Vision
For the past ten years as the Trustees of the Van Lunen Foundation considered grant applications from Christian schools, they developed a well–grounded understanding of the challenges faced by Christian schools. The Foundation believes that there is, and will be, a shortage of individuals needed to be strong executive managers of Christian schools.
Excellent training programs exist, covering various aspect of the leadership of Christian schools; conferences, seminars, and research studies. All of these are helpful, but a gap remains. Many heads feel less confident with the “executive” side of their job. They need collaboration with experienced, wise heads of Christian schools; coaching from experts; time to build relationships with peers experiencing similar issues.
The mission of the Van Lunen Center is to provide world-class executive management education essential to the future of schools based on the historic Christian faith. Our vision includes robust, flourishing networks of Christian schools lead by individuals who are dynamic executives and model management from a faith perspective.
Director Search
The Van Lunen Center for Executive Management in Christian Schools at Calvin College is seeking a new director to begin in the summer of 2013. Dr. Bruce Hekman will serve as Interim Director for the 2012-2013 Van Lunen Fellows Program year.
The Van Lunen Center provides world-class executive management education essential to the future of schools based on the historic Christian faith. The vision is to promote flourishing networks of Christian schools lead by individuals whose leadership skills are rooted in faith.
One of the core values of the Center is that it works intentionally to bring together all types of Christian schools—Evangelical, Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal, Reformed, Baptist, and interdenominational.
The Van Lunen Center carries out its mission primarily through the Fellows Program. Since 2007 more than one hundred heads of Christian schools (Fellows) have been taught fundamental executive management skills, such as finance, sales and marketing, operations, long range planning and governance. The year long program brings the Fellows together three times a year and includes cohort and mentor support throughout the year.
The Center seeks an experienced leader who has:
- a mature Christian faith
- a deep understanding of Christian schools
- experience in executive management
- commitment to the broad reach of the program
The director is responsible for all aspects of the Center including programs, faculty recruitment and training, fellow selection, finances and planning. The director reports to the Van Lunen Center Governing Board. Questions about the position should be directed to James Rooks, jrooks@calvin.edu.