Higher Education, Higher Purpose: Recent Episodes
NACCAP
Today’s college-bound students have many questions. Many parents don’t understand how much has changed since their college years. The process is even different with every child. Guidance counselors also have a hard time keeping up with post-COVID industry changes. It’s why we have launched the Higher Ed Higher Purpose podcast. It will enlighten, empower and inspire so you can be confident in the search journey to find the best fit for your student.
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast hosts Phil Cook and Heidi Sturm sit down with Dr. Mildred Similton, the Administrator for Student Services at Hickory Grove Christian School. Dr. Similton shares her unique faith journey and how a transformative experience in her young adult life led her to a profound commitment to Christian education. She outlines her engagement with NACCAP, the enriching professional development opportunities, and the powerful sense of community she found in the organization.
Join us this week as Phil, Heidi, and Dr. Similton discuss how to best support students, prepare them for college, and the significant role of faith in Christian education.
Quote:
"I think the work that we do as Christian education professionals is impactful. The hard part is that we don't always see the end product of what the Lord is doing, but he's certainly doing it and he's working it out. I think just staying encouraged and staying in there with our young people, with our families, because the struggles are real for them.” -Dr. Mildred Similton [19:20]
What You Will Learn:
(00:00) Introducing Dr. Similton and Her Role in Education
(02:02) The Journey from Theater Kid to NACCAP Board Member
(04:22) Psychology to Christian Education
(09:04) Finding Community and Purpose in Christian Education
(12:03) Faith Journey from Childhood to Adulthood
(14:39) Faith and Professional Development in Christian Education
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast hosts Phil Cook and Heidi Sturm sit down with Dr. Anthony Turner, a prominent figure in the field of enrollment management. Dr. Turner shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading voice in Christian higher education. Phil, Heidi, and Dr. Turner discuss the vital importance of networking, data-driven decision-making, and maintaining a work-life balance.
Join us this week to gain insights into the enrollment industry's current landscape, the importance of building a supportive team culture, and the profound impact of Christian higher education.
Quote:
"If I hold my team to the same standards that scripture holds us to, and I challenge my team to hold me to those same standards, then we're operating at a level that's not just what CSU wants, but what God expects of us.” -Dr. Anthony Turner [14:25]
What You Will Learn:
(00:00) Meet Dr. Anthony Turner: Enrollment Leader at Charleston Southern
(02:17) Growing Up with Deaf Parents and Finding Faith
(05:53) From High School Dropout to Enrollment Leadership Success
(08:24) Dr. Anthony Turner's Journey in Higher Education and NACCAP
(11:20) Encouragement and Accountability in Christian Higher Education Enrollment
(17:50) Balancing Family and Professional Life in Higher Education
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast hosts Phil Cook and Heidi Sturm talk with Dean Wilson, a multifaceted professional with a rich history across various sectors, including finance, real estate, ministry, and media. Dean reflects on his past, including his tenure at Westmont College and his triumphant battle with addiction. He shares powerful lessons on resilience, hope, and the divine grace that guided his path to recovery and self-discovery. Phil, Heidi, and Dean discuss the transformative power of suffering when it is met with faith and perseverance.
Join us this week from the NACCAP annual conference at Westmont College to hear more about Dean’s journey and the power of authentic storytelling.
"God is with you. He's going to be with you, and he's got a plan and a purpose and a larger story. The tough news is, that on planet Earth, you're going to encounter suffering. Get ready. It's not a boogeyman behind every bush, but there is suffering. Everybody is looking for the good life, but they go, well, how can it be good? Or they think, well, these Christians are just all perfect. And so, therefore, there's this wonderful, good, abundant life that includes suffering available with God and the person of Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, amazing things can happen." -Dean Wilson [21:05]
What You Will Learn:
(01:49) Dean Wilson's college selection process
(09:53) Good Life Television
(14:28) Dean’s battle with alcohol addiction and his encounter with the mercy of God
(17:47) The life-changing nature of suffering
(22:08) The power of testimony
(25:13) Authenticity and the importance of going deep with God in times of suffering
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast hosts Phil Cook and Heidi Sturm talk with Dr. Marcus "Goodie" Goodloe, the keynote speaker for the upcoming NACCAP annual conference at Westmont College. From his roots in South Central Los Angeles to his esteemed academic and advisory roles, Dr. Goodloe brings a message of excellence and influence shaped by the teachings of Jesus. Phil, Heidi, and Dr. Goodloe explore the inspirational themes set to be unraveled at the conference, aiming to rekindle a passion for admissions professionals and educators.
