President's Report 2020-21

President’s Report

Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, Palm Beach Atlantic’s Ninth President

Why a

Christian university?

What an honor, I reflected, at the ceremony to mark my installation as the ninth President of Palm Beach Atlantic University. I thanked God for all those who had prayed and worked over the years to build this great Christian university. And my thoughts returned to this foundational question: What is the best way to describe a Christian university?

Some think of a Christian university as a school linked to one of the Christian denominations. Palm Beach Atlantic was founded by Baptist pastors and Baptist lay persons, but from its inception, PBA has welcomed students of all faiths. Today we have a 3,700-member student body with a wonderful diversity of denominational preference. (See chart on page 30.)

Others think of universities that long ago were founded by churches, but that today don’t seem much different from a purely secular university. Perhaps a better term for these schools is “historically Christian.” By contrast, PBA is a Christian university that has stayed true to its founding principles as a “Christ-first university,” with the motto: Enlightening Minds, Enriching Souls, Extending Hands. There are two primary requirements that have made it possible for PBA to stay on that mission:

First, all faculty and staff agree, in writing, that they believe in and affirm in principle and practice the basic Christian doctrines. Secondly, all faculty commit to the integration of their faith into their various disciplines. This has broad implications. It means a call to excellence, to creativity and to Christian discipleship. We surveyed faculty, asking why they teach at PBA. Nursing professor Dr. Kathy McKinnon responded, “I believe that enriching the spiritual lives of our students is a calling and privilege and will equip them to fulfill God’s purpose in their lives while leading them to intellectual, spiritual and personal character development.”

Consider what happens to many professing Christian students after four years at a school not providing that kind of spiritual support. Consultant Dr. Steven Henderson followed 18,000 students in a national study, and found that 52 to 70 percent of all Christian students who go to a non-Christian college will no longer identify themselves as Christian and/or will not have attended any religious service within the last 12 months before they were surveyed. What a tragedy!

I am so thankful for our dedicated faculty and staff who nurture faith as well as intellect. See pages 18-19 to read more examples of how professors explained why they teach here. For the result of that teaching and nurturing, read the rest of this magazine to learn about some of our amazing students and graduates.

But you might ask, does the Christian university isolate students in an unrealistic Christian “bubble”? PBA ministry professor Dr. Justin Hardin prefers to frame a Christian university not as a bubble, but rather a greenhouse: “a place where young saplings can grow and mature, where they can take firm root and be sheltered from the violent winds of the world. And when they are ready, they can leave the greenhouse and live in the world with strong roots and limbs, ready to weather the storms of life and equipped to provide shade and shelter for others.”

Amen to that! I am so thankful to be a part of this vibrant “greenhouse” that’s sending out graduates as strong servant leaders who will impact their world for good. I invite you to join with us in this impactful greenhouse effort; find out how on page 17.

Warmly,

Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, President

‘Transformative

leader’

inaugurated as president

Dr. Debra A. Schwinn outlines a bright vision for PBA’s future: Purpose, People and Possibilities

A university’s presidential inauguration usually celebrates the coming of the new president, but in a belated ceremony Oct. 8, some 600 people turned out to applaud the president who so ably had led Palm Beach Atlantic University through the unique challenges of the prior 17 months.

“Dr. Schwinn is a transformative leader who is grounded in deep faith, who is continuously prayerful and who has boundless energy, strength, courage and perseverance needed to help guide this university to be the shining light on the hill,” said Timothy Sotos, chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees.

Schwinn, a physician, scientist and former medical

school dean, had assumed the presidency on May 4, 2020, but the pandemic delayed her inauguration. “Before COVID, who could have imagined that having a president who is also a medical doctor would be so useful during a global pandemic?” she said. “Only God could have ordained such details.”

Schwinn’s old friend and medical colleague Dr. Carmen L. Green introduced her at the installation ceremony at Family Church Downtown, across the street from the University. Green, dean of the CUNY School of Medicine at the City College of New York, called Schwinn an accomplished, iconic scientist and scholar with a “true gift” of leadership.

“As a member of the National Academy of Medicine,

the premier organization for thought leaders in the sciences, Deb was at the top of the hill, a superstar,” said Green.

Schwinn turned down other job offers, Green said, “to go where the Holy Spirit was leading her,” to “help young people on their faith journey and to help them engage on their life of service.”

In her installation address, Schwinn told of her operating room days, when she instructed a cardiac surgery trainee to flick a patient’s heart to wake it up.

“I share this story,” she said, “because with it I am declaring today our intention to awaken hearts: awaken the hearts of our students to their highest destiny; awaken hearts to God in this generation; awaken PBA anew to its divine purpose.”

Schwinn outlined her strategic vision for the University’s future, “framed with three Ps: purpose, people and possibilities.”

PBA will stay true to its 53-year-old purpose, she

Newly installed President Schwinn is applauded, with Trustee Chairman Timothy Sotos at right and at left, Trustee Mami Kisner, who offered a prayer of dedication. Also on the platform were Dr. Jimmy Scroggins, PBA trustee and lead pastor of Family Church; Dr. David Clark, PBA president 2003-2009; and other University trustees.

said, “to create Christ-like servant leaders who positively influence our world.”

