Houghton College signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), beginning dialogue about their future partnership. Through this partnership, Houghton hopes to develop online and adult education and see Houghton thrive in this 21st century’s changing world.
IWU president David Wright and President Mullen signed the MOU on November 18, 2013. The MOU simply indicates that Houghton and IWU will be discussing this partnership. Specific proposals will be presented December 20th.
“There’s a really strong sense right now,” said President Mullen, “that we both have something to contribute to one another.” IWU has strong, established online and adult education programs, and it hopes to develop in global education and service, areas considered to be some of Houghton’s strengths.
President Mullen envisions people in parallel roles at the institutions potentially visiting the other campus, leading workshops in their expertise, and dialoguing with each other. She said, “The goal is for them to help us move faster and with greater magnitude than we could on our own.” IWU could assist Houghton with online and adult education coursework, templates, and curriculum.
This partnership will not, however, involve a merger between Houghton and IWU. President Mullen said, “This will not affect the governance of our institution, it will not affect our affiliation, and it’s not going to affect our athletics.” The partnership would merely be drawing on the two institutions’ collective resources.
Houghton College’s original mission when it began in the 1880s was to make high quality, Christian education affordable and accessible to students. President Mullen said, “The mission is the same, but the mediation of that mission cannot stay the same because the world is changing. That is what this moment is about at Houghton.”
Developing Houghton’s online and adult education programs could facilitate residential students taking more summer classes and graduating early, high school students having dual enrollment with Houghton, and non-traditional students enrolling more easily.
“If you look at where the growing populations are,” said President Mullen, “They’re in the cities, among the international students, among part-time students, and among adult learners. I see online and adult education opening more access points to Houghton students.”
President Mullen believes Houghton needs to face the realities of this 21st century time. She said, “If we do not find creative ways to enter these partnerships now, then we’re not going to be drawing the benefit that will strengthen the institution for greater prosperity in the future.… My confidence is in the mission of Houghton and in God’s faithfulness to call us and make us adequate for that mission.…This is something to celebrate.”