Clara Brown, Campus Security Officer

“Belhaven surprised me,” states Clara Brown, who has been a Belhaven campus security officer  for 11 years now. As we continue to talk, I learn that it’s really the students’ openness and warmth that has been surprising. In stark contrast to her previous job on a different campus, Belhaven students were eager to make her part of “the Belhaven family,” as she now calls it. She says, “I like to see how students here volunteer, how they go to church, and how they invite me to pray with them.” In fact, she credits these students with helping her grow spiritually over the years.

When Clara talks about her job, she mentions the things she does (escorting students to and from their cars, unlocking doors, patrolling the campus, etc), but mostly she just talks about the students themselves. Her favorite aspect of her job? “I love helping students.” How has the job changed her perspective? “I am more of an athlete by nature, but hanging around artists at Belhaven has given me an appreciation for all of life.” A first that this job has provided? “It’s my first time working somewhere where I meet people from all over the world.” The most pivotal moment that changed her perspective towards students forever? The day a student athlete came up to her, gave her a hug, and told her she is loved. Today, “Miss Clara,” as she is affectionately known around campus, does her job joyfully–keeping campus safe for “her family.”

Mr. Eliud Michura and Dr. Randy Russ

How did Mr. Eliud Michura, a Kenyan, end up in Jackson, Miss. to observe how Belhaven College integrates faith and learning in student development? To answer this very complex question, I thought it would be interesting to play a little game of “Six Degrees” which usually includes Kevin Bacon. Not today. Today, we’re talking about how Belhaven connections span the globe and how the Lord has used them to bring a Dean of Students from a Kenyan university all the way to Belhaven College. This tale of “6 Degrees of Belhaven” began over a decade ago…

1. Jane Lang’at (class of 1998) and her husband Robert moved to Kenya, where Robert is the Provost at Kabarak University and Mr. Michura is the Dean of Students.
2. Dr. Joe Martin, Chair of the Belhaven Biblical Studies dept., connected Jane and Robert with…
3. Dr. Randy Russ, Belhaven Business professor who was already planning a trip to Africa, and who often gives seminars on faith integration in the classroom.
4. Dr. Russ changed his summer plans (2008) to include a stop in Kenya, where he did a seminar for small business owners, one of whom was Anne Michura…
5. Anne told her husband, Eliud, about Randy’s seminar…
6. A friendship was born between these two men, and Randy returned to Kenya in Winter 2008 and invited Eliud to come and observe how Belhaven trains students in faith integration.

So, by the time I met Eliud on the Belhaven campus last week, the Lord had already created an intricate path to bring him here, and it was filled with Belhaven connections. His stay at Belhaven will last 3 weeks, and during that time he will observe how Belhaven integrates the biblical worldview into student programs. He plans to take back many ideas to Kabarak University when he returns. Several things that Belhaven has impressed upon him include the heavy investment into students’ lives, the integration of faith and learning, and the general hospitality he has felt on our campus.

Dr. Russ hopes that this relationship continues to such a degree that Belhaven students could study in Kenya next summer, learning AND practicing “Business as Ministry” with students from Kabarak University. The goal of this program is to help communities spiritually AND economically. I hope to have follow-up news to this post in the coming months! Until then, welcome to campus Mr. Michura!

Every college freshman that walks onto the Belhaven campus this August 15th will face a temptation to turn and run. Why? College is new and exciting, but it’s also intimidating and scary. As a former BC college freshman myself, here are a few tips on making your transition to college a smooth one:

1. Pack smart. Instead of having a vague notion that you’re not allowed to bring incense or toaster ovens to your residence hall, check with Student Life on what’s allowed/forbidden. The Belhaven Office of Student Life newsletter has this information, so make sure you and your parents read it BEFORE packing the car and driving 8 hours!

2. Let go. College is a great time to start fresh. You don’t have to cling to your high school identity any more than you have to cling to your pet hampster (which is not allowed in the dorm). I’m not saying drop all ties to your family and high school friends, but I am saying that Belhaven is a great place to grow into who you want to be, not stay in the same old high school categories.

3. Be open. With 70% of the freshmen from out of state, chances are you will meet some people who are not like you. On a small campus like BC, people don’t expect diversity, but it is abundant. A true cliche: people really can’t be judged by appearances. You might be surprised at how being open can bring rich friendships with like minded people who just happen to look and talk differently!

4. Jump in. Unpack your car. Take a deep breath. Hug your parents good bye. Jump into meeting people! The first few weeks of school are a window of opportunity for meeting people. Everyone feels just as awkward as you, so stick out your hand and introduce yourself to the person in line behind you, join other people playing frisbee on the Gillespie Commons, and participate with all of the Orientation activities, even if you think they’re corny!

5. Plug in. Get involved in a local church. Keeping your relationship with the Lord a priority from the very beginning of college is the most important “tip” I can give, and this includes a healthy church life. Many churches have “Adopt-a-Student” programs that connect you with a local family, which can be a great way to have a “home away from home.” If you don’t have a car, give the church office a call. Chances are, they will offer you a ride.

Any other tips for freshmen out there?

So, what goes on at BC during the summer?  Outside of my office, it’s all squirrels and sprinklers, but I thought the student center might have some action worth writing about. I made an excuse to get the mail, and I returned with a small pile of junk mail and big campus activity to report… Read the rest of this entry »

The following is a farewell interview with Belhaven’s former Dean of Students, Brent Kooi. After nine years at BC, he is leaving for the mission field in Japan.

For nearly a decade, Brent Kooi has worked with Belhaven students, first as Resident Director and then as Dean of Student Life. Through a series of events, including a gospel choir mission trip to Japan in 2007, Brent is leaving BC for the mission field. He says, “I thought I’d retire in Student Development–being a missionary was never in the plans.” Over a period of about a year, it became clear to Brent that being a missionary was indeed in God’s plans, and his time at BC drew to a close. Read the rest of this entry »