Walking the Tightrope: Christian Colleges and Universities in a Time of Change

Abstract

Leadership of Christian higher education in the United States is in a period of significant change. Yet, the dual accountability—to higher education accreditation and to faith communities—means that Christian colleges and universities walk a tightrope between these two entities, their expectations, and their values. The challenge for U.S. Christian college and university administrators is to provide exemplary leadership in ways that honor both worlds and their values. This article makes the case for the need to understand the unique organizational culture of the institution, its values, and the varied roles of community participants, while adapting to changing societal needs.