Safley Appointed to Steering Committee for United Methodist Leadership Scholars Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 12, 2007
MARIA SIKORYAK-ROBINS
DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS

FAYETTEVILLE, NC—The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation established the United Methodist Leadership Scholars initiative to make scholarships available for United Methodist students. The foundation recently announced that a steering committee has been appointed to provide policy guidance and accountability for the program. The Rev. Dr. Mike Safley, vice president of University Relations, has been appointed to serve on this national committee.

“I’m excited about the availability of scholarships for United Methodist students,” said Safley. “By providing these scholarships, we hope to increase the number of United Methodist students attending institutions of higher learning.”

The group will be chaired by Bishop Lawrence McCleskey and Dr. Charles Ambrose. Other committee members include bishops, presidents, pastors, college/church liaison officers, college/church vocation officers, and college admissions officers.

The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation was established in 1965 due to the vision of then Syracuse University Chancellor William Pearson Tolley. As defined in paragraph 1422 of the Discipline of The United Methodist Church, its purpose is to raise, manage, and distribute funds to foster education in a Christian context in schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools within The United Methodist Church and other institutions approved by the Board of Trustees. Scholarship program awards totaling more than $14.1 million have been made. The Foundation receives no money from the denomination. Executive offices are located in Nashville and a volunteer Board of Trustees provides governance.

Methodist University is an independent four-year institution of higher education with over 2,100 students from 41 states and 30 countries. Methodist University offers over 70 majors and concentrations, three master’s degree programs, and 19 NCAA III intercollegiate sports. For more information, please contact the University Relations Office at (910) 630-7043.