On the evening of January 3rd at the end of his first workday back in the officer, recently installed David Norman, the President of Erskine College and Seminary, the denominational schools of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) denomination – located in rural Due West, South Carolina sent out an email to over 50 Board members (both voting and advisory) plus the senior staff.

In the email he first outlined the first six months of his term, beginning with one simple word: “Wow.”

Although it should have surprised no one, the first element of this past six months was Dr. Norman’s attendance at his first cabinet meeting and finding that there had been no planning for the coming year, an indication that dealing with the issues that arose from the actions leading up to, during, and after the ‘Snow Synod’ in March had consumed just about all the energy available to the leadership group.

Among the positive elements of this time period, Dr. Norman pointed out an increase in the numbers of prospective student visiting during the fall; more that 100 additional inquiries from prospective students than the previous year; and an increase of applications with deposits

Things were not, however, so positive in the area of charitable donations. Clearly a number of donors have dropped out – Dr. Norman referred to them as ‘Fair-Weather Friends’. Add to that the burnout of development and alumni relations staff, and it was a pleasant surprise that donations were down only 10% over the previous year.

Norman also reported on an encouraging seminary faculty meeting on that day (January 3). He felt there was a passionate, yet civil dialogue concerning the relationship between the missions of the Seminary and the college, as well as concerning the importance of diversity and trust credibility. Norman closed that discussion by saying:
“Sure there are still some very important disagreements that need to be worked out, but the spirit of trust and collegiality is returning to Due West!”

Norman then outlined several key issues the Board is facing for the near future:
· There is a very significant faculty grievance case in the college that has been on the verge of major crisis every day for the past several months
· The report to SACS is due next week
· There is an ongoing search for a new VP for Advancement
· There are rumors and conspiracy theories all over the internet, adversely affecting already strained staff morale
· There is a need to develop a balanced budget the upcoming year.

Norman then reported that he had received resignations from two senior staff members, but had been able to work out the issues to keep one in place and had successfully found and hired a replacement for another.

Norman then ended his email report with these comments:

“Erskine needs your prayers and support now as much as it ever has. Please know that we are doing all that we can here in Due West to faithfully enact the policy you set for us. Significant challenges continue to greet us, but I am more in love with Erskine today than I have ever been before; and I hope that you are too. Not only is God good, but he has used this institution for the better part of two centuries and he is giving us every indication that he plans to continue using it for many, many years to come.”