She praised the University’s people: students, faculty and staff, noting that the school has produced eight Fulbright winners in just the last four years.

The possibilities for the future, Schwinn said, include numerous new programs, a doubling of enrollment in the next five to seven years, and “an incredibly exciting master plan for our campus of the future.” Campus expansion, she said, will happen with fiscal sustainability, and will “support PBA being the heart and soul of the Palm Beaches in order to impact our nation and our world.”

Already, in the last 18 months, Schwinn said, the University has developed more academic degrees than it had created in the previous 30 years. “I declare to you today that we have not just survived the last 53 years and the recent COVID pandemic,” she said. “We have thrived, and this is our moment to lead.”

Making a difference:

Graduating nurses will always remember their candle-lighting ceremony in a tradition hearkening back to nurse Florence Nightingale, the “Lady with the Lamp.”

Explore PBA’s nursing options

The outcome of nursing education at Palm Beach Atlantic University is a competent nurse who is reflective, inquiring and able to apply nursing theory within the context of the Christian worldview while recognizing the needs of the patient, family and community.

Degree options include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• RN to BSN (online)

• Master of Science

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Learn more at Go.pba.edu/nurse

Standout nursing student finds his prayers answered

In 2016 Israel Montero discovered his calling to be a nurse while flat on his back with rock-bottom hemoglobin. “If you had waited one or two more days to get here, you could have died,” they told him at the hospital.

For three days he was drowsy and dizzy from his stomach ulcer and loss of blood. But he was alert enough to notice how hard his nurse worked to care for him. “She was dedicated, compassionate, smart and respectful,” he said. “I remember saying to myself, I want to be like her.”

A pastor’s son from Peru, Montero lay in bed praying and wondering if his illness could be a message from God. He was thinking, What am I doing with my life right now? I’m not doing anything

“And at that moment,” he recalled, “it was like I’m going to be a nurse I prayed to God and asked Him to please let me do this, to provide meaning to life by being a servant of others.”

Montero was a high school graduate at the time, living in Washington State and working at Home Depot. Straightway he enrolled at a community college and began his prerequisites for nursing school. He volunteered at a hospital, worked a year and a half

at a nursing home and another year and a half on a hospital unit that receives patients from the ICU.

He earned his associate’s degree and studied the school directory of NursingCAS, an application service for nursing programs. The Palm Beach Atlantic entry jumped out at him. Oh wow, he thought. PBA is a Christian school. It would be amazing if I could go there. So he applied and prayed, making God a promise to be faithful if granted this opportunity.

He’d never been to the East Coast before, but when the PBA acceptance came, Montero quit his job, sold his car, packed just one suitcase and headed to West Palm Beach. He had barely a couple months’ rent. He didn’t know a soul in the city, but he knew one thing: I’m meant to be here

After his first semester, spring 2020, he began working at Good Samaritan Medical Center as a nurse assistant. In the fall he became a nurse extern, qualified to do more procedures. Montero, formerly without purpose, was impressing hospital staffers and nursing professors alike.

“This young man is one of the most amazing hires I have ever encountered,” said Susan Théroux, administrative director of service

line programs at “Good Sam.” “There is absolutely no doubt that he will be one of the best nurses in the field.”

Théroux has seen plenty of nursing students during her 30 years in healthcare. “Israel just has a level of compassion that is unmatched,” she said. “He’s intelligent, full of respect, and gives 100 percent to every task.”

Dr. Kathy McKinnon, PBA assistant professor of nursing, has found Montero to be the first to answer questions in class. “And he answers with such wisdom that it motivates other students to speak up too. He always has a positive attitude, and his love for others is evident.”

Going to nursing school full time and working shifts at the hospital is hard, but Montero loves it. “You go out and realize you’re making a difference in somebody’s life.”

He’s set to graduate in May, and he’s excited about his future in nursing. Meanwhile, he has helped Administrative Director Théroux recruit several workers from Palm Beach Atlantic.

“We’re excited to work with the PBA program,” said Théroux. “Keep sending us great people like Israel.”

This young man is one of the most amazing hires I have ever encountered.

– Susan Théroux, administrative director of service line programs at Good Samaritan Medical Center

Creative care

Learning how a pharmacy can be so much more than a place to pick up your pills

Gregory School grads lead Florida in NAPLEX exam

The Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy Class of 2020 scored a first-time pass rate of 89.39 percent on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). This was the highest score among pharmacy schools in the State of Florida.

The NAPLEX, along with the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) must be passed before a pharmacist can be licensed to practice pharmacy in a state.

Florida’s only pharmacy school offered at a Christian university, the Gregory School offers the Doctorate in Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and the joint program Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Business Administration (Pharm.D./MBA).

Learn more about the pharmacy school:

Go.pba.edu/pharmacy

A West Palm Beach man, primary care-giver for his elderly mother, breathed a sigh of relief as he waved goodbye to pharmacist resident Jessica Bailey. Bailey had driven out to the home, given the mom her COVID-19 vaccination and offered a creative solution to manage the regular medications sometimes forgotten.

