Jim J. Adams, Ed.D., president of Life Pacific College (LPC, also called LIFE Bible College), recently announced that the college has added two new bachelor’s degree programs: the B.A. in Human Development and Psychology, and the B.A. in Business Administration.
Both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) accrediting commissions have given final approval for the program additions. The new programs begin this fall.
Pursuing approval for the programs started in June 2013 with a group of faculty and other experts developing the programs’ goals, objectives and curricula. The entire faculty approved of the additions the following September. Other committees and individuals worked on developing recruiting plans, finding additional resources and finalizing budget estimates. Formal proposals were submitted to WASC and ABHE in November, and both approval processes were complete by the end of Feb. 2014.
“Life Pacific College‘s approved launch of new programs greatly enhances our ability to serve The Foursquare Church by educating young leaders,” Jim Adams explains. “With these two new programs, those who wish to serve in any aspect of church operations and management, engage in business as mission, teach children’s programs, offer pastoral counseling, or work in social justice ministries, to name a few, will receive an education tailor-made to their own sense of calling and ministry.”
Students are also in favor of this addition. “The new B.A. in Human Development and Psychology is exactly what I have been waiting for,” says Matthew Plaza, a student leader on target to graduate in 2016 who aims to become a Christian therapist. “Not only am I learning about the Bible, but [also] human development, counseling skills and faith integration.”
LPC has hired program chairs for each new program; the chairs both direct and teach in the programs. Gayle Samples, Ph.D., an LPC alumna, will chair the Human Development and Psychology program. Along with her husband, Terry, Gayle has served in a variety of pastoral roles for more than 30 years. Both Terry and Gayle now serve at LPC.
Mick Bates, D.Mgt., will chair the Business Administration program. The educator most recently served as associate professor of business administration at Waynesburg University; he also served at Taylor University as associate professor and director of the Innovative Enterprises Program.
Angie Richey, M.Ed., M.A., serving as vice president and overseeing enrollment, states that student interest for these new programs is very encouraging. The number of applications is up compared to previous years, and there is general excitement over this giant step forward in meeting the academic needs of prospective students.
Prayer is requested for LPC as these new programs are implemented, that God may empower those who are leading these new pursuits as they share their time and talents to see that a new generation is equipped for effective life and ministry.
