer students a unique combination of ministry leadership preparation and specialized skill development in such fields as music, multimedia, and theater.

With the development of Huntington College's Enterprise Resource Center, also funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment, students in each of these new programs will have opportunities to gain practical knowledge and hands-on career experience through internships in the regional community.

In addition to the seven new academic programs to be launched in 2004 and 2005, Huntington College is currently studying the feasibility of developing a new undergraduate degree in nursing.

Huntington College is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 60 academic concentrations. USNews & World Report ranks Huntington among the top comprehensive colleges in the Midwest. Established in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington College is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in Huntington, Indiana. The College is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).