“Adventist Higher Education in the U.S.: Which School Will Fail Next?” – Michael Scofield
Date: April 9, 2011
Speaker: Dr. Michael Scofield
Position: Director, Health Information Management, Loma Linda University
Topic: “Adventist Higher Education in the U.S.: Which School Will Fail Next?”
Attendance: 70
Presentation: After reviewing 19th C. patterns in SDA schools (rural isolation, wood buildings, unaccredited staff, small enrollments), Scofield highlighted forces for change since 1925 (accreditation, rising salaries, doctoral degrees, funded research, electronic media, cheap airfares) and rising competition (cheaper state colleges, distance learning, virtual on-line universities) as well as sociological factors (poorer Adventist converts, fewer working for church) that impact “desirable outcomes” like faith-based beliefs, service orientation, institutional loyalty, & critical thinking. To survive SDA colleges need to focus on electronic long-distance learning techniques (cf. Griggs University).
Michiana Adventist Forum 