“Can you keep taking care of us?” the son had asked. It was music to Bailey’s ears, and to the ears of her mentor, Dr. Erin

Dorval. Dorval directs the PGY1 Community-based Pharmacy Residency provided by the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy in collaboration with Atlantis Pharmacy.

PGY1 stands for postgraduate year one, as Bailey already has graduated from the Gregory School with her doctorate in pharmacy. Now, in an intensive year of clinical mentorship, she’s honing her skills in “enhanced services” designed to meet critical needs of the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

“There is so much more to community pharmacy than people realize,” Bailey said. A Lake Worth, Florida, native, she’s loving the work, “serving my local community and having that impact that I’ve always dreamed of having.”

At Atlantis Pharmacy Bailey is working toward her goal of being an innovator and entrepreneur in pharmacy. She’s taking part in a broad range of services, including preventative healthcare, with medication counseling and screening for blood pressure and diabetes.

Pharmacy residents are required not only to learn and evaluate such services, but also to conduct research and create new services.

“This keeps the pharmacy constantly in an innovative lane,” said Dorval. “It’s kind of a whole cycle to be able to grow the profession of pharmacy.”

Bailey graduated from Summit Christian School and earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at a state university. There she missed the Christian atmosphere and spiritual connection she’d felt with her high school instructors.

She was accepted by several other pharmacy programs, but felt called to the Gregory School.

“I love PBA and I love my mentors,” she said.

She recalled Dorval explaining the role of a pharmacist as coach. “We’re not just telling the patients what to do,” said Bailey. “We really want them to be a part of this game plan that’s going on. It’s really putting yourself in the patients’ shoes, with empathy, and figuring out different things that are restricting them from properly taking their medication.”

The PGY1 residents provide direct patient care at Atlantis Pharmacy, at the nearby JFK Medical Center and at Cleveland Clinic Florida. The pharmacists collaborate with 22 different facilities, Dorval said, including behavioral health facilities and those serving special needs patients.

At Atlantis Pharmacy, residents learn much from Dr. Damien Simmons, pharmacy manager. “He

takes them under his wing to show them how to be an entrepreneur, how to study financial statements, to be able to own your own pharmacy and sustain a business,” Dorval said.

Simmons is a member of the school’s Gregory Leadership Council. “Damien is a true friend of the Gregory School of Pharmacy,” said Dr. Dana A. Strachan, dean of the Gregory School. “He fully understands our model of servant leadership, and he, himself, is a servant leader. So we are thrilled at the opportunity to partner with him.”

Using a rich collaboration with medical partners, Strachan said, the Gregory School’s Community-based Pharmacy Residency is providing a unique educational experience. “I am a strong advocate for post-graduate training programs, residencies and fellowships,” she said. “This positions our school of pharmacy to make a significant impact in advancing pharmacy practice in South Florida.”

Bringing hope for immigrant families

Driving to work in the Northwood area of West Palm Beach, Maricela Torres would notice the Hispanic men gathered on a corner lot, hoping to be hired as day laborers. Born in Mexico, Torres came to the U.S. at age 10, so she well understood the challenge of mastering English and adjusting to life in the States.

As she learned more about the Guatemalan community in Palm Beach County, she discovered many other challenges these day laborers faced. Some were illiterate, and often were cheated by their employers. Newcomers were clueless about how to find medical help, register their children for school or set up a bank account.

Somebody should do something to help these people, she thought. And then the prompting came: Why couldn’t I start looking into a solution?

Studying in evening classes at PBA, Torres had earned her bachelor’s degree in organizational management and her master’s degree in counseling. She also had found her calling: serving others.

With a co-founder, she opened the Esperanza Community Center. Esperanza is Spanish for “hope,” in this case: hope for the future, hope to raise families, hope to live and thrive and coexist with others in a neighborly fashion.

Located on Broadway Avenue, the center opened in March 2019. It now serves some 260 families, with a variety of classes, workshops and referrals and with a network of clients who help each other.

“The most amazing group of women come together,” said Torres. “They share parenting tips. They volunteer watching each other’s children. It’s gratifying to see how they themselves give back.”

Torres is now executive director of the center, and she also works full time at Florida Crystals. On a recent Tuesday she worked a full day, then came to the center to interview a prospective English teacher and finally teach an English class herself. “It’s been a long day,” she said, “but it’s been a great day.”

Award-winning grad ‘blessed to bless

others’

“PBA was a launching pad,” said Emmanuel McNeely. “While it was so good spiritually, emotionally and growing me up to be a man of God, it also was great professionally.”

On Feb. 11 McNeely will receive the 2021 Young Alumni Award from the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities for his work helping underrepresented minorities successfully pursue medical careers. The CCCU is an association of more than 180 Christian institutions around the world. Its annual award goes to a graduate “who has exhibited uncommon leadership or achieved notable success in a way that reflects Christian higher education.”

McNeely, a 2012 PBA grad in medicinal and biological chemistry, is on track to earn his doctorate in medicine in 2023 from Florida Atlantic University.

He has conducted spine surgery research on a fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, and his goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon.

