Michael J. Beals to be Inaugurated as Vanguard University’s Tenth President
Costa Mesa, CA (PRWEB) December 10, 2013 -- Vanguard University today announced that two internationally renowned theologians will be featured speakers at the inauguration of its tenth president, Michael J. Beals, PhD.
The three-day inauguration ceremonies will kick off Wednesday, February 5, 2014 and will feature academic lectures by prominent theologian, Miraslov Volf, PhD. The festivities will conclude Friday, February 7, 2014 with Richard Mouw, PhD, mentor and friend to Dr. Beals, who will speak the inaugural charge to the president.
Dr. Beals became Vanguard University’s tenth president on August 1, 2013. In keeping with the tradition of many universities, Vanguard chose to give its new president some time to settle in before holding the inauguration ceremonies. Since August, Dr. Beals has focused on building the strategic vision of the university to promote Christian higher education in a way that is meaningful, relevant, and impactful.
"In a climate where higher education is being challenged each day, presidents of private, Christian universities must be innovative, resilient, and forward thinking," says Dr. Richard Mouw, former president of Fuller Seminary and professor to Dr. Beals. "Dr. Beals has long exhibited these qualities, making him the ideal person to foster Vanguard’s mission. I am delighted to be part of this ceremony and wish the best for Vanguard in this time of renewal."
Dr. Beals is a two-time graduate of Vanguard University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Education and Psychology and a Master of Arts (MA) in Church Leadership. Dr. Beals earned a second MA at Fuller Theological Seminary in Biblical Studies and Theology. He was awarded a PhD in Christian Ethics from Fuller where he has served as an adjunct faculty member since 1999. Dr. Beals has served 31 years in the local church, most recently as the senior pastor of Mission Hills Community Church in Rancho Santa Margarita. In addition, Dr. Beals has been actively involved in teaching outreach and community development work in Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, China, Israel, Switzerland, France, England, and Scotland.
Presenting the inaugural lectures will be Miroslav Volf, PhD, founder and director of Yale Center for Faith & Culture and the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale University Divinity School. Recognized globally as one of the premier theologians of our time, Dr. Volf will present on Christian Universities and the Crisis of Humanities. Both lectures are open to the public.
Click here for a complete schedule of events and locations.
About Vanguard University
Vanguard University (VU) is a regionally ranked, private, Christian university of liberal arts and professional studies. Located ten minutes from Newport Beach and an hour from Los Angeles, Vanguard equips students for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-focused leadership and service. Vanguard is committed to academic excellence, boasting small class sizes that are designed to cultivate lasting professor-mentor relationships that enhance the learning process. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Vanguard a top 10 regional college in the west for 2014 and The Princeton Review ranked Vanguard a 2014 "Best in the West" regional college. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Vanguard offers more than 30 degrees and certificates through its undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies programs.
Shana Martin, MBA, Vanguard University, http://www.vanguard.edu, +1 (714) 966-5455, [email protected]
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