Episode 107: How a Christian leads a big, secular state university (Dr. Bill Pink, president, Ferris State University)

Dr. Bill Pink, a Church of Christ lifer (and outstanding song leader) is president of 10,000-student Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan.In this episode, he talks about how he practices Christianity while being a faithful public steward of a secular, tax-funded university where all faiths (and no faiths) have a place. Dr. Pink:Talks about the trends that are shaping higher education in the 21st century (and how universities like Ferris State might respond)Why Christians have a place (and, indeed, a Commission) to study and work at public universitiesArgues against Christians in places of public authority using that authority to "mandate" ChristianityMakes the case that his generation of Christians may owe future generations an apology for failing at civility and kindnessExplains how he can be supportive of professors and students whose beliefs and practices are not in line with his own Christian beliefs and practicesTalks about how he and his administration are preparing for the possibility that the federal government may try to deport Ferris State employees and studentsLink to Bobby Ross Jr.'s profile of Church of Christ member Ryan Walters, superintendent of public instruction for the state of Oklahoma, referenced in this interview Find more news and stories at christianchronicle.orgDonate to support this ministry of "information and inspiration" at christianchronicle.org/donateSend your comments, ideas, and suggestions to [email protected]