Higher Education
Welcome to ACSI Higher Education
Institutions of Christian higher education have a crucial role in training future leaders, educators, and workers for service worldwide. They commendably fill this role and continue to meet the critical need for well-trained, biblically sound teachers, administrators, leaders, and others.
As colleges and universities seek to be effective in preparing young hearts and minds for their vocations, ACSI desires to assist in that process and partner with higher education institutions worldwide. ACSI membership offers Christian colleges and universities
the opportunity to engage their EE–12 colleagues in a variety of settings. ACSI member colleges cooperate in the Distinguished Christian High School Student Program and the Higher Education Accreditation Program.
Higher Education Accreditation Program (HEAP)
The Higher Education Accreditation Program (HEAP) is offered to currently accredited ACSI member Christian liberal arts colleges, universities, and Bible colleges. Colleges and universities seeking to participate in the program must give evidence of a commitment to preparing teachers and administrators to serve in Christian schools and must show they are encouraging their graduates to prayerfully consider serving in Christian schools around the world.
Resources
ACSI Announces Leadership Divisional, Professional Development Staff Transitions
Included in the strategic plan is the association’s new three division model for serving schools and educators, which is a change from its previous eight region model. The move builds school services around school size as well as geographic location and will allow a more efficient means of assistance.
![cecil_sweetland Cecil Sweetland](/images/default-source/about/cecil_sweetland.tmb-thumb200.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=b12a8616_1)
As Senior Director, Swetland will continue serving member schools by challenging them and encouraging school leaders to achieve higher levels of spiritual and academic excellence. “I have the opportunity to work with remarkable Christian leaders and educators—it is a joy to collaborate with all of them—and ACSI team members,” he explained. “The staff at ACSI works as a united team that equips Christian educators and facilitates school improvement through accreditation, developing early education programs, providing professional development, and enhancing a child’s Christian school experience through student activities.”
![Jeff Mattner Senior Director, Central Division](/images/default-source/about/mattner.tmb-thumb200.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=a7a3def2_1)
Dr. Mattner said that he considers it “a privilege to partner with ACSI schools and school leaders, assisting my brothers and sisters working together in this Kingdom work called Christian school education.”
![Edward_Bunn Dr Edward Bunn](/images/default-source/about/edward_bunn.tmb-thumb200.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=9faaf56_1)
Bunn explained that in his new role, he will be working alongside ACSI Director of Professional Development, Cindy Dodds, supporting the association’s new Flourishing Schools Institute, Leadership University and additional Leadership Development Initiatives. “This will allow me to support school leaders across the US and Internationally by developing initiatives that flow out of a strong biblical worldview and quality research to enhance leadership capacity,” he said.
According to Dodds, Bunn brings a wealth of experience to ACSI Professional Development Department and she anticipates ACSI members will greatly benefit from the move.
“Dr. Bunn’s expertise and experience will enrich and enhance ACSI’s leadership development offerings, as we seek to serve and support our schools in their journey to flourishing,” she said.
Dr. David Balik, ACSI Vice President of USA, has worked closely with Swetland, Mattner and Bunn for several years and offers high praise for all three. “Being on a team with godly and gifted men like Cecil, Jeff and Edward has been a tremendous blessing to me personally. I’m eagerly anticipating seeing the fruit of their expertise and leadership as they move into their new roles, and I know our members will reap the benefits.”
To learn more about the ACSI, please visit the website at www.ACSI.org or Connect with the ACSI Care Team by calling 800-367-5391 or at careteam@acsi.org.
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools by offering multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.
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