In confrontation with life’s most difficult problems, articulated truth helps mitigate seasons of despair. Well-reasoned, methodical words that are spoken with shoulders straight not only give the impression of forthright character, but contain the potential to make peace amongst multiple parties. To make peace means to draw together conflicting groups and resolve differences that would otherwise invite division, and discover a way forward that aligns individuals towards a common goal. While withholding opinions, intentions, and facts invites further division and chaos, truth invites a mode of being where each party has nothing to hide.

Truth invites peace because nothing is hidden, and prejudices and distrust can be set free.

The worldview of many Corbanites has been thrown into chaos over the past three months. This is more than a matter of people’s feelings being hurt, as student’s trust in administration has been shaken. Students still remember the announcement that Sophomores and Juniors (with small exceptions) would be forced to live on campus without their opinion’s being consulted. Yes, this policy has changed, but many felt their trust shaken.

Months later, it was announced that beloved professor Josh Rice’s contract was not being renewed. Students and professors were shocked on December the 4th over this announcement. Why?

This happened because few students or professors received a grain of information that could have hinted at such a development.

One must be careful in their choice of words over such a sensitive topic, but it is more than true that several students—students beyond the history department—are outraged over this development. Despite recent events, this letter is hopeful. Administration clearly did not have bad intentions when they made their decision, and perhaps administration is right. The problem is that students feel entirely in the dark over Corban’s state of financial affairs which potentially lead to Josh Rice’s contract not being renewed.

The missions statement of Corban is to “educate Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ.” Corban clearly abides by this policy, despite recent events. Again, articulated truth can act as an antidote to confusion, mistrust, and suffering. There are facts Corbanites wish to know considering the current state of affairs which students and professors should have known before. This includes 1. the current state of financial affairs and 2. how this affects Professor Rice’s contract not being renewed.

The most important concern, which surfaced during the housing crises already mentioned, is if budget cuts are necessary, will students input be taken into account?

Everyone at Corban has a role to play in making this campus safe, fun, and intellectually/spiritually challenging. Knowing this, it is Corban’s professors that make students come to Corban. Many work hard to keep our facilities clean and safe, but few attend Corban University for the setting and fine living arrangements. Truly, no one has thought an ex-tuberculosis hospital facing a nearby correction facility to be the main reason for their attendance.

It is the professors who make up the heart and revenue of this school.

Our professors, though not being the only reason, make up the primary considerations which brings students to this fine University. Professors at Corban care for their students in ways that few secular Universities can trump. How many Universities contains students that are excited for their college writing class, which many Corban professors such as Ryan Stark, Colette Tennent, Jim Hills, and other professors have made fun, stimulating, and spiritually mature environments for learning? This can be said about every department at Corban University.

Josh Rice is no exception, as several students have flocked to his American Thought and Culture classes because students love professor Rice. One current history student states “I’m really bummed about what’s going on. Professor Rice was one of the main reasons that I switched to a history major. I’m not sure what I’m going to do now since I am unsure what will happen to the history department.” This quote perfectly demonstrates the confusion, pain, and distrust of several students.

Again, despite this, this letter is hopeful. Corban administration has shown itself to take student opinions into consideration before, as shown with the housing policy. Surely, Corban administration will not leave students in the dark, and will respond in a way that reflects Christ and our missions statement. If the student body, professors, and administration withhold no truth, then peace will surely be made. In other words, the truth will set this University free from the present issues at hand.