President Jim Gash Op-Ed Calls on Faith-Based Universities to Pursue Faithfulness Amid Changing Times in CCCU Magazine
In light of the philosophical, societal, and technological headwinds affecting higher education in 2025, ³ΙΘΛΦ±²₯ president Jim Gash (JD β93) an op-ed in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) Magazine, which considers the biblical character Daniel and the importance of spiritual and missional faithfulness in the face of adversity.
Throughout βThe Daniel Option: Pursuing Faithfulness Through Changing Times,β Gash calls upon faith-based institutions of higher education to follow the example set by the prophet Daniel, who, in the midst of duress, relied on Godβs steadfast presence and provisions to flourish. ³ΙΘΛΦ±²₯ing this lesson to the challenges facing colleges and universities today, President Gash implores institutional leaders to remain committed to their Christ-centered foundations.
βAs we attempt to βread the windsβ across the landscape of higher education, many things are uncertain,β writes Gash. βBut one thing remains constant: faithfulness to God is nonnegotiable. Our missions, should we choose to embrace them, provide us solid ground that does not change with the winds of culture.β
Addressing topics such as a looming enrollment cliff, AI, federal law, and even political violence, Gash surveys todayβs higher education landscape and calls attention to the obstacles all institutions are currently facing. In the process, he details how these challenges uniquely position Christian colleges and their distinctive missions to meet the moment.
Secularism, Gash declares, is βlosing its voice,β as more and more academic institutions are beginning to turn to people of faith for guidance and counsel. Noticing this cultural shift, he asks faith-forward colleges and universities to begin viewing their religious affiliation as an advantage in the current educational environment.
βIt is my hope and prayer that we may take up our calling with renewed commitment,β writes Gash, βwhether these future years ostensibly hold victory or defeatβknowing, of course, that final victory is assured.β
Read the full op-ed on the .
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