Pictured Katherine Barrow, Matthew Francis, Chair of Board of Trustees Anthony Bunting, Dr. Frank Ashley, Arianna Martinez, and Pablo Best, *Ummehani Faizullabhoy not pictured
In the Spring semester of 2024, Dr. Frank Ashley was approached by the Chair of the Board of Trustees to serve as a consultant for Louisiana Christian University, a private faith-based institution facing financial and operational challenges. Embracing the opportunity to combine academic learning with practical application, Dr. Ashley assembled a team of students with a interest in Higher Education Policy to develop a strategic plan to assist the university.
Throughout the Spring 2024 semester and summer, the team worked to analyze the university’s challenges and craft actionable solutions. Anticipating the project would be wrapping up by the Fall 2024 semester, Dr. Ashley integrated the initiative into a Special Topics course in Higher Education Policy, providing students with an immersive educational experience.
The students currently enrolled in the course are gaining valuable hands-on experience by addressing a real-world situation. Their mission is to present Louisiana Christian University’s Board of Trustees with a comprehensive evaluation of the university’s current state and propose well-researched recommendations to guide the institution back to stability and growth.
This initiative exemplifies the power of experiential learning, preparing students to tackle complex issues in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education while contributing meaningfully to the community.