Listen this week as Dr. Goodloe shares his vision for personal growth and leadership and the importance of aligning one’s character with the heart of God.
"I think insisting upon excellence should not just be about closing a deal or getting an applicant to sign on the dotted line. Insisting upon excellence should be about our recognition for who God has called us to be." -Dr. Marcus Goodloe [10:30]
What You Will Learn:
(01:07) Dr. Marcus Goodie Goodloe's background and role
(08:01) Personal development and habits for success
(10:30) Habits: Six Steps to the Art of Influence
(17:58) The unique role of faith institutions in reflecting the heart of God.
(19:51) The power of storytelling in higher education and admissions.
(22:41) NACCAP conference: an opportunity for reimagining and making a difference
(23:17) Leaving differently
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast hosts Phil Cook and Heidi Sturm delve into the critical world of college scholarships with scholarship strategist Monica Matthews. Revered as the "Scholarship Mom", Monica comes with a wealth of experience in helping parents and students secure college scholarships. She discusses her smart method for standing out in scholarship applications, which includes sharing personal details, marketing yourself, answering essay questions, reviewing guidelines, and getting trusted eyes to proofread your application. Monica emphasizes the importance of partnering with your student and offers advice on when to start applying for scholarships.
Listen as Phil, Heidi, and Monica discuss the significance of scholarships in alleviating the financial burden on families pursuing higher education.
“Partner with your student. And I like to say teamwork makes the dream work and it is so true. The reason is if you have a certain role, sit down with your student, have a certain role. First of all, you need to talk about expectations. This is how much money we have saved up or not saved up for college. This is how much money you need to try to win scholarships. This is a school that's more affordable to us. You know what your roles are. So if your student needs to win scholarships or try to win scholarships, parents can find the scholarships.” -Monica Matthews [15:45]
What You Will Learn:
(01:06) Monica Matthews' background and experience with college scholarships
(05:01) SMART method for applying for scholarships
(10:46) How to access Monica Matthews' resources and website
(13:41) Unique scholarships such as duck calling, Doodle for Google, and duct tape scholarships
(15:40) How parents can partner with their students in the scholarship process
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Connect with Find Your Christian College: FindYourChristianCollege.com
Monica’s website: how2winscholarships.com
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast, we reflect on the NACCAP organization's achievements in 2023 and outline our plans for 2024. We discuss successful events, the launch of Wednesday webinars, and the amazing addition of Janet Pargeter to our team. We talk about the importance of research in Christian education and the continuation of NACCAP's primary research projects. We also announce our upcoming conference at Westmont College and the launch of ChristianGradSchools.com. Listen as we speak with Dr. Molly Smith and discuss the valuable contributions of retiring members.
“We're looking because there is a higher calling for what we're doing and a higher calling for what each of you is doing. So we commend you today, we encourage you today, we pray for you today, we are here to serve you and support your work in any way that we can. We're excited about 2024 and we thank you for listening today.” -Phil Cook [24:19]
What You Will Learn:
(01:06) The success and significance of college fairs
(03:44) 2023 Annual Conference
(06:50) K-12 Membership
(09:58) The Conference at Westmont
(10:20) Spring College Fairs
(12:25) Announcement of the launch of ChristianGradSchools.com
(20:11) Research Projects
(21:24) Annual Benchmarking Study Explanation
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org
Connect with Find Your Christian College: FindYourChristianCollege.com
NACCAP: 2023 in Review
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast, we speak with Tami Peterson, former teacher, counselor, administrator, and director of college advising. With decades of experience in the field of education, Tami is the founder and CEO of Life Architects Coaching, where she provides coaching services to Christian secondary schools, universities, and working professionals. She shares her passion for vocational discipleship, helping young people discover their calling, and equipping them for their God-given purpose. Listen as we explore college admissions, career paths, and vocational discipleship.
