Our Mission
Andrews University was founded as Battle Creek College in 1874. One of the founders, Ellen Gould White, presented a compelling vision for education.
“True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and the whole period of existence possible to man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, mental, and spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and the higher joy of wider service in the world to come. In the highest sense the work of education and the work of redemption are one.” Ellen G. White, "Education"
The Andrews University College of Education & International Services embraces this vision as the organizing theme for its conceptual framework and the inspiration for its mission.
The College of Education & International Services's mission is to provide programs based on a redemptive Christian worldview to prepare professionals for global service.
"To Educate Is to Redeem"
Element I: Worldview
This Element addresses appreciation of the perspectives of others and development of a personal philosophy from which action and service arise. Graduates will be able to:
- Explain world views and trace their historical development
- Critique world views from a Christian perspective
- Integrate principles of a Christian world view into their chosen fields of study
Element II: Human Growth & Change
This Element addresses principles of growth behavior and the use of these principles to effect positive change for individuals and organizations. Graduates will be able to:
- Describe human development
- Apply current theories of learning.
Element III: Groups, Leadership & Change
This Element addresses principles of group behavior and the use of these principles to effect positive change for individuals and organizations. Graduates will be able to:
- Facilitate change in groups and organizations
- Relate effectively with various cultural, racial, and special interest groups
- Identify political and legal issues
- Manage human, financial, and material resources
- Demonstrate servant leadership.
Element IV: Communication & Technology
This Element addresses oral, written, intrapersonal, and interpersonal communication as the essence of human behavior and technology as it enables, supports, and enhances human interaction and learning. Graduates will be able to:
- Communicate effectively in written, verbal and non-verbal forms
- Use electronics tools effectively for professional communication, teaching, and research
Element V: Research and Evaluation
This Element addresses valuing and conducting disciplined inquiry for decision-making. Graduates will be able to:
- Read and evaluate research
- Conduct research
- Report research findings.
Element VI: Personal & Professional Growth
This Element addresses commitment to holistic personal and professional growth. Graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate continuing professional development
- Demonstrate ethical behavior in all professional activities
- Demonstrate balanced physical, mental, spiritual, and social aspects of their lives.
We believe that God is the ultimate reality and that He has chosen to reveal Himself through His created universe and through His Word. God created human beings in His image and for relationship with Him. When they rebelled against Him, they entered a state of brokenness that extends to every dimension of life. Through His love and mercy, God has provided in His son Jesus Christ the means to redeem human beings from their brokenness, to restore in them His image, and to reestablish their relationship with Him.
As Christian educators supporting the world mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we conceptualize the task of education to be a partnership with God in His work of redemption and restoration. Our role in this partnership is to facilitate the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of our students through modeling and exhortation.
Accordingly, we hold that:
- God calls students to recognize Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and through His Spirit to use principles of Scripture as a guide in their relationships with others.
- God calls students to be worthy scholars in their chosen academic discipline and to contribute to that discipline as responsible practitioners and researchers.
- God calls students to live by principles of good health as stewards of His gift of life.
- God calls students to develop and maintain supportive personal and professional relationships and to use their talents in generous service to the church and society in a culturally diverse world. To these ends, we work for the glory of God.
