04.25.08 
Southeastern Obtains New Facility for International Studies Program in Jerusalem

By Southeastern University

Southeastern has acquired a beautiful, new facility in West Jerusalem. This dormitory/study center will house the university's new International Studies Program in Jerusalem with classes beginning fall 2008.

The five-story building contains 13,250 square feet of space. Complying with strict building codes, the exterior facade will be finished with Jerusalem stone to achieve the highest standards of historical preservation. Multiple and single occupancy suites located on the second, third, fourth, and fifth floors will house up to 48 students each session or 96 each semester.

The International Studies Program in Jerusalem will build upon Southeastern's solid tradition of Christian education and will emphasize the important role of servant leadership for global influence.

"Our objective is to provide a life-altering experience that will enrich the educational, cultural and spiritual development of our students," said Southeastern President Dr. Mark Rutland. "Exposing our students and faculty to such a marvelous opportunity takes them beyond the Lakeland classroom, and into the history of the world and the world conflicts of today. Having our facility, especially such a new, upscale facility, is a dream come true."

Concluding a two-year search to provide the most stimulating opportunity for students to explore and experience the historical background of Christianity, Southeastern will host students at the inaugural semester beginning fall 2008.

Commenting on the multiple purposes of the program, Dr. Rutland stated, "In addition to study abroad for our students, we expect to send members of Southeastern's extended community to Jerusalem during the summer starting 2009 as a destination for conferences and high-profile training events. The idea of developing the Jerusalem site is in keeping with our strategy to train world-changing servant leaders not only in the academic community, but in the business and church communities as well."

The program will be led by Dr. Robert W. Houlihan, dean of Southeastern's College of Christian Ministries and Religion. The intrinsic value for the students will be the addition of new courses and components of current courses devoted to ministerial studies, history, archeology, and current events as well as expanded travel opportunities for Southeastern students and faculty to visit the Holy Land for on-site course work, research, and scholarly collaboration with peers.