McNeely and his wife, Sa’Rah McNeely, founded The Dr. McNeely Dream (M.D.) Project, which has reached thousands of minority students through workshops and the workbook the McNeelys co-authored. Mentoring and lifting up others: “That’s my heart,” McNeely said. “I know God blesses us to be a blessing.”

‘Numbers person’ rose in the ranks

at Disney

Fresh out of PBA in 1997, business major Jeff Swindell landed at Disney Cruise Line in a “temp” job where at first it seemed his most important task was making the morning coffee. Swindell responded with this ethic: Whatever the job, do the best you can and look for more responsibility.

“That’s opened doors for me,” he said. “You take on new things, and people learn to trust you.”

When Swindell’s two-month temp agency obligation ended, the cruise line hired him full time. This “numbers person” had begun a career he loves, and he’s now senior vice president/ finance for Disney’s international parks and resorts, including parks in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo and Paris.

“One of the great things about a company like Disney is that you can do a lot of different things,” he said. “I’ve been blessed with the opportunities that God has given me.”

Those opportunities included five years as CFO of Disneyland in California, as well as three years working in London. He now lives in Winter Garden, Florida.

Swindell still vividly recalls discussions from his PBA classes, about international business and social responsibility. In addition to what he learned about economics and business situations, at PBA “I grew up a lot,” he said. He also loved the Christian atmosphere and he developed lifelong friendships.

After PBA, and while working for The Walt Disney Company, he earned a master’s degree in applied economics from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from Duke University. Now leading the young people on his finance teams, his focus is helping them succeed. The servant leadership style that his parents instilled and that PBA reinforced has served him well, he said.

He’s used his Disney positions to encourage others in community service through organizations like Big Brother Big Sisters. “I know my life has been significantly impacted by support from others,” he said. “It only seems right to pay that forward.”

Welcome Week: the journey begins

To begin the traditional foot-washing and prayer ceremony, Provost Dr. Randy Richards, above, Athletic Director Courtney Lovely Evans and Executive Vice President Laura Bishop, with other members of the cabinet, washed the feet of student leaders. The student leaders, in turn, washed the feet of new students and prayed with them.

New students learn, serve, play and pray together

The Thursday before fall classes began, new students decorated their sailor hats and entered a welcome rally to the exuberant cheers of student leaders. Steering Committee members had planned a packed schedule of activities for the new Sailfish to enjoy within their “Fish Groups.”

After the rally, students moved to a block party, while their parents had an ice cream social with President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, her husband, Bob Gerstmyer, members of her cabinet and deans.

Friday morning students spread out all over the Rubin Arena floor for their first Workship community

service project: making blankets for hospitalized children. Other activities included prayer and worship, orientation, an evening of fun at the Marshall & Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus and a closing rally with lip sync battle.

The weekend concluded with a special foot-washing ceremony Sunday afternoon, in which leaders washed the feet of incoming students. The experience is modeled after Jesus washing the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, setting the pattern for the world-changing servant leadership that is an ongoing goal for Palm Beach Atlantic students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Abundant new degrees give students exciting options

Faculty and staff look back on a banner year of creating new degree programs, including PBA’s first degree in the Spanish language, the Bachelor of Arts in Global Leadership (Licenciatura en Liderazgo Global); and the first Ph.D., in practical theology (see story on opposite page).

Carolanne M. Brown, assistant provost for accreditation & assessment, cited the herculean effort of faculty members who served as “point people,” putting in the extra time to lead the development of each new degree. “They did a wonderful job,” she said. “They just really stepped up, and have produced excellent products.

“It’s even more remarkable,” Brown said, “when you consider we’ve just had a pandemic.” Many of the

planning meetings had to take place on Zoom, and several of the new degrees took shape as interdisciplinary efforts between departments and schools.

“It was just a great thing to watch,” she said, though Brown did a lot more than watch. She is PBA’s liaison with SACSCOC, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Critical details toward SACSCOC accreditation of the new degrees called for many hours of work on her part.

Developing new degree programs can be exhausting, Brown said, “but it was also energizing, and these degrees will be transformative for students for years to come.”

Follow the links below for details on each new degree.

Doctor of Philosophy in Practical Theology

Go.pba.edu/phdpt

Master of Science in Health Sciences

Go.pba.edu/mshs

Master of Science in Educational Leadership

Go.pba.edu/msel

Master of Science in Computer Science

Go.pba.edu/mscs

Master of Arts in Philosophy of Religion

Go.pba.edu/mapr

Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies

Go.pba.edu/mais

Bachelor of Arts in Global Leadership

(Licenciatura en Liderazgo Global)

Go.pba.edu/glspan

Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership

Go.pba.edu/bmwl

4 Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, in Cinema, Dance, Graphic Design and Theatre

Go.pba.edu/bfa

Launching in Fall 2023, pending SACSCOC approval, Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Medicine

Go.pba.edu/pa

First Ph.D. program creates diverse learning community

The University’s first Ph.D. program is off to a robust start, with 38 men and women enrolled. The Ph.D. in Practical Theology is a 54-credit-hour program accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

This new Ph.D. has drawn enrollees of “extraordinary diversity,” said Dr. Bryan Froehle, program director. They come from 13 countries and 17 Christian denominations. This “intercultural and interconfessional” mix was envisioned by the program’s developers within the School of Ministry. It “creates exciting conversations and leads to new insight for doctoral learning community members as they work within their particular context while learning from their colleagues,” the planners said. “This is especially appropriate for practical theology since the emphasis is on practice, not dogmatic theological debates.”

