EUGENE, Ore. – A little over a year after being awarded the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) Program Development Grant, Bushnell University celebrates substantial progress made in fortifying its commitment to guiding students on the path of theological reflection and vocational calling.
Among the 18 universities and colleges awarded the NetVUE grant in March 2023, Bushnell is distinguished as the lone representation for the West Coast. The NetVUE program includes a nationwide network of 300 colleges and universities and is specifically designed to support and enrich vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students. It is administered by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), with guidance from an advisory council comprising representatives from participating institutions.
Notably, this marks the university’s seventh collaboration with NetVUE, showcasing a longstanding commitment to fostering vocational calling and exploration. The NetVUE grant, awarded in March 2023 and providing vital financial support until 2025, has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of Bushnell University’s Vocation Institute. Over the past year, this institute has spearheaded pivotal staff and faculty related initiatives, supported by the NetVUE grant, that have become integral to the comprehensive approach to vocational exploration within the university community, both for students and employees. Key components of these efforts include retreats, departmental gatherings, and the development of a vocational discernment orientation course for new staff and faculty members.
Reflecting on the progress made, Dr. Reed Mueller, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bushnell, expressed optimism and gratitude. “Receiving our seventh NetVUE grant is both an honor and a responsibility. The work in developing the institute this past year has been a testament to the power of intentional vocational guidance. This NetVUE program development grant has allowed us to not only strengthen our existing initiatives but also to create a culture where our new employees are encouraged to engage in thoughtful theological reflections on their vocation and calling, leading to enhanced engagement with our students and their vocational exploration.”
As the Vocation Institute continues to evolve, Bushnell University remains committed to providing students with a supportive environment that nurtures purpose and meaning in their academic and career journeys. For more information about NetVUE, please visit NetVUE’s official website.