Bushnell University has been an active member of the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) for well over a decade. Through NetVUE, we have been awarded ten grants in total, four of which have been awarded in the past two years. This recent acceleration of our partnership with NetVUE will enhance our ability to help students, staff, faculty, and even other institutions discover and answer God’s call to lean into His work in the world.
Bushnell was selected to host a NetVUE Regional Gathering on campus in Eugene in October 2025. With funds provided by NetVUE, Bushnell had the privilege of leading a conversation among regional colleges and universities regarding “The Purposeful University.” Led by the Center for Calling and Community team, the conference explored the unique calling of liberal arts institutions and the key elements that shape institutional vocation and purpose of universities in the evolving landscape of U.S. higher education. The conference meaningfully reflected upon questions such as “How does a university discern, embody, and live out its mission?” and “How can it effectively articulate and integrate its vocation across
the academy?”
In 2023, Bushnell was awarded a $50,000 grant that funded the startup of our Employee Vocation Institute, a year-long program to equip student-facing staff with skills to help all of our students engage in meaningful theological reflection on vocation and calling. Altogether, the program trained nearly 20% of campus employees from diverse departments through intensive readings, strengths assessments, coaching, three-day retreats, storytelling practice, and
action projects.
NetVUE efforts in 2025 include three initiatives funded by awards totaling more than $100,000. Sarah Slater, M.A. ’23, Director of Academic Support and Online Learning, will be a development grant lead tasked with launching a professional development community (PDC) for faculty who teach online undergraduate classes. Using new vocation-focused pedagogical support, Bushnell will begin the process of embedding vocational exploration education and discussion as part of online course development and instruction, specifically with our online student population.
Dr. Agam Iheanyi-Igwe (pictured), Associate Dean of the School of Bible, Theology, and Ministry and Director of the Center for Calling and Community, is heading up a new Mentored Ministry Program that will support paid ministry internships for traditional undergraduate students majoring in ministry and theology. The program will combine classroom teaching with practical ministry experience for current students, with a particular focus on making intensive ministry experiences accessible to economically disadvantaged students.