“An area that has surprised me in the work that I'm doing is that it's important for adults not to believe that they are one and done, or that they have arrived. They are continuing to learn and I think that that's part of authenticity. We don't have it all together, even though we have it more together than we did when we were 17. If we are still growing and learning about God and his world, we're changing every day ourselves and we're growing into who God really is and who he has created us to be. We have to continue to do the deep work.” -Tami Peterson [13:21]
What You Will Learn:
[00:30] Intro
[04:58] Tami's experience in the field of education
[12:59] Discernment and Authenticity
[16:12] What type of community do you want to be a part of?
[21:21] Seeking and saving that which is lost
[27:10] Helping students find their path
[29:26] Contact Tami
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org
Connect with Find Your Christian College: FindYourChristianCollege.com
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast, host Phil Cook speaks with Ed Recker, Director of High School Relationship Management with Sallie Mae. Ed discusses the changes happening with the FAFSA and why it is undergoing significant changes to simplify the application process and integrate it with the IRS to automatically retrieve tax information. Ed shares why it is important to apply for an FSA ID, which acts as an electronic signature for federal financial aid documents. He encourages families to extend grace and patience to colleges and universities as they navigate the new FAFSA process and emphasizes the importance of searching for scholarships and leveraging resources to make higher education more affordable.
“Look under every rock. Start early and start often. Work with the resources you have. There are a lot of folks around who are willing to help you not only find those scholarships but really hone and refine those applications and those essays to make it the best you can, to be able to obtain as much free money as you can.” - Ed Recker [22:46]
What You Will Learn:
- [03:54] Purpose of FAFSA changes: simplification and integration with IRS
- [09:22] Steps to take before filing FAFSA: obtain FSA ID
- [10:55] Advice for families as schools transition to new FAFSA process
- [12:37] Be patient and extend grace during the new process
- [20:38] Look for scholarships everywhere, start early, and apply often.
- [26:00] Understanding new language in financial aid
- [28:00] Importance of utilizing high school counselors and universities
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org
Connect with Blueprint: https://myblueprintstory.com/
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast, host Phil Cook speaks with Janet Pargeter, a retired guidance counselor with 22 years of experience. Janet shares her insights on the importance of networking and building relationships with other counselors to share knowledge and experiences, as well as to provide support and encouragement. She also discusses the benefits of being a NAACAP member, including access to the counselor certification program, fly and drive-ins, Christian college fairs, and the counselor boot camp. Janet offers advice to admissions representatives on building strong relationships with students and parents.
“Having relationships with other counselors and gleaning from them their knowledge and experiences in guidance counseling is what makes us good at our jobs. Not only is it invigorating but it breathes life and gives us value and worth, self-worth, it does all of that. But that's why I call it our superpower because I think it's what creates in us the ability to keep doing what we're doing.” - Chris Singleton [02:55]
What You Will Learn:
- [00:47] Janet's background and experience in NAACAP
- [04:30] Encouragement for new counselors and the value of mentoring
- [18:32] Overview of the Council Certification Program
- [23:40] Introduction to the Counselor Boot Camp
- [27:44] Christian college fairs
- [31:59] Building relationships and communicating effectively
- [33:37] Promoting Christian higher ed
- [34:49] Janet's Impact on Christian Education and Ministry
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org
Connect with Blueprint: https://myblueprintstory.com/
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast, host Phil Cook speaks with Chris Singleton, a former professional athlete, an inspirational speaker, and a best-selling author. Chris has been sharing his story and a message of unity and racial reconciliation since the loss of his mother in a racially motivated mass shooting in 2017. Chris shares his journey of choosing forgiveness in response to the tragedy and how his faith has been strengthened. He also talks about the importance of sharing our personal stories, the power of activism, and how we can choose how we respond to what happens to us in life.
