Department of Student Life

The Morrison Institute

To believe in a hopeful future, it is necessary to have faith in youth, for they hold in their hands the hope of the future. - John A. Morrison

Your college years bring some of the most fun and challenging times in your life. At the Morrison Institute, we believe that the biggest challenges lead to the greatest rewards.

The Morrison Institute connects students to challenging opportunities to reflect on faith, strengthen character, serve in leadership, lead in service, become community builders and develop a personal sense of calling.

The Morrison Institute offers a forum for students of all disciplines and backgrounds through three initiatives: University Fellows, Cross Roads, and University Leadership Council.

University Fellows is designed for freshmen and sophomores seeking spiritual growth and professional development. The Fellows meet twice a week for one semester. Application required.

Cross Roads is the broadest initiative, reaching out to the entire campus community through films, leadership seminars and grassroots discussions.

University Leadership Council (ULC) provides fellowship and unity for students serving in leadership positions.

For Information regarding University Fellows contact Brooke Hynds
For Information regarding Cross Roads contact Mandy Gruver
For Information regarding University Leadership Council contact Laura Burgher.

How much time is involved?
It depends on the area in which you choose to participate. Fellows meet twice a week. Cross Roads meets, on an average, once a month. The University Leadership Council meets twice a month.

Why should I participate?
Most students enjoy the open dialogue about issues of faith, the freedom to voice their opinions, the opportunity to learn from others, and the feeling that goes along with taking part in a community. Chances are you will too! But it does take effort.

What activities are available?
Depending on your interests, you can serve the community, spend time learning and growing through discipleship and discussions.

What's the point?
More than an institution based on GPAs and credit hours, Anderson University is a community of people—people committed to serving Christ and each other in an environment that encourages fellowship and self-discovery. That's what the Morrison Institute is all about. All students are welcome to our leadership seminars. Watch for details on ones appeal to you.

Student Testimonials

"I got to hear different opinions about God and life in University Fellows. It opened my eyes more to what other people believe and helped me understand why I believe what I believe. That next year I went into a leadership position on campus, and I felt that Fellows prepared me. We talked about what made a leader. It helped me believe that I could be a good leader and that I could help other people. It made me learn more about my relationship with God and how important it is to me."
—Katie Marusic, University Fellows

"The University Leadership Council has provided a unique opportunity to directly serve my peers—people that are somewhat easy to neglect because they are so close, but whose unification and collective strength is vital to most efficiently and effectively impact the city of Anderson and beyond. Hopefully my involvement in the ULC will encourage the AU student body in a way that will positively affect the cohesion of campus community and allow for greater success in student initiatives and activities."
—Sean Hudson, University Leadership Council

"I was a freshman when I participated in University Fellows. I heard that it was a challenging approach to and training for leadership, and I was interested in developing the leadership qualities I possess. I was able to build some amazing relationships through the Fellows program. It forced me to think about what I believed and gave me the opportunity to discuss and process my thoughts with a group of strong believers. I came to college with a stagnant faith, a faith that contained my church's and my parents' beliefs. Fellows gave me the opportunity to make that faith my own."
—Amanda Harwood, University Fellows

"My involvement in the University leadership Council has been personally significant because I really feel like I am making a difference on this campus. It is also great to be working with other motivated leaders and faculty that are dedicated to being of service to this campus community."
—Sarah Nixon, University Leadership Council