“Believe in Him to Come” | Justin Collings | August 2024
Aug 31, 2024
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Justin Collings, the academic vice president of BYU, discusses the university's vision as a Christ-centered institution. He emphasizes integrating the restored gospel into teaching, aiming to prepare students as lifelong disciples. Collings explores the relationship between academic integrity and faith, advocating for a holistic curriculum. Highlighting BYU's prophetic destiny, he encourages active participation in spiritual education and turning to Christ for salvation, aligning academic pursuits with divine work.
The podcast emphasizes BYU's vision of integrating academic excellence with spiritual growth, preparing the university for Christ's return.
Faculty are encouraged to enhance student learning by aligning teaching and research with principles of the restored gospel, fostering lifelong discipleship.
Deep dives
The Vision of a Christ-Centered University
The discussion emphasizes the belief that universities can foster knowledge and faith during the millennial reign. Historical figures like Henry B. Eyring and Spencer W. Kimball highlighted universities' roles in transmitting knowledge effectively across ages, suggesting that they will continue to do so even as the Savior returns. There is a vision for Brigham Young University (BYU) to become a place where Christ feels at home, integrating academic excellence with spiritual growth. This includes an aspiration for BYU to be a 'school in Zion,' prepared to meet the Savior upon His return.
Teaching as a Central Mission
Teaching students is identified as the primary mission of BYU, serving as the heart of the university's purpose. Faculty are encouraged to engage deeply in teaching, strengthening students' minds and spirits and fostering lifelong learning and discipleship. The podcast stresses that educators should apply the principles of the restored gospel in their teaching, integrating spiritual insights into the curriculum. There is a call for faculty to elevate their teaching by harnessing the full power of restoration teachings, shaping a transformative educational environment.
Research as an Extension of Teaching
Research is presented not as a separate endeavor but as a crucial part of the teaching mission at BYU, enhancing the educational experience for students. Faculty are urged to engage in scholarly work that reflects spiritual values and directly benefits student learning. The podcast notes that research funding at BYU primarily comes from internal sources, allowing faculty the freedom to pursue meaningful inquiries without external pressures. This focus on student-centered research aims to align scholarly activities with the university's prophetic mission.
Redesigning General Education
The need for a reimagined general education program at BYU is highlighted to better align with the university's mission and the principles outlined by past leaders. Current courses have become overly varied, straying from the original vision of a cohesive core curriculum, which President Holland emphasized as crucial. Efforts are being made to streamline general education offerings into a more integrated and universal format that strengthens the relationship between secular and religious education. This redesigned curriculum aims to foster balanced development in students, preparing them not just academically but morally and spiritually for their future roles.
As we work to become the promised BYU of prophecy, we can live that vision now through teaching, scholarship, and general education. Justin Collings, BYU academic vice president, delivered this address in the faculty session of university conference on August 26, 2024. You can access the talk here.