June 01, 1991 by Corrine Armstrong

As an educational and research arm of the U.S. Center, William Carey University focuses on the world of evangelical missions in frontier areas. Offering degree and certificate programs as well as short intensive training, we provide opportunities for solid academic learning applicable in the overseas world. We expect faculty and students to meet normal university standards for the B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees, employing a flexible structure that encourages study in the field as well as on campus.

In the language of educational and government institutions, we speak of integrated International Development as the main task of missions, but our programs keep spiritual development at their heart, with cultural, social, educational and technical development building on that foundation. Within the broad field of International Development we offer four Concentrations: Intercultural Studies (Missions, Anthropology, Biblical Studies), Intercultural Communications (Arts, Media, Human Resource Development, etc.), Community Development and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

Academic Affairs

WCIU's academic programs are coordinated by Dr. James O. Buswell III, Vice President for Academic Affairs, an experienced anthropologist who taught for many years at Wheaton College. Assisting him is a tiny core of two or three administrative staff and volunteers. Additional helpers are greatly needed: (1) qualified academic administrators to develop and implement field-based graduate programs, short-term missions internships and studies overseas, and an undergraduate program integrating campus and overseas studies; (2) academic deans in several overseas locations; and (3) administrative, clerical, and secretarial assistants (we have none at present).

Admissions and Records

This key department is responsible for providing information to applicants and their sponsors, processing applications and course registration, and maintaining student records. Its role is particularly important in communicating with field-based students around the U.S. and in several other countries. Personnel needs include: (1) a new Director of Admissions and Records to fill an upcoming vacancy, (2) administrative assistants and (3) a public relations officer to develop and disseminate promotional materials.

Latourette Library

The University's library serves the needs of students, faculty, missionary researchers and other USCWM and campus agency personnel. Focusing on areas such as anthropology, history, missions, applied linguistics, TESOL and community development, the library has over 40,000 volumes, more than 400 periodical subscriptions, and some microfiche collections.

Our purposes are to provide the resources for researchers to chart the development of the Protestant missionary enterprise, and to serve as an academic library for Christian scholars. This summer we are beginning to use the major computerized cataloging service of OCLC, which requires specialized training.

The Director of Library Services, Dr. LeRoy L. Judd, Jr., is an experienced missionary who taught biblical studies many years with Africa Inland Mission. He has a very small staff of temporary and part-time assistants. Personnel needs include: (1) experienced professional librarians (for cataloging, technical services, reference, etc.), (2) library technicians and (3) library and clerical assistants.

Intercultural Studies Division

Focusing on the work of missions across cultures, this Division offers credit for (a) short-term studies such as Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, Missions among Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Chinese, and other unreached peoples; (b) a Year of Bible and Missions Certificate program; (c) a bachelor's degree focusing on missions, biblical studies, intercultural studies and other liberal arts areas; (d) a Concentration within the M.A. and Ph.D. programs, with specializations in Area Studies (Middle East, China, Africa...), Religious Studies (Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim...) and disciplines like History, Anthropology, International Education, etc.

To meet the needs of students preparing for missions, the University works with other Institutes on campus in offering Summer Missions studies and referring students for overseas training. Greatly needed are: (1) Helpers--- faculty, research assistants, and office workers, in each of the specialized Institutes focusing on ministries among Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Chinese, Japanese, Tribal peoples, Urban peoples, Artists and other major cultural groups. (2) Faculty and office workers also are needed for the Year of Bible and Missions, B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. programs in the specializations mentioned above.

Intercultural Communications Division

Headed by Dr. Dale W. Kietzman of Wycliffe Bible Translators, this Division offers: (a) short-term intensive studies in cross-cultural communications for missions and development, and (b) a Concentration within the university's M.A. and Ph.D. programs, with specializations in the Arts (using arts to communicate the gospel cross-culturally), Media (print, radio, TV, video), Human Resource Development (training and deployment of personnel in mission agencies) and other areas of Communications.

Faculty are needed in these specializations, both on campus and to assist field-based students. Clerical assistants are needed for office work and specialized projects, such as transcribing tapes for video courses.

International Community Development Division

Focusing on the basic needs of small communities in the developing world, this Division offers semester courses and a Concentration within the university's M.A. and Ph.D. programs, with specializations in Community Health, Community Development, and Appropriate Technology. A practical course for non-specialists is offered in personal health care for missionaries and others serving in remote areas overseas.

For many years the Division has been under the direction of Dr. Robert C. Pickett, formerly of Purdue University and World Vision. As he needs to reduce his work load, we are now seeking additional faculty in the above specializations, both on campus and to assist field-based students.

A special need at this time is for a nurse with overseas experience in community health to assist in teaching a basic health-care practicum for non-specialists. Office assistants are needed to maintain and further develop the important Resource Center, which houses useful periodicals and practical books, as well as for on-going clerical work.

TESOL Division

After almost a decade of successful programs that sent a large number of graduates to teach English in China, the Middle East and many other countries, the university's graduate program in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) has now been incorporated into Biola University. The summer intensive training program for non-specialists is remaining here, and plans are being considered to develop a different type of innovative year-long program in TESOL.

Faculty are needed to develop this new program, to offer the summer intensive training, and to provide assistance in the Academic Writing program for students in other academic programs. A clerical assistant is also needed.

Facilities

Facilities Manager Ron Boomsma oversees the financial records, bill-paying, renting, cleaning, maintenance and security for the buildings of the campus. "I make sure all campus renters are'happy campers!'"

At present his only help is Joanne Curry, a short-term, part-time intern who is experienced in property management. He needs a permanent worker, managing and setting up for conferences held by outside groups.

Maintenance Department

We do needed repairs and remodeling on our campus buildings and over 130 houses, including electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, plastering and yard work.

We need: a key-maker, more painters (lots of them) and workers who are skilled in-depth in plumbing and carpentry. Even missionaries need buildings and buildings need upkeep. Can you help?

Aylward Dormitory

Aylward is a 325-bed housing complex, home to a community of WCIU students, volunteers, employees and families. As space permits, we house off-campus students (such as from Fuller Seminary), guests of conferences or staff. Usually 20+ nations or ethnic groups are represented here and ages range from infants to post-retirement.

We have Resident Assistants (on duty in the office about 40 hours a month) but we have a high turnover due to their missions and study goals.

Our personnel needs are for short or long term volunteers with a gift for cleaning, fixing, renovating or clerical work. Is the Lord leading you to use your gift here?