Inside Higher Ed reports on the growth of large online enrollments by non-profit universities. Apparently eleven non-profit universities claim over 10,000 online-only students. This includes Liberty University, the largest and only Christian institution included in the list.
Despite near uniform opposition from all sectors of higher education, the latest Dear Colleague letters from the Department of Education continue the march toward requiring online learning providers to secure state authorization anywhere they have students.
During a meeting requested by the Executive Presbytery, three Christian colleges in Springfield, MO, took the first steps toward creating a “consolidated university.” In an unprecedented meeting with the “board of directors from Central Bible College, Evangel University, and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary,” these board members announced the plans to merge their post-secondary institutions. According to a press release and statement, AGTS President Byron D. Klaus discusses how this new merger is a positive measure for each of the three Christian post-secondary institutions.
Earlier this month, John Wesley College changed its name to Laurel University. President Larry McCullough stated in a news release (as reported in the Greensboro, NC News & Record) that “With the new name choice, the school re-affirms its strong commitment to our interdenominational Christian heritage and mission. We want a name that speaks of a future, a new horizon, that communicates energy and progress with simplicity.”
The Online Learning Task Force, convened by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, released a report this month recommending that £100 million be invested over five years to enhance online learning in the UK.
