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Impact of EMU Educational programs

EMU Students from Virginia

About 40 percent of full-time undergraduates are from Virginia¹, with the vast majority of those students coming from the Shenandoah Valley. Overall, 52% of EMU students are Virginia residents, and 45% of Virginia students are from the Shenandoah Valley.  These students come from a variety of religious backgrounds, representing 37 different religions and Christian denominations. While overall just over half of EMU students are Mennonite, less than 38% of students from the Shenandoah Valley are Mennonite.² 

EMU Graduates in the Helping Professions

Sixty-two percent of EMU graduates over the last five years have found employment in the helping professions.  An annual survey conducted six months after graduation³ indicates 25% of graduates teach, 16% are in health-related fields (nursing, medical technology, etc.) and 16% are employed in social service (social workers, mission workers, mediators, etc.).  An additional 5% of graduates pursue advanced medical degrees (2% are in medical school with the remainder in other health sciences including veterinary, physical therapy, pharmacy, etc.)

The nursing program graduates an average of 24 nurses each year and has maintained a reputation for the excellent preparation of graduates. Over the past five years, an average of 86 % of EMU nursing graduates passed their State Boards on the first try, matching the average for graduates of baccalaureate Nursing programs in VA.⁴ Over the last five years over half of employers rated EMU nurses’ preparation excellent⁵. Employer survey data also tells us that EMU–trained nurses are exceptional for their caring, holistic approach to nursing, and for their lifelong learning skills as professionals.

The sociology/social work department graduates an average of 19 majors each year⁶. Field supervisors report that EMU social work students are very well-prepared for their practica with local social work agencies⁷. Particular strengths cited include time management and organizational skills, integrity, good relational skills, and the ability to work with clients of different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall scores on the Area Concentration Achievement Tests have consistently been above the 60^th percentile compared to the national sample over the last three years⁸. Many students stay in the area to work with local agencies including the Refugee Resettlement Office, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board, the Community Mediation Center and the Rockingham County Social Services Department.

EMU produces an average of 45 teachers annually⁹, and many of these graduates are contributing to local schools in important ways.  Myron Blosser, a teacher in local school systems for 19 years, received state and national honors in the field of biology and is recognized as the founder/director of an innovative “Coast-to-Coast” program, a month-long, cross-country program focused on environmental issues for high school students¹⁰. EMU teachers also perform well on the state licensing examination. The 2000-2001 EMU pass rate for the Praxis exams was 100% compared with an average of 92% for the state of Virginia¹¹. The quality of the EMU education program is also evident from the excellent placement rates for graduates.¹²  Over the last ten years 94% of elementary education graduates and 86% of secondary education graduates found teaching jobs the fall after graduation.  Surveys of school administrators who have worked with EMU graduates, characterize them as well prepared in all areas, noting their ability to establish rapport with children, to plan instruction that meets the needs of all children, and their ability to communicate effectively and work as a member of a team. EMU graduates are also praised for their dedication and high ethical standards¹³.

The master of arts in education program established in 1996 is also having an important impact on the quality of education in the valley.  In addition to fifty-four graduates from the masters program¹⁴, many teachers have come to EMU for classes and seminars in literacy, conflict mediation and many other topics. A total of 396 teachers participated in courses or seminars over the past year.¹⁵

A study by EMU advancement staff in the fall of 2002¹⁶ indicates that approximately 262 EMU graduates work in teaching in the Shenandoah Valley: 30 private school teachers, 208 public school teachers, 24 college and university faculty at institutions other than EMU. An additional 240 EMU graduates are medical professionals in the Shenandoah Valley.

EMU sponsors three additional masters programs in conflict transformation, business administration, and counseling. Over the last five years, the 96 graduates of these programs have also had an impact on the quality of personnel available locally in related fields.

The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding formerly (CJP) is global in focus, and prepares students from around the world as reflective peacebuilders, equipping them “to understand conflict and to engage in action to transform it”¹⁷. In 2000 the program was honored as the first Fulbright program in conflict studies. Grants have allowed CTP practitioners to work with victims of the bombings in Oklahoma City and Nairobi, Kenya and more recently on trauma awareness and recovery with pastors and lay leaders affected by the September-11 bombings through the Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience (STAR) program.¹⁸ The Institute for Justice and Peacebuilding, established in 2001, has addressed local, national and international issues, including racism and diversity training for city and community leaders in Virginia, several projects relating to victim/advocate and restorative justice in the US, and restorative justice in Russia.¹⁹

The master of arts in counseling program prepares graduates for practice with individuals, couples and families in the context of both church and community. The program received accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) this fall.  Dr. Carol L. Bobby, executive director of CACREP, wrote that the program  “deserve[s] to be commended for the work …completed throughout the accreditation process. This is indeed a worthy achievement.”²⁰ The program provides training within the context of the Mennonite tradition of mutual caring and community building that emphasizes both individual adjustment and just social structures.²¹ 

The Seminary offers a variety of masters level programs to prepare pastors and lay leaders for work in churches and faith-based institutions. In the Anabaptist tradition, the Seminary takes a participatory approach to equipping leaders incorporating global perspectives and welcoming persons from a variety of faith traditions. In addition to the 115 persons enrolled in degree programs, 185 local lay leaders and pastors attended the January 2002 Leadership Institute and 37 community persons attended courses and summer institutes during the 2001-02 academic year.

The newest graduate program at EMU is the master in business administration.  After a review of local needs, the program was designed to be convenient for local business people who wish to further their education and improve their business skills without interrupting their careers.  “In addition to studying the traditional business disciplines, EMU's MBA core program goes ‘beyond the briefcase’ to look at issues and questions regarding the proper role of business in society, as well as the role of faith in business.”²²  The first cohort graduated in spring 2003.

Other Professional Programs

Business and economics is a growing department at EMU, with 15% of all students majoring in this field compared to just 10% a decade ago. Each year senior business and economics majors are given a Major Field Assessment Test and have scored above the 80^th percentile for all schools nationally for four of the last five years. The EMU group has scored as high as the 91^st percentile in 2000 and the 95^th in 1997.²³ The strength of an EMU business education was also demonstrated recently when the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) club competed for the first time and won the regional championship as well as “Rookie of the Year” award. Each year SIFE projects will include activities to help local entrepreneurs, with a special focus on assisting members of minority groups.

EMU’s pre-professional health sciences program also has a strong record of providing students with the curriculum and experiences necessary for further studies. Sixty-six percent of EMU alumni who applied to medical school over the past five years were accepted, compared to a national average of 44% in 2000. Eight-five percent of applicants to other graduate and professional health programs were accepted.²⁴

 

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