“I forgave my mother's killer early on. I used to always pray and ask God: ‘Why did you put forgiveness in my heart so quickly?’. I'm not a person that can just easily forgive and forget. I realize that I still have some work to be done on that, because it's hard for me to forget. But forgiveness set me free from wanting revenge. Forgiveness set me free from constantly being scared. The PTSD that I was struggling with, forgiveness freed me from so much. I know that the Holy Spirit put that in my heart.” - Chris Singleton [06:44]
What You Will Learn:
- [2:05] Chris’ Career as a Professional Athlete
- [3:36] Chris’ Faith Journey and Education at Colorado State University
- [5:04] Adversity and Resilience: Chris Singleton's Story
- [8:36] Activism, Overcoming Adversity, and Faith
- [9:17] Fatherhood and Leading Your Family
- [12:42] Lessons from Baseball
- [14:53] Impacting and Loving Others
- [20:08] The Value of Sports and Adapting to Change
- [30:19] Navigating Success and Faith
- [33:39] Navigating Social Media as a Christian Family
- [35:04] The 2023 NACCAP Annual Conference
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Visit The NACCAP Annual Conference: https://naccapconference.org
Connect with Blueprint: https://myblueprintstory.com/
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast, host Phil Cook speaks with Jen Hensen, aka The Goal Digger and a nationally sought after test prep expert specializing in the ACT test. Jen talks about the recent changes in testing and what it means to prospective college students. She also discusses the difference between the ACT and SAT and if a student should take both.
“I think it’s really important for families to hear that it is based on what math the student is in.” - Jen Hensen [26:55]
What You Will Learn:
- [01:49] The latest changes pertaining to testing
- [03:33] Initial response to the changes
- [06:22] In person vs online testing
- [09:07] Why consider taking the standardized tests
- [15:48] Responses about merit aid regarding test optional
- [17:14] ACT vs SAT
- [21:36] Should a student take both SAT and ACT
- [24:05] Ways students struggle with standardized tests
- [26:38] The timeline to take the tests
- [29:11] Resources
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Connect with Blueprint: https://myblueprintstory.com/
Visit Jen Hensen’s website: https://jenhensonactprep.com/
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast, host Phil Cook speaks with Renee Lopez, author, speaker, trainer, and coach. As a seventeen-year coaching veteran, Renee is an expert in the college recruiting process, leadership training and team culture development. She shares why it’s important for the prospective student athlete to communicate with the college coaches and why Christian universities might be the right fit. She also discusses why parents and students should choose a college that passes the broken leg test.
“You want to choose a college that, first and foremost, passes the broken leg test. That means an academic fit, a social fit and a financial fit.” - Renee Lopez [12:34]
What You Will Learn:
- [01:17] Questions that come up more frequently
- [04:25] How important is social media for this process
- [05:45] Ways to use the coaches to help with the next level
- [09:39] Why Christian universities might be the right fit
- [11:56] The broken leg test
- [18:22] High school athletics vs college athletics
- [22:26] Advice for families considering school internationally
- [26:05] Remember to have fun
- [28:13] Resources
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Connect with Blueprint: https://myblueprintstory.com/
Visit Coach Lopez’s website: https://rlopezcoaching.com/
Buy the book, Looking For A FULL RIDE?: An Insider’s Recruiting Guide: https://lookingforafullride.com/
Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentsofhsathleteswantingtoplayincollege/
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast, host Phil Cook speaks with Dr. Les Parrott and Dr. Leslie Parrott, New York Times best-selling authors focused on building healthy relationships. They discuss the importance of empathy and mutual understanding when it comes to listening to your kids. They share their own experiences as parents, and tips on how to speak into your children’s lives and connect them with resources as they decide what college they want to attend.
