The Role of Institutional Advancement in Seventh-Day Adventist Colleges in North America
The Role of Institutional Advancement in Seventh-Day Adventist Colleges in North America
Files
Publication or External Link
Date
1989
Authors
Bartlett, Lynley Raymond
Advisor
Carbone, Robert F.
Citation
DRUM DOI
Abstract
This study describes the structure of institutional
advancement operating within Seventh-day Adventist
colleges in North America.
During the 1980s, Adventist higher education has
confronted declining enrollments, spiralling financial
costs, and a waning of constituency support. Together
these aspects are currently raising serious questions
about the continued economic viability of maintaining all
twelve denominational colleges and universities within
North America.
On close examination it becomes apparent that many of
the dilemmas facing Adventist higher education are shared
by numerous small liberal arts colleges. For these
institutions the threat of impending closure has been
averted by the implementation of institutional advancement
procedures. By the assertive employment of alumni
contact, fund raising, public relations, and government
relations, many colleges have found renewed mission and
purpose. It is also proposed tha·t Adventist colleges can
experience revitalization by the greater use of
institutional advancement procedures.
The study includes data collected on the existing
structure of institutional advancement at the twelve
denominational colleges. A questionnaire was completed by
the chief advancement officer in each college. In
addition, a telephone interview provided qualitative
information from the president, chief advancement officer,
directors of alumni and public relations in five selected
Adventist colleges.
This study provides the first description of the
structure of institutional advancement within Adventist
higher education. It permits Adventist educators and
others to draw on new information in the field of
advancement. In addition, it enables analysis and
comparison between Adventist colleges and other small
liberal arts colleges.
Permission to undertake this study was granted by the
Seventh-day Adventist Board of Higher Education. Care was
taken to guarantee the anonymity of all persons
interviewed.