In the summer of 1979, Carol and I were introduced to a peaceful little town in Northwest Arkansas with a population of about 7,800. It was Siloam Springs.
Dr. Chuck McCullough, a dear friend, fellow-writer, and pastor in Los Alamos, N.M., told us about Siloam Springs, and mentioned that we would enjoy living here. Chuck graduated from JBU, and told us that Siloam Springs is one of the best towns in America. Finally moving here in November of 2008, I heartily agree with Chuck.
Whenever I go into a town, I want to know what its "calling card" is. That means, I want to know what keeps the town going.
I found several such cards in this wonderful town. Among them are DaySpring Cards, Simmons Foods, La-Z-Boy, and Gates Company. I recognized La-Z-Boy right away, for I bought our chairs in Albuquerque, N.M., in 2004. Although the padding may need a little attention after eleven years of continuous wear, the motors in my chair still work beautifully, and the chair provides a soothing massage daily.
But a "calling card" that I wanted to check into was the school that Chuck mentioned: JBU. I've attended other universities, so I was interested in comparing schools.
I've found that many major educational institutions emanate a somewhat distant atmosphere, but John Brown University makes a positive, personal impact on this town. Even though JBU is a major institution, its educators and staff are not aloof. They maintain a warm friendliness that engenders a family feeling which enhances the educational quality.
One man asked me, "How do you know how friendly the staff is since you've never attended the school?" The answer is simple: I attend church with many of the former and current professors. I'm not talking about putting on a good front while attending church meetings. These folk are truly loving people who truly love the Lord, and they go out of their way to help someone even if the person does not attend church.
Several of these folk to whom I refer are: Andy and Donna Bowling, Paul and Lois Kimball, Jim and Melly Pearson, Cal and Steph Piston, David and Susan Vila, Jim and Pam Krall, Gil and Sally Weaver, and Leo and Sona Setian. There are many, many others but space does not permit listing them all.
Christina Bowman is a sophomore at JBU who loves the school and staff. On April 12, 2015, she commented on "GradReports" (http://www.gradreports.com/colleges/john-brown-university): "John Brown University is a great school if you are looking for a Christian environment. It is located in a beautiful part of Northwest Arkansas, in a sweet little town that loves being a college town. ... The teachers show a genuine interest in the students, and love to help out however they can. What is special about JBU is the loving community feeling it inspires in the students."
Dr. Charles "Chip" Pollard is also a caring man -- with a sense of humor. I remember the first JBU basketball game I attended, which was also my first visit to the school. Now, I have to admit: I don't know basketball anywhere nearly as well as I know football. But during the game, something took place that really confused me! I leaned across the aisle and asked a man, "What just happened?" This gentleman took about a minute and explained the event. Afterward I thanked him and asked his name.
Understanding that I was probably new to town, he gently said, "They call me the president here." Laughing, I said, "Thank you, Dr. Pollard."
His response? "Just call me Chip."
Under Chip Pollard's leadership, many good things have taken place. Among them: the Cathedral Group has been renovated, the North Hall was expanded, the JBU endowment has increased, and the student enrollment for this academic year had climbed to 2,800.
There are many other reasons JBU is a meaningful "calling card" for the town. They include: the physical beauty of the campus; the performance of dramas, choral and orchestral concerts in the Berry Performing Arts Center; and the Candle-Light Service presented every year. These substantially add to the cultural atmosphere of Siloam Springs, now with a population of more than 15,000.
The professors are the heart and soul of the university, for they are the ones who shape the lives of many thousands of young adults. And these are also part of the heart and soul of Siloam Springs. Their love for the students is an overflow of their love for God.
-- Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, and former pastor. Send comments and questions to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Religion on 06/24/2015