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 Welcomes New Director for Biblical Unity, Diversity & Social Engagement
Colorado Springs, CO– The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to welcome Dr. Justina Jenkins as its new Director for Biblical Unity, Diversity & Social Engagement. In her new role, Jenkins, alongside the ACSI Ministry Team, will create Christ-centered educational resources to meet the unique needs of students, educators, and parents of high-poverty communities.
Jenkins and the Ministry Team will build upon ACSI’s 25-year foundation of equipping under-resourced schools, communities, and families. This foundation, comprised of a network of urban schools, was established by longtime ACSI leaders Dr. Vernard Gant and Mrs. Yvonne Jones.
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor is passionate about cultivating learning environments that train students to have a biblical worldview for every objective of the curriculum and co-curriculum.
“We have an opportunity and responsibility to increase access to Christ-centered education for students who typically do not have this option,” he said. “Dr. Jenkins will spearhead ACSI’s efforts to serve our existing network of under-resourced schools. She will also work closely with ACSI’s executive team to plant new Christian schools in high-poverty communities throughout our nation.”
Jenkins joins ACSI with more than 16 years serving in education, most of those in Christian schools. She currently serves as Head of School at Rivertree Academy in Fort Worth, Texas, where she has led since 2019. She earned her Doctorate from Mercer University in Curriculum & Instruction and her Master’s of Education from Mercer University.
“I am honored and enthusiastic to embrace the role of Director for Biblical Unity, Diversity & Social Engagement,” Jenkins shared. “I am deeply committed to upholding the five foundational biblical principles that guide this position. I pray this will be a transformative journey that not only reflects these principles but actively contributes to the flourishing of schools deeply rooted in faith, understanding, and shared purpose.”
Jenkins will continue to serve as Head of School at Rivertree Academy.
ACSI Chief Ministry Officer Jerry Nelson looks forward to serving alongside Jenkins.
“ACSI is committed to building upon the foundation laid by Dr. Vernard Gant over twenty years ago,” Nelson said. “He was a champion for ‘the least of these.’ The newly formed Biblical Unity Department, under the leadership of Dr. Justina Jenkins (Director of GRAACE Initiatives), will continue to communicate the heart of Jesus to remove any and all unnecessary barriers to the most transformative education on the planet—Christian education. Dr. Jenkins brings a wealth of experience and expertise to ACSI to help us continue to provide access to Christian education for all those who desire it.”
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 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 through 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.