President Jim Gash Op-Ed Calls on Faith-Based Universities to Pursue Faithfulness Amid Changing Times in CCCU Magazine
In light of the philosophical, societal, and technological headwinds affecting higher education in 2025, Pepperdine president Jim Gash (JD 鈥�93) an op-ed in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) Magazine, which considers the biblical character Daniel and the importance of spiritual and missional faithfulness in the face of adversity.
Throughout 鈥淭he Daniel Option: Pursuing Faithfulness Through Changing Times,鈥� Gash calls upon faith-based institutions of higher education to follow the example set by the prophet Daniel, who, in the midst of duress, relied on God鈥檚 steadfast presence and provisions to flourish. 黑料爆料ing this lesson to the challenges facing colleges and universities today, President Gash implores institutional leaders to remain committed to their Christ-centered foundations.
鈥淎s we attempt to 鈥榬ead the winds鈥� across the landscape of higher education, many things are uncertain,鈥� writes Gash. 鈥淏ut one thing remains constant: faithfulness to God is nonnegotiable. Our missions, should we choose to embrace them, provide us solid ground that does not change with the winds of culture.鈥�
Addressing topics such as a looming enrollment cliff, AI, federal law, and even political violence, Gash surveys today鈥檚 higher education landscape and calls attention to the obstacles all institutions are currently facing. In the process, he details how these challenges uniquely position Christian colleges and their distinctive missions to meet the moment.
Secularism, Gash declares, is 鈥渓osing its voice,鈥� as more and more academic institutions are beginning to turn to people of faith for guidance and counsel. Noticing this cultural shift, he asks faith-forward colleges and universities to begin viewing their religious affiliation as an advantage in the current educational environment.
鈥淚t is my hope and prayer that we may take up our calling with renewed commitment,鈥� writes Gash, 鈥渨hether these future years ostensibly hold victory or defeat鈥攌nowing, of course, that final victory is assured.鈥�
Read the full op-ed on the .