Graduates are expected to fill leadership roles in schools, seminaries, churches and church-related organizations.

Applicants for the program should hold a master’s degree in theology, ministry or a related field. The Ph.D. is designed as a four-year program with a residency requirement, although students may request permission to study on a distance basis. For more information, visit Go.pba.edu/phdpt

The photo above was taken in late August, at the first weekend gathering of those enrolled in the program. Abraham Thomas, a pastor from India, concluded, “The warm and hearty welcome by the PBA School of Ministry, the opportunity to learn together with precandidates from diverse backgrounds and those meaningful conversations about life and practical theology made that weekend so special. What a great and exciting start of our Ph.D. journey.”

Why support PBA financially? Key donor points to the ongoing impact

Watson Hall, Palm Beach Atlantic’s new, eight-story student residence, was named to honor the generosity of the families of Karl H. Watson and Karl H. Watson Jr. Houston resident Karl H. Watson Jr. chairs the Advancement Committee of the PBA Board of Trustees, and offers the following explanation.

My reason for giving to Palm Beach Atlantic University starts on a very personal note, but it quickly broadens as I think about the lasting impact such gifts are having.

In 1985 I entered PBA as a fearful transfer student, after a terribly unsuccessful two years at the University of Florida. My confidence stood at an all-time low as I took my “last chance,” with a probationary class in small business management. Though I worked hard in that class, I was amazed when I scored 100 on the final exam and my professor called my paper “one of the best he’d ever seen.”

Instantly, my life changed. I went on to take several courses with that professor, Dr. Joe Eassa. He invested in me. He mentored me. I graduated with my business degree and went to work in the construction materials industry. I ended up running Cemex U.S.A., about a $4 billion organization, and now I’m the CEO of the

publicly traded company Forterra Inc.

My business success could not have happened if Dr. Eassa and PBA hadn’t given me a chance and led me along a remarkable path of learning and growth. Dr. Eassa is just a shining example of this school’s motto: Enlightening Minds, Enriching Souls and Extending Hands. And that’s why my family has invested in Palm Beach Atlantic. We want to support a place where God can make a transformational difference in people’s lives.

So I’m not done with my giving to PBA. My family has found a great joy in the giving, and we’ve seen that the administration, staff and faculty stand firm on a biblical foundation, unwavering in their commitment to the Lord, the students and the community. The result is that generations of students have graduated and gone out into the world to build meaningful lives on that same foundation, faithfully serving their families, their communities and their Lord.

I don’t have to tell you that we live in turbulent times. Now, more than ever, our society needs servant leaders like the kind coming out of PBA. Please join me in supporting this Christ-first university that is so powerfully impacting the world.

Like the Karl Watson family and many other faithful donors, you can have powerful impact upon generations of PBA students.

At www.pba.edu/giving see the varied ways you can invest for lasting return, including:

• The Annual Fund

• The President’s Giving Societies

• Naming opportunities for existing & future capital projects

• Endowments

“In these challenging days, the importance and the impact of Christian higher education cannot be overstated. I’m excited to see what the students, faculty and graduates of Palm Beach Atlantic are doing, and I’m eager to help you understand how you can support them.”

--Laura C. Bishop,

Executive Vice President

for Advancement

Laura C. Bishop

Laura_Bishop@pba.edu (561) 803-2012

Palm Beach Atlantic University’s $110.6

Giving is an act that literally can transform a life! The generosity of people toward me changed the course of my life so profoundly. I am passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for people to partner with PBA in equipping and empowering a new generation of servant-leaders.”

-- James A. Knapp,

Associate

Vice President of Development

James A. Knapp

James_Knapp@pba.edu (561) 803-2148

Why teach at a Christian university?

The cross atop the DeSantis Family Chapel accents the view of the northeast corner of campus, while in the column at right PBA professors explain why they teach here.

(See also page 3, and PBA President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn on Why a Christian university? )

During the years of transition between adolescence and adulthood young people need dedicated, sensitive, and discerning elders to help them walk through this transition. I teach at PBA because I am free to support the whole person, not just their minds and the garnering of credentials.

– Dr. Stephanie Bennett, professor of communication & media ecology

To help young people grow in a profoundly caring community centered around living the Gospel in a way that makes a place for all who seek to follow the Lord. What could lead to greater human flourishing than that?

– Dr. Bryan Froehle, professor of sociology & religious studies

I get the opportunity to make an impact with young people for the glory of God. My teaching is dedicated to helping students understand how they can pursue careers that provide social, personal, financial and especially spiritual benefits.

– Dr. John Hayes, director, Titus Center for Franchising

Teaching at a Christian university allows me freedom to engage the spiritual side of students, not just the mental, social or physical sides. At PBA I can bring in scripture, prayer, biblical principles while using a lens to view my discipline from a spiritual perspective. This allows me a higher degree of academic freedom to teach in ways that address the whole student.

