in the nation in the NAIA,” Frey notes.“Our golf team is in the top ten, and both our basketball and softball teams went to nationals last year.” These achievements mirror the university’s competitive spirit and community pride. “Athletics build leadership, discipline, and teamwork,” Dr. Carey says.“They’re an extension of our mission to develop the whole person, mind, body, and spirit.” SUPPORTING THE EDUCATORS WHO SHAPE LIVES Behind every great university is its faculty, and Friends University takes faculty development seriously. “We’ve earmarked significant funding for professional development,” Dr. Stoltzfus explains. “We also received a Title III grant from the federal government that provides additional support for faculty training in effective teaching.” The initiative addresses a common gap in higher education. “When professors earn PhDs, they become experts in their field but not necessarily in teaching,” he continues. “We’ve focused on training that improves instructional quality and student engagement.” Faculty also benefit from sabbaticals, orientation programs, and mentorship through the Center for Mission-Focused Teaching and Learning. “Most faculty who apply for sabbatical are approved,” Dr. Stoltzfus adds. “They’re given time to conduct research or pursue renewal activities, which helps sustain excellence.” Dr. Carey notes that the university’s financial stability contributes to retention.“Many institutions our size are struggling, but we’re in a good place financially,” she says.“That stability helps us invest in our people.” AI LITERACY AS A NEW ESSENTIAL SKILLSET Friends University is also looking ahead to the next frontier in education: artificial intelligence. “We’re having a lot of conversations among our faculty about AI,” says Stoltzfus.“One faculty member even asked for permission to use a program that creates teaching bots. That’s unique, it shows how engaged and forward-thinking our team is.” 75 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 11 FRIENDS UNIVERSITY
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