“Mutual understanding. There has to be a sense your son, your daughter feels understood in what they are looking for and what they desire… rather than starting with your agenda.” - Les Parrott [05:55]
“Kids need our presence and our guidance. They just don’t need necessarily our control and our helicoptering. The temptation is to go all-in on one extreme or the other but if we have that balance of listening hard, then they’ll want to listen back. So it becomes a shared project.” - Leslie Parrott [07:10]
What You Will Learn:
- [01:32] Les’ background
- [02:49] What makes Christian colleges different: community
- [05:05] Lifetime friends
- [06:47] Communicating with your child about college
- [09:11] Dreams vs. Reality
- [12:42] Importance of communication
- [14:25] Clarifying content
- [16:40] The price of character qualities
- [18:56] Partnering with your children in the application process
- [21:43] YADA
- [25:09] How YADA works
- [28:33] Making decisions with our children, not for them
- [29:00] Les and Leslie’s final thoughts
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Connect with Blueprint: https://myblueprintstory.com/ Christian Grad Schools: http://christiangradschools.com/
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast, host Phil Cook speaks with Dr. Gene Habecker, the President Emeritus of Taylor University and author of “The Softer Side of Leadership”, essential soft skills that transform leaders and the people they lead. As a parent and leader, Dr. Habecker talks about the misconceptions about Christian schools and the importance of seeking help and support when choosing a school with your child. He shares many of the factors that are important to consider when deciding between higher education and Christian higher education.
“The audience of one that we celebrate as people of faith is “What is God thinking of you?”, not whether or not it is going to be just about prestige. ” - Dr. Gene Habecker [37:12]
What You Will Learn:
- [01:33] Stewarding your children’s gifts
- [03:49] College: The most formative years
- [05:50] Choosing a school as a parent
- [07:20] Why are parents reluctant to choose Christian schools
- [09:12] Identifying key issues
- [10:50] Is forming a Christian worldview important to you?
- [12:32] Christian Higher Ed. vs. Higher Ed.
- [16:06] Virtual media bias
- [18:21] The role of the church
- [25:40] Campus networks and relationships
- [28:34] Tips for parents
- [34:10] The value of compare and contrast
- [38:00] What moral climate do you want your child to be shaped by?
- [40:15] Partnering with campuses
- [43:15] The obstacles and future of Christian higher education
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Connect with Blueprint: https://myblueprintstory.com/
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast, host Phil Cook speaks with Dr. Denise Cunningham, Director of Initiatives for NACCAP. Cunningham has over 20 years of experience in higher education and shares how students and families can make an informed decision when pursuing graduate schools. Cunningham founded Christiangradschools.com as a resource to give prospective students a chance to see what Christian grad schools and seminary schools are available to them.
“While education is really important, it is also important to realize we are all the same and God made us and gave us different strengths in different areas. It is just figuring out how to grow those strengths and apply them.” - Denise Cunningham [5:26]
What You Will Learn:
- [01:00] Cunningham’s journey in higher education
- [03:33] Graduate school decision points
- [06:03] The unique experience of Christian grad schools
- [07:40] Being an adult student
- [09:18] Finding support while in grad school
- [10:44] Struggles while in grad school
- [12:09] Encouraging students to utilize resources
- [12:56] What is Christiangradschools.com
- [13:56] Resources available on Christiangradschools.com
- [15:57] Helping students choose a grad school
- [17:52] Connection and community in schools
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Connect with Blueprint: https://myblueprintstory.com/
In this episode of the Higher Education, Higher Purpose podcast, host Phil Cook speaks with Chant Thompson, Executive Director at the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals. Thompson shares his experiences at NACCAP and the changes he has witnessed during his 28 years working in higher education. He discusses his desire to build bridges between universities and families that create enriched outcomes for students and better college experiences.
“There is no reason to rush through your education. There is no reason to short circuit it in any way shape or form. Make the most of it because those years are going to go by pretty quickly.” - Chant Thompson [07:41]
What You Will Learn:
- [01:38] What is NACCAP?
- [03:00] Higher education today
- [03:59] How Christian colleges are different than the public education sector
- [06:45] How Higher Education has changed
- [08:10] Strengths of Christian colleges and universities
- [09:22] How have parents changed in education over the years?
- [12:38] Campus visits are critical
- [14:32] Working with families and recruiting
- [18:00] The impact of COVID-19 on Christian education
- [21:03] The strengths of Christian colleges
- [25:19]The future of Test-Optional
- [27:40]Financial resources
- [30:31]The future of higher education
- [32:58] Building bridges to your institution
Resources:
Visit our website: https://www.naccap.org
Email us: Office@naccap.org
Connect with Blueprint: https://myblueprintstory.com/