– Dr. Jim Laub, professor of leadership studies

I teach at PBA because I get to include my faith in everything I do, whether preparing an online lecture, or emailing to check on a student working as an RN in post Hurricane Ida New Orleans. I have the freedom to write that I pray for that student, his peers, his patients and their families.

– Dr. Lynn Erickson, associate professor of nursing

Christian universities provide a safe environment for students to learn, research, question, and think critically about their purpose in life. Dedicated Christian professors encourage excellence in all academic and spiritual areas.

– Dr. Chelly Templeton, dean, School of Education and Behavioral Studies

‘Prayers become the paving stones that your sons and daughters will walk upon this year.’

— Mark Kaprive, director of Campus Ministries and Missions, leading a prayer session with parents dropping off new students

Cleveland Clinic and PBA explore joint venture

Cleveland Clinic Florida and Palm Beach Atlantic University have signed a letter of intent to begin discussions on the development of a health sciences center on the university’s campus in West Palm Beach. The new facility would combine educational opportunities and resources for PBA students and faculty, with convenient access to care for Cleveland Clinic Florida patients.

“Educating and training the next generation of healthcare providers has been part of Cleveland Clinic’s mission since our inception 100 years ago,” said Conor P. Delaney, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Cleveland Clinic Florida. “Opportunities like this help us expand our mission of supporting education in tandem with providing world-class care for the patients we serve.”

Plans for the facility include basic and clinical science classrooms, as well as clinical simulation laboratories for PBA students. The facility would also offer access to patient care with Cleveland Clinic Florida providers and a clinic for PBA students.

“We believe this strategic alliance will enhance PBA’s ability to train outstanding and caring healthcare providers, much needed in today’s world, as well as increasing patient access to high-quality healthcare services,” said Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, PBA’s president, who is also a medical doctor and scientist. “It will offer students in our nursing, pharmacy and other schools exceptional experiences that will prepare them for their careers in healthcare.”

The Cleveland Clinic Florida region is a nonprofit, multi-specialty healthcare provider that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. The Florida region now includes Cleveland

Clinic Indian River Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, with five hospitals and numerous outpatient centers in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties.

Physician Assistant degree planned for 2023

Dr. Phil Tobin joined the University in July 2021 to develop and direct a Physician Assistant (PA) program, another step forward in PBA’s expanding portfolio of healthcare degrees.

Tobin had been director of the School of Physician Assistant Studies at Touro University Nevada and previously directed the Mercer University Physician Assistant Program. The master’s degree program he is to develop at PBA will produce graduates to fill critical needs felt across the nation, Tobin said.

PBA’s goal is to launch its first class of PA students in August 2023. Meanwhile, Tobin will develop the program, shepherd it through a lengthy accreditation process and hire faculty.

Prospective students can come with a bachelor’s degree in any major, though they will need prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology. Tobin said the PA master’s degree typically includes 16 months of classroom education followed by 12 months of clinical education with students working through specific core rotations in the community.

“Dr. Tobin sees the occupation not as just a career, but a way to serve people with the love of Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Duane Meeks, associate provost for strategic innovation. “I think he’s a terrific fit for PBA.”

Meeks noted that the University already has a strong and growing mission in the healthcare arena, with nursing, pharmacy and other healthcare-related degrees. With the PA degree, he said, “I think you’re going to see a new program of tremendous interdisciplinary collaboration.”

‘Wordship’ sets pattern for building up others

A new initiative from President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn explores ways the Palm Beach Atlantic community can use spoken and written words in positive, healing ways. Schwinn dubbed this effort Wordship, combining the terms word and worship, in the same way PBA’s founders combined work and worship to christen the community service program Workship. “The founders set us on a precious path of worshiping God by serving others,” Schwinn said. “Now, at a time when our nation suffers so much division, let’s learn how to worship God by using our words to build up, not tear down.”

The Scriptures provide ample guidance for this edifying practice, Schwinn said, but developing it as a habit will take study and practice. She appointed Dr. Stephanie Bennett as director of Wordship. Bennett, professor of communication and media ecology, led in a series of events throughout the academic year, beginning with a book study from author Parker Palmer’s To Know as We are Known: Education as a Spiritual Journey

Another Wordship session featured alumna Brigitte Sylvestre, known for her enlightening interviews and encouraging

words as co-host of Moody Radio South Florida’s Mornings with Eric & Brigitte. She urges Christians to listen to perspectives that may differ from their own and then respond respectfully.

The practice of Wordship, including one’s words on social media, can bring healing and build bridges between people holding differing views, Schwinn said.

Council formed to serve diverse community

President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn established a Council for Intercultural Engagement, which works alongside her new initiative of Wordship. The council explores topics of racial diversity, inclusion, equity and justice, seeking to foster a climate of trust and respect.

Schwinn appointed Dr. Terriel Byrd, professor of urban Christian ministry, to head the council. Byrd joined Wordship Director Dr. Stephanie Bennett to lead a book study of Jesus and the Disinherited, by Howard Thurman, an African American philosopher, theologian, educator and civil rights leader.

