With the addition of a graduate studies program and a vision for greater academic excellence, the president of Western Baptist College has added two deans to direct educational programs on campus. Dr. Reno Hoff has selected Dr. Linda Samek to become the Dean of Graduate Studies and Nancy Martyn as Dean of Adult Studies.

Samek has directed the teacher education program for three years and has been a key person in developing the college’s new graduate studies program in education. As the director of Adult Studies for 11 years, Martyn has overseen the growth of that program.

“As we build a reputation for academic excellence, we must have focused leadership within the three areas of our academic programming: traditional, adult studies and graduate programs,” Hoff says.

Samek feels the graduate studies programs have great potential and are filling a need for Christians wanting to earn a Masters degree from a Christian college. Plans for the near future include adding teaching license programs in reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

“We will also be considering possibilities for graduate programs in other academic areas,” Samek says. “This is an exciting time to be part of the college and to serve the Christian community with excellence in academics and professional studies.”

As the adult degree programs experience continued growth, Martyn’s vision includes the addition of another major within the next three years. Research to determine what new major to offer will begin soon.

“We want to make another major option available to the adult student who is looking for something other than Management and Communication or Family Studies,” Martyn says. “Our first step, as we consider that, will be to research various program options and survey prospective students as to their interest.”

Dr. Bryce Bernard continues as the college’s Vice President for Academics. He directs the undergraduate program which offers 45 majors and program options.

With the reorganization the academic department into three divisions, the new Deans have become members of the President’s Cabinet, Academic Council, and the Academic Committee of the Board of Trustees.

As a Christian comprehensive college, Western Baptist will be adopting its new name--Corban College—on May 7, 2005.