The Idea of an Adventist University (2020)
Gary Chartier, The Idea of an Adventist University. New York: Griffin, 2020.
“This book explores some of the central issues confronting Seventh-day Adventist universities—Adventist institutions that, whatever their names or formal titles, foster innovation, value research, deliver graduate programs, and nurture students as persons and leaders. Gary Chartier invites faculty members, staff members, students, alums, donors, community partners, and church leaders to reflect on why Adventists should proudly nourish institutions of higher education, how those institutions can flourish, and what they can offer to Adventism and the rest of God’s creation. The Idea of an Adventist University is a thoughtful call for Adventist universities to share God’s grace and make God’s love real—through their courses and curricula, the scholarship they encourage, their treatment of students and workers, their organizational structures, their campus climates, and their service to their communities.”
“Seventh-day Adventist higher education at its best invites us all to engage dynamically in the space where our faith and beliefs interface with our living, studying and working. In this book, Chartier adeptly raises critical issues that face us all as we enter that space. You may not agree with all his conclusions, but to have your agreement is not his intent. Chartier’s work is an honest call to think personally and corporately about what it means to be an Adventist educator in today’s rapidly changing and shrinking world.”
—Andrea Luxton, President, Andrews University
“In this erudite book, Gary Chartier wears his learning lightly, but is never less than thought-provoking. His easy, readable style packs a punch, delivering insightful analysis in clear, limpid prose. I disagreed with Dr. Chartier as often as I agreed with him, but if he is wrong, it is about the right things—if he is provocative, it is about the subjects that matter, and ought to matter, in Adventist higher education.”
—David Trim, Director of Archives, Statistics, and Research, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
“The author, inspired by his mentors at La Sierra University, invites the reader to a conversation about Adventist higher education, principally in North America, its relationships to faith and learning in the church, followed by sections on management issues in the university. It will no doubt generate vigorous discussion, even debate, both in the church and the university.”
—Niels-Erik A. Andreasen, President Emeritus Andrews University
“Gary Chartier's book is supremely clear and practical, and would sharpen awareness and conversation within any faculty, administration, or board. The book's provocations, all tactfully expressed, are nicely balanced by its gracious tone. From start to finish, gratitude and affirmation drive the analysis.”
—Charles Scriven, former President, Washington Adventist University and Kettering College
“As a life-long Adventist steeped in our culture and nuances, Dr. Chartier has used his considerable background and understanding to reflect on various aspects of Adventist higher education. Living and working inside a university system gives a view of issues which is interesting and valuable to others facing similar questions. Most Adventist institutions will face similar issues over time, and this opportunity for analysis and comment from another’s eyes is enlightening.”
—Richard Hart, President, Loma Linda University”
Description from Amazon.