Trinity regents approve faculty development initiative, welcome new members
The Trinity International University Board of Regents welcomed two new members and unanimously approved a new faculty development initiative during its fall meeting Oct. 19-21.
William L. Kynes and Carl E. McNair were present for their initial board meeting. Kynes is senior pastor of Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church in Annandale, Va., and McNair is a former chief executive officer for HCC, Inc., a farm implement company based in Mendota, Ill.
Newly installed Trinity Law School Dean Eric Halvorson presented the opening devotional at the fall meetings. Halvorson assumed his new role in September at the Trinity Law School campus in Santa Ana, Calif. He earned a law degree from Duke University, served as president and chief operating officer at Salem Communications Corp., and taught law at Pepperdine University prior to his appointment at Trinity.
The board created The Center for Integrative Faculty Development, which has the stated role of supporting "the professional growth of the faculty of Trinity International University as they seek to live out their callings as scholars, teachers, and members of the university community."
The effort is designed to honor the unique gifts and specific callings of each faculty member, while at the same time encouraging growth in all professional areas.
Associate Professor of Education Laurie Mathias will lead the faculty development initiative.
"This university-wide initiative includes faculty from all parts of TIU, including regional campuses and adjuncts," Mathias said. "Its primary focus is on supporting faculty in their attempts to integrate various aspects of their professorial callings."
The board received updates on a wide range of campus developments, including a 45-page report on the progress of the Trinity 2023 strategic plan that was adopted last year. Trinity President David S. Dockery told the board that about 25 percent of the plan already has been completed, with another 55 percent of the initiatives in progress toward completion. Dockery said the remaining 20 percent represents long-term projects.
"We are grateful to God for the quality Board members who serve at Trinity and for the careful, thoughtful, and wise manner that decisions are made each time they meet," Dockery said. "The support and guidance provided by the Board for the work at Trinity at this particular time is a genuine gift for which we are abundantly grateful."
The board unanimously approved the designation Regent Emeritus for W. Charles Thor of Scottsdale, Ariz. He is the first person to receive this honor.
Thor is a former board chairman and served Jewel Companies, Inc. for 28 years, including time as senior vice president for real estate. Thor was vice president for growth and development at Ulta Salon Cosmetics and Fragrance, Inc. from 1993-1998.