Resolutions about Education

The beginning of the new year is a time when many people make an assessment of their lives. Do they want to make that career change? Are they experiencing God’s call in a new direction? Are they ready to prepare for a promotion? Would they like to increase their earning potential? Do they want to better themselves? Sometimes the result of this process is that realization that it’s time to start working on a new degree.

In 2015, Geneva College is making it easier than ever for busy adults to get their degree by offering new fully online programs designed to be convenient and affordable. Two new online bachelor’s degrees—Management, and Child and Family Services—are now offered online through the Adult Degree Programs. And for advanced degree seekers, Geneva also added an online Master’s in Leadership Services, 

The Bachelor’s in Management  helps prepare capable leaders who can quickly and effectively respond to business and management challenges in today’s workplace. Students develop functional skills and knowledge through practical curriculum grounded in best business practice. Courses in human resources, management and supervision, finance and accounting, and business ethics prepare graduates to be effective leaders who can manage resources, solve problems and oversee employees.

The Bachelor’s in Child and Family Services prepares students for careers as human services professionals working with children and families. Students pursuing this degree examine current social systems and policies that impact families, as well as various forms of family dysfunction. In addition, they develop an understanding of child growth and development, as well as the key role that family has in maturation.

To further assist adults who are seeking any fully online or classroom-based major offered through the Adult Degree Programs, Geneva is offering a Step Forward Grant of up to $9,000 off the total cost of tuition. Majors include Management, Child and Family Services, Organizational Leadership, Human Resources, Human Services, and Christian Ministry Leadership. To qualify, a student must begin classes between January 1 and April 20, 2015, and enroll in at least 12 credits.

The Master’s in Leadership Services is a business-related program that transforms business professionals into strong leaders. And with three areas of specialization—Financial Operations, Project Management and Leadership, or Ministry Leadership—graduates can distinguish themselves in a crowded job market. Courses in leadership and motivation, decision making, and organizational strategy provide students a theoretical framework that can be applied immediately in real-world situations.

So if you or someone you know has a resolution to begin earning a degree in 2015, please visit Geneva.edu or call 800-847-8255. You can apply or request more information about these, or any, of Geneva’s quality, Christ-centered programs.

Holiday Mail for Heroes

With two older siblings serving in the military, sophomore Michelle Cantrell understands that the holidays can be a difficult time for service members and their families. Her brother Alex is in the Air Force, and has been deployed eight times. And her sister Nicole, who is in the Navy, has been deployed once.

Michelle and her siblings felt strange being apart from Alex during Christmas when he went overseas the first time. She says, “I thought, why not take Christmas to him and those that are deployed?” So for the past three years, Michelle has collected and sent Christmas cards to veterans, wounded soldiers and others who are currently deployed.

The project, which Michelle calls Holiday Mail for Heroes, has grown enormously since its inception. She accumulated 150 cards the first year. The number increased to 1,200 cards last year. And this Christmas season, she reached new heights: “I went over my goal and sent 1,525 Christmas cards!”

Michelle collects cards with the help of the Geneva College community, as well as collection boxes that were placed in local business in her hometown. And she encourages donors to include a return address or email in their cards because military members often respond.

After gathering the Christmas card donations, Michelle partners with A Million Thanks, an organization dedicated to delivering thank-you notes to military members, which facilitates their delivery. “This is an organization very close to my heart,” says Michelle. “As the sister of a deployed soldier, I know how much it means to them when they get a little piece of home while they’re away.”

Michelle enjoys the opportunity to share the love of Christ with members of the armed forces that this ministry provides. She concludes, “I think the cards are just a little piece of home that you can send to help spread the love of Christ during the Christmas season.”

If you would like to help Michelle with Holiday Mail for Heroes, contact her at michelle.cantrell@geneva.edu.  She has already begun to collect Christmas cards for 2015!

-Hannah Allman and Richard Louther