In the last issue of Advance (Spring 2023), I wrote about how the common commitment to integrating Christian faith into all aspects of the higher education learning experience is the shared anchor of all CCCU institutions. It’s what holds us steadfast in the midst of the winds buffeting higher education generally and Christian higher education specifically.

While I still maintain that the metaphor is apt, this issue dives into the reality that the integration of faith and learning is far more than something that centers our individual campus communities. The sheer nature of Christian higher education means that what happens on our campuses does not stay on our campuses. Nor should it, since we are followers of Jesus and thus called to live out the Great Commission. We want our students and graduates to take what they’re learning out into the world; we want our faculty and staff to continue making meaningful contributions to their respective academic fields.

But in an era of hot takes on social media, increased scrutiny on what, exactly, students are learning on campuses across the country, and a growing animosity and villainization of those who don’t hold the same views, there are more and more chances that what we’re doing on our campuses can be misunderstood or misconstrued, unintentionally or otherwise.

That’s why we wanted to spend some time this issue focusing on topics connected to how we share and promote the value of what we do with those who aren’t as familiar with the ways of Christian higher education. Whether it’s finding ways to bring the learning on our campuses out to broader communities, or navigating conflicts within Christian faith, or even thinking about how to measure the success and impact of faith and learning in the classroom, we hope this provides a helpful reference and starting spot for important conversations on your campus.

On a personal note, this was a particularly meaningful issue for me. For nearly a decade, I’ve been a part of the CCCU’s efforts to preserve and promote the work of Christian higher education, a cause that is personal for me as a double alumna of CCCU institutions. I passionately believe in the value of an education that prioritizes not just the mind, but the heart as well; we need people in this world who not only excel in their profession but also follow what God requires as described in Micah 6 (NLT): “to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Now, as I step away from my role as editor of Advance after this, my 20th issue, to focus on our growing family (we’re expecting our third child in December, Lord willing), I do so believing more in the value of — and the need for — Christian higher education than I ever have before. Though my time as editor is done, I know I will never stop being an advocate, promoter, and prayerful supporter of the work you do.

Morgan Feddes Satre is the managing editor of Advance. She holds degrees from two CCCU institutions — a master’s from Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, California) and a bachelor’s from Whitworth University (Spokane, Washington).