Our dedicated administrative team at Andrews University is providing spiritual leadership and a vision for the future. Although we can be proud of what Andrews has achieved, they do not see the university as it is, but as it can become.

I find myself drawn in by the university's three-stranded motto: "Seek knowledge. Affirm faith. Change the world." These three simple phrases, when braided together, provide a cord of strength. Our young people need that kind of strength in order to meet the challenges that face them, not only after they march down that aisle, but all the way through their educational experience. This simple yet comprehensive motto, if fully implemented, has major implications for every school and department, every faculty and staff member, and every student on campus. Is it possible to achieve?

Just the other day I was privileged to have a brief chat with the university provost, Heather Knight. It only takes a brief encounter with her to find yourself completely engulfed in her enthusiastic vision for the university she loves and serves. I was delighted to learn about the latest development to ensure that Andrews University can realize its greater potential. At our March 4 meeting of the University board of trustees, we approved an exciting new strategic plan, "A New Andrews for a New Century." It is a road map to excellence spanning the next five years. This strategic plan has the following goals:

Goal 1. Engender transformational learning

Goal 2. Deepen the connections between faith and learning

Goal 3. Promote inclusion and excellence by inculcating cultural competence

Goal 4. Model whole-person education by promoting collaborative student development initiatives

Goal 5. Enhance capital investment in terms of human resources

Goal 6. Enhance financial performance and resources

Goal 7. Enhance physical facilities and support services

The "Plan" is truly a look forward, and will help to affirm Andrews "as a distinctive Seventh-day Adventist Christian university committed to the integration of faith and learning." But I wondered, Is this just so much talk without substance? I should have known better. They are now working on a strategic implementation plan with action steps, time lines and persons responsible for implementing action steps. This ensures built-in accountability so that the plan is more than just empty talk.

Please continue in prayer for Andrews president Niels-Erik Andreasen, provost Heather Knight, and the faculty and staff. They really are doing an outstanding job with our young people. They are brave and bold and committed to producing effective workers and citizens for the future, and that is why we send our children to them. I like what I see, and I am encouraged by what I hear.