I love Fuller Seminary. I know so many people who have been blessed by its long history of faithfully providing educational opportunities for all sorts of people from all walks of life. I see the move to Pomona as in line with its mission to continue to prepare people of faith to be obedient to God’s call on their lives. There are four qualities needed for leadership today: decisiveness, the ability to communicate, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and the ability to relentlessly deliver on one’s mission. The Fuller leadership looked at all the facts and made a decision that will enable them to relentlessly deliver on the incredible educational programs that define Fuller now and will define it in the future. I see them communicating thoughtfully and clearly on why this move from Pasadena to Pomona will expand their platform to make a Fuller education more accessible.
In 2020, more than 50 percent of five- year-olds in the United States will be non-white. In 15 years, universities must be able to be what the next generation of both non-white and white students need to thrive. Will this move to Pomona help Fuller to be ready for a more ethnically diverse future? I think so. Is it a bold move? Yes. Is it a good move? Absolutely. Fuller is people. People in Pasadena or Pomona—still on mission. Still at God’s service. I’m looking forward to seeing what God is going to unfold. We only know a little bit. Get ready for incredible years ahead—he is a God who wants the best of us, who goes before us, and who completes the work he has begun. And that is Fuller’s future.
+ Shirley Hoogstra is the president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and friend of Fuller
