Last June, Spurgeon developed a special program for adult students. The PALM Program (Preparing Adults for Leadership in Ministry) helps adults to complete a degree in a one-night per week format. Students can receive credit for prior learning experiences. The program is academically challenging, but is more convenient than traditional college scheduling. The program has been so successful that Spurgeon will make the new program a focus of its future educational planning.

"Traditional college age students are still a large part of what we do at Spurgeon," said Spurgeon's president, Ted Morter. He went on to say, "Their program will be re-designed to a newer format that incorporates more convenient class scheduling and less time on campus. This will allow traditional students to have more time for studying, working, and volunteering in ministry-related projects. We're really trying to position for the future so that we can be more effective at fulfilling our mission."

Spurgeon also plans to develop off-campus learning centers in various parts of Florida. The current campus will be sold and the proceeds used to eliminate debt and provide the financial resources to develop the college's new approach. The college will be re-locating into appropriate facilities in the Lakeland area.

Paul Heier, administrator of the PALM program and consultant to the president of the college, said "The board's decision to become more adult-student focused will aid the college in fulfilling its mission. Non-traditional, decentralized education is becoming the wave of the future in higher education around the country. I'm thrilled that Spurgeon's board has the vision to plan for the future. Training Christian leaders is our mission at Spurgeon and now we'll be able to train more people and make better use of our resources."

URL: www.spurgeon.edu

Source of news: Spurgeon Baptist Bible College