Vision International University
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| Motto | "The Whole Word to the Whole World" |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Established | 1990 |
| President | Stan E. DeKoven |
Academic staff | approx. 30 (full and part time) |
| Location | , , |
| Website | vision.edu |
Vision International University is an American interdenominational Christian institution based in Ramona, California. The university offers distance education and online academic degree programs designed to prepare people for professional ministry.
The institution traces its roots to Vision International College (alternatively known as Vision Christian College) in Australia, which was founded in 1974 in Launceston, Tasmania, by Australian theologian and author Ken Chant.[1] Together with Vision International College, Vision Internet Bible College, and several other Christian educational institutions, Vision International University is a member institution of the Vision International Education Network.[2]
Academics
Vision International University offers ministry training and theological education to students from a wide variety of faith backgrounds. Vision International College began in Australia in 1974 as a Pentecostal-Charismatic institution without specific denominational affiliation. Vision cooperates with many Christian denominations and ministerial fellowships to provide a "primarily biblical education to both students preparing for vocational ministry and those who seek a stronger theological foundation for the ministerial context in which they find themselves".[3] Vision welcomes students from any denominational background.
The curriculum of Vision attempts to maintain academic rigor from a non-dogmatic perspective, allowing students to study a wide variety of theological issues and to formulate their own beliefs in an academic context. Vision maintains a strong emphasis on church planting, community service, and Christian character development.[3]
The university offers a bachelor's degree completion program and a small selection of focused master's and doctoral degree programs.[4]
Authorization and recognition
Since 1990, Vision International University has maintained authorization to grant degrees by religious exemption in the State of California.[citation needed] In 2005, the university submitted its application for state approval by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE) to be recognized as a degree-granting institution. In April 2007, the university received approval to operate from the BPPVE.[5]
In October 2002, the university, together with the University of Florida and eight other institutions, received a cease and desist order from the State of Connecticut Department of Higher Education, which found that the school had offered degrees and certificates without being authorized to operate as an institution of higher education in the state. In response, the university withdrew its contracts with three Connecticut organizations that had been offering its programs.[6]
Vision International has affiliate status with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (a US Department of Education Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognized accrediting agency), which describes it as a "credible institution" that is "presently lacking either readiness or inclination to seek ABHE accreditation".[7]
Accreditation in Australia
Vision International's college in Australia is accredited by the New South Wales Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (VETAB), which is part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This government accreditation is recognized throughout the British Commonwealth.[citation needed]
Notable alumni
- Meadowlark Lemon, former member of the Harlem Globetrotters, holds a Doctor of Divinity degree.[8]
- Shelley Lubben, former adult actress, holds a bachelor's degree in theological studies.[9]
- Guillermo Maldonado, founder of El Rey Jesus, holds a Doctor of Divinity degree.[10]
See also
References
- ^ Vision International Education Network - History
- ^ Vision International Education Network - Affiliates
- ^ a b Basic Beliefs (official site)
- ^ VIU Programs (official site)
- ^ BPPVE School Detail - Vision International University
- ^ "Actions Against Unlicensed Colleges and Private Occupational Schools in Connecticut, Fall 2001-Spring 2003", Board of Governors for Higher Education, Department of Higher Education, State of Connecticut, February 2003 (accessed September 10, 2007).
- ^ http://www.abhe.org/pages/NAV-Directory.html
- ^ http://www.meadowlarklemon.org/biography/
- ^ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-lubben-20066730
- ^ "Guillermo Maldonado - The Word Network". Thewordnetwork.org. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
External links
- Vision International University official website
- Vision International University in Guide to California Colleges and Universities, State of California
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