The Council for Intercultural Engagement also sponsored a Diversity Town Hall, which drew more than 200 participants from the Palm Beach Atlantic community.

Outstanding prof at home in lab

Dr. Matthew Mitchell spends many hours working with students in the lab, because of how he sees them grow when they dig into research. An associate professor of health and human performance, he earned the year’s Charles & Hazel Corts Award for Outstanding Teaching.

Employee of the Year: Kate Magro

Kate Magro, associate vice president for student development, received a standing ovation in August as she was named 2021 Employee of the Year.

Long known for her dedication to students, Magro took on special duties because of the pandemic. She worked with President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn and the leadership team to develop policies and set up daily protocols for student care.

Magro established Daily Wellness Checks, hired a Health Alert Team of 12 nurses and, when it became imperative to have an on-campus testing center, she hired a staff of eight. She also took the time to call and reassure concerned parents.

Dr. Bob Lutz, vice president for student development, described Magro’s influence over the past year as “profound.” She serves with passion, Lutz said, because “she loves students; she wants to see them thrive, see their culture grow and see them reach goals.”

National media noticed President Schwinn’s care for students

President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn drew the attention of the Associated Press and Christianity Today with her daily Zoom calls to quarantined students during the pandemic.

The AP featured the story in its “One Good Thing” series, which highlights people whose actions provide “glimmers of joy in hard times.” Reporter Terry Spencer quoted Pablo Castillo, a quarantined business major who said the University president reaching out to check on students “is a great example, to take a step down and connect with people.”

Christianity Today’s Adam MacInnis quoted Dr. Tom St.Antoine, the faculty representative on the search committee that chose Schwinn to be the new leader of the university in January 2020. “That just sends

such a statement for the president to take time to build relationships and to get to know those students one by one,” St.Antoine said.

Both the Associated Press and Christianity Today noted how PBA relied on faith and science during the pandemic: praying for God’s direction and protection and also following CDC guidelines to keep students safe.

For the 2020-21 academic year only 4 percent of U.S. colleges and universities managed to stay open all year with in-person classes. Schwinn has noted that PBA not only stayed open, but thrived. “And even during that challenging time, we continued to develop exciting new programs and placed wonderfully experienced, faith-filled leaders in key positions,” she said. (See opposite page and pages 14-15.)

‘We’ve

Dr. Nancy Brainard is vice president for Enrollment Management, which includes the Admissions and Financial Aid teams.

See: Go.pba.edu/2vp

-- President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn

(Follow website links below to learn more.)

Scott Barnes is vice president for Information Technology Services/Chief Information Officer.

See: Go.pba.edu/2vp

Dr. Stephen Mansfield is senior fellow in public leadership in the Catherine T. MacArthur School of Leadership and also interim director of the Center for Biblical Leadership.

See: Go.pba.edu/mansfield

James J. “Jim” Johnston was named to the Board of Trustees.

See: Go.pba.edu/johnston

Dr. Dana A. Strachan is dean of the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy.

See: Go.pba.edu/strachan

LeMieux Center goes online to continue policy discussions

Undaunted by the pandemic, the LeMieux Center for Public Policy moved online in its discussion with important public figures, beginning Oct. 26 with White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah L. Birx. She spoke with former U.S. Sen. George S. LeMieux and President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn in a virtual interview.

Birx said her interactions with young people on more than 25 university campuses around the country have left her hopeful. “They are highly-motivated to be there and have in-person learning,” Birx said. “We should be highly-motivated to protect one another by masking and physical distancing.”

The center followed a similar format Dec. 9 to welcome retired four-star admiral and international relations expert James Stavridis. He predicted the United States will emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic “diminished geo-politically” and broadly challenged by China, but he painted a picture of hope if Americans “work together and pull together.”

During Women’s History Month the center welcomed a virtual panel of five women who have served as U.S. ambassadors: Robin Bernstein, Nancy G. Brinker, Sharon Day, Lana Marks and Bonnie McElveenHunter. Brinker and McElveen-Hunter have received the University’s Women of Distinction Award.

Grad lands $130,000 franchise loan

The Titus Center for Franchising selected 2020 alumnus Cole Sossamon as the recipient of the Kobel Franchise Challenge. He was awarded $130,000 to buy an in-home care business.

The loan was made possible through the generosity of Tampa-area developer Ed Kobel and his wife, Becky. Kobel is president and chief operating officer of DeBartolo Development. Sossamon received the award in April at the Titus Center Advisory Board meeting, which followed the Franchise Executive Symposium on campus.

Women of Distinction Scholarships given, gala planned for 2022 View research conference online

Another grad wins prestigious Fulbright

Kristina “Kristi” Martin, a 2021 graduate in elementary education, won a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) award to Taiwan for the 2021-22 academic year. She is PBA’s second Fulbright Award winner to Taiwan.

Martin applied for the highly competitive Fulbright award with the help of PBA’s Prestigious National Scholarship Program.

Eight PBA students or graduates have earned Fulbright awards since the program’s inception four years ago.

