Suspension of Golf and Soccer Programs
It was with a heavy heart that I announced last week the suspension of four athletic programs at Providence Christian College: Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Men's Golf, and Women's Golf.
Deciding to suspend these programs was particularly difficult because of the direct impact that such a change will have on the staff and students who faithfully devoted their time, resources, and passion to their teams and to the college as a whole. Their contributions will be truly missed and their absence deeply felt.
Providence will retain the men's baseball and women's volleyball programs, and are committed to enhancing and supporting these programs in the future, as they continue to have a successful history at our institution. We are also committed to increasing our cross country and track programs to a competitive level, so that we remain in the CalPac Conference and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
These changes have been a part of an institution-wide program evaluation as we strive to steward God's resources in a wise, effective, and efficient way. As an administration, we believe that focusing on what is working well and improving on the programs that define our mission will bring us to a stronger future.
Consequently, we continue to devote our resources to recruiting students who embody our mission and vision for learning in a Christ-centered community. We believe these students will be served best by our academic programs and caring culture.
Our academic programs are doing well, but they will also benefit from additional focus. The program suspensions announced will put us in a better position to attend to our academics in ways they need and deserve.
We are committed to remaining faithful to our mission … to equip students in the knowledge of God's word and the classic liberal arts so that they can engage the world for the glory of God and service to humanity.
We believe that the future is bright for Providence Christian College because of our unwavering commitment to its mission, our incredible faculty and staff that share that commitment, and our students who are devoted to the academic opportunities of living and learning in community with each other.
May we all hold fast to the encouraging words found in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Friends, this is God's college, and we trust in Him with all our heart to provide.
I hope you will join me in praying daily for the staff and students at Providence. As we face the challenges of change, we put our faith in a God who provides for our daily bread and for our future.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
In Christ,
Dr. Steven B. Kortenhoeven
President, Providence Christian College