“Hey, how’s it going?”
“Need any help?”
“Sure, I can show you where the MacKenzie is!”
Yellow-clad volunteers welcome students—new and old—as they arrive on the Pensacola Christian College campus for the 2024–2025 school year. New students and their families are directed to the Academic Center for check-in while returning students make their way to their residence halls.
An Exciting Arrival
Brad Phillips, Dean of Student Life, met with student leadership in mid-August to plan for the upcoming semester. An air of excitement filled the boardroom as they discussed upcoming events.
“Our goal for this year is to provide an atmosphere on campus and in the residence halls that is conducive to spiritual, academic, moral, and social growth,” Dr. Phillips shared. “Our theme this year is ‘Value Others.’ This will be shown by the actions and service shown to our students.”
“I’m so excited to study at a college where I can grow my faith!”
Incoming pastoral ministries freshman Caleb Flanders (MI), has already noticed the positive atmosphere of PCC. “All of the students have been very kind and helpful,” he said. “I’m so excited to study at a college where I can grow my faith!”
Returning for his final semester, senior Samuel Sainsbury (Performance Studies, FL) is thankful for the Bible-based, Christian education he’s receiving from PCC. “I came here for the Christian environment and academic excellence,” he confided. “I’ve greatly appreciated my time here and am anticipating starting my final semester.”
Paired with the Christian environment and strong academics, students can expect caring faculty members who will help them ease into their classes. English faculty member Jennifer Miller enjoys the energy students bring to the classroom at the beginning of each semester.
“I teach a lot of professional writing and literary studies students, and I love introducing them to new concepts,” she said. “I hope my new group of students will grow their writing and editing skills this semester and develop a passion for using those skills for Christ.”
A Unified Focus
Sunday night, students and their families made their way to the Crowne Centre for Opening Convocation. This service, which was livestreamed, brought everyone together to be refreshed by God’s Word. Beginning the service, College President Troy Shoemaker welcomed returning students. “Welcome back! I’m so glad you’re continuing what God called you here to start.”
Turning his attention to the new students, he continued. “New students, welcome to the PCC family. Thank you for choosing this place.” Dr. Shoemaker paused, looking over the crowd. “I know there’s a lot to learn,” he acknowledged, “but I want to assure you that we as an institution are committed to your academic and spiritual success.” After encouraging the student body, Dr. Shoemaker introduced Kurt Skelly as the Opening Convocation speaker.
In his opening message, Dr. Kurt Skelly of Faith Baptist Church (VA) drew the audience’s attention to Ecclesiastes 12. He admonished students to serve the Lord now, in the days of their youth. “Follow Solomon’s advice,” Skelly advised, “Commit to the truth, apply the Bible to your life, and follow God!” Closing his message, he reminded his listeners that the Bible was meant to guide the believer’s life, “almost like a cattle goad,” he added.
With a reminder to follow God and listen to His Word, these students are ready to face the upcoming semester. Classes began August 27, and the next few weeks will include meeting classmates, speaking with Christian Service leaders, and choosing a collegian.
Welcome to PCC, new and returning students! We’re glad that you’re pursuing the next step in your lives and pray that God guides and directs you in this new chapter!