Four seniors were awarded the annual Women of Distinction scholarships, funded with proceeds from the Women of Distinction luncheon. The scholarships are awarded to female PBA seniors who demonstrate outstanding academics, service and leadership.

The Women of Distinction luncheon, which recognizes women who work to better their communities, was canceled to

protect participants from potential spread of COVID-19. A grand 30th anniversary Women of Distinction celebration is planned for February 2022.

The 2021 scholarship recipients are: Maria Landron of Royal Palm Beach, Florida; Rebekah Chin of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Leah Woods of Piedmont, South Dakota; and Alysse Armstrong of Merritt Island, Florida.

PBA’s 10th annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference moved to a virtualonly format so that anyone can view it: Go.pba.edu/irc2021

The conference includes a variety of video presentations recorded by PBA faculty and students, including keynote speaker Dr. Thomas C. Chesnes, associate dean of the School of Arts & Sciences. Chesnes presents “A Conscientious Objection to the Scientific Culture War.”

A professor of biology, Chesnes has taught at the University for 19 years, and has observed what he calls unwarranted and unnecessary “casualties of interpretation” as students and others consider the viewpoints of science and faith.

Dr. David Compton, professor of psychology and fellow for research in the sciences, was the conference coordinator.

Come for the show join us

With more than 100 student music, theatre and dance performances each year, plus art exhibits in the Warren Library, Palm Beach Atlantic University offers the West Palm Beach community rich expression of the arts. Find the arts schedule at www.pba.edu/performances, or visit www.pba.edu/arts-notes to sign up for regular emails promoting upcoming events. The productions will include guest performers and collaboration between PBA and local arts leaders such as the Norton Museum of Art and Palm Beach Symphony.

Shown on this page are:

• theatre student Madison Fernandez, who played the role of Hermia in Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream ;

• award-winning pianist Joseph Kingma, assistant professor of music and Keyboard Division coordinator;

• and Dog Daze, oil painting by visiting artist Kathleen Denis. Her exhibit “Finding Joy,” is on display in the Warren Library’s Tauni de Lesseps Art Gallery.

Men’s soccer soars to #4 in nation

Led by the nationally ranked men’s and women’s soccer teams, in fall 2021 PBA student-athletes were back in competition and thrilled to be playing after a long pandemic layoff.

The Sailfish men first vaulted to number 5 in NCAA Division 2 national rankings, having shut out the previously No. 3-ranked Lynn University on Oct. 13. Then by defeating three more opponents, the PBA men rose to number 4 in the nation, with a record of 11-1 on the season and 7-1 in the Sunshine State Conference.

Head Coach Brian McMahon has a 101-21-11

record since taking over the men’s program in 2014.

In women’s soccer, on Oct. 13 at Lynn University’s home field, the Sailfish shut out the Fighting Knights 1-0. By Oct. 26 PBA stood 9-3 overall, 6-2 in the conference and ranked No. 16 nationally.

On Oct. 9 Homecoming fans enjoyed a 3-0 trouncing of Florida Tech by the PBA volleyball team.

PBASailfish.com lists the schedules and results for all the PBA teams, as well as links to watch home game broadcasts. Fall sports also include men’s and women’s cross country and men’s and women’s golf.

Full-Time Teaching Faculty; 0 Classes Taught by Teaching Assistants

Avg. Day Undergraduate Class Size: 12 to 1 17 163

Undergrad Student-faculty Ratio:

Student body diversity

Religious Preference

Non‐Denominational: 32.5%

Baptist: 19.9%

Catholic: 19.9%

Methodist: 3.4%

Presbyterian: 3.3%

Church of Christ: 2.8%

Pentecostal: 2.8%

Church of God: 2.6%

Christian Missionary Alliance: 2.3%

Assembles of God: 2.1%

Protestant: 2.1%

Christian Reformed Church: 1.9%

Lutheran: 1.9%

Evangelical Free Church: 1.5%

Seventh Day Adventist: .9%

Race

Caucasian: 56.5%

Hispanic: 18.3%

Black or African American: 10.9%

Race, Ethnicity Unknown: 5.1%

Nonresident Alien: 3.7%

Asian: 2.9%

Two or More Races: 2.2%

American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.2%

Pacific Islander: 0.2%

3,704 Students

Students Have Volunteered More Than 3.6 Million Community Service Hours. Student Music, Theatre & Dance Performances Annually • NCAA Division II, Sunshine State Conference • 76-acre Athletic Campus On West Palm Beach & Orlando Campuses and Online 100+ Workship:

at a Glance

18SportsVarsity

64 17 4 Undergraduate Majors Master’s Programs

Palm Beach Atlantic University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the following degrees: bachelor’s, master’s, doctor of pharmacy, doctor of nursing practice, and doctor of philosophy. For questions about the accreditation of Palm Beach Atlantic University, contact the Commission on Colleges at: 1866 Southern Lane Decatur, GA 30033-4097 404.679.4500 or www.sacscoc.org

Persons wishing to review documents related to the accreditation of Palm Beach Atlantic University should contact the Assistant Provost for Accreditation and Assessment at (561) 803-2050. Doctoral Programs

901 S. Flagler Drive

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

561-803-2000

www.pba.edu