CHARLESTON, S.C. (ABP) — Members of the Association of Southern Baptist Colleges and Schools voted June 5 to change the name of the 51-member organization to the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities. The change came after the group decided to expand its mission and ministry to a more global focus.
According to Bob Agee, the group's executive director, the school leaders made the decision in order to better reach all colleges and universities affiliated with Baptist history.
“The name change positions the association to serve a larger number of Baptist-related schools both in the United States and abroad,” Agee said. “In 1996, the Southern Baptist Convention voted to do away with the education commission, and at that time, the association made the decision to assume the essential functions of the education commission as an independent, member-owned and voluntary association.
Agee also said schools across the United States with roots in Baptist history and heritage would benefit by participating with the group in cooperative endeavors.
“Just as LifeWay and GuideStone changed their names to serve the larger Christian family and expand the outreach of their missions, so the name International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities will reflect the association's desire to offer our services, support and influence to a global family of Baptist-related Christian higher education institutions,” Agee said. Lifeway was formerly the Baptist Sunday School Board, and Guidestone used to be the Southern Baptist Annuity Board.
Association members also approved a new mission statement, core values and objectives.
The association's new mission statement says: “The International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities enriches member institutions by stimulating and supporting a quest for high-quality Christian higher education. The association is a voluntary organization of colleges, universities and schools that lay claim to their Baptist history, heritage and relationships. It fosters intentional Christian education, while cooperating in the advancement and mutual well-being of each member.”
In other action, members approved a budget for 2006-07, elected four new board members and announced board officers for 2006-07.
New board members with terms expiring in 2010 include Michael Carter, president of Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Ky.; William Underwood, president of Mercer University in Macon, Ga.; Randall O'Brien, provost of Baylor University in Waco, Texas; and Charles Wade, the executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
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