New Church Life March/April 2016 | Page 45

      College is in the process of expanding its academic programs and also enhancing existing ones. I would like to highlight a few: Nursing This past year, Bryn Athyn College has started a nursing program in partnership with Jefferson University. Students can apply for admittance in the nursing program and are eligible for dual enrollment. The nursing students complete their liberal arts and required science studies during the first two years at Bryn Athyn College. They receive an Associate Degree and then move to Jefferson to complete their final two years of nursing studies and receive a bachelor of science in nursing from Jefferson. Nursing is a career built around caring for others and spiritual purpose is an attribute we look forward to exploring with our nursing students. The College is committed to becoming recognized as an admired academic institution where a student can receive an excellent education. We also are confident that we can introduce our faith to young people who hopefully will grow to appreciate both the natural was well as spiritual foundation we provide them. Business This is the first year Bryn Athyn College has started a business major degree. We believe there are many opportunities to introduce sound business ethics from a New Church perspective. There are also plans to introduce the values associated with quality metrics within business operations and interaction with customers. These types of practices are closely aligned with teachings on order and predictable outcomes associated with serving fellow human beings by doing the right thing for employees, customers and vendors. Education The College was originally founded with one of its objectives to educate and train future New Church teachers. The mission of teaching has not changed but there are constantly changing requirements as well as new discoveries that may enable a teacher to reach the child who struggles in the classroom. The state of education in the United States is not headed in a positive direction. National statistics continue to show a declining level of performance, 147