“As soon as I read the newsletter article about Youth For Christ’s partnership with Olivet Nazarene University, I contacted ONU’s graduate admissions office,” says Beth Landrum, Area Ministry Director for Youth For Christ’s U.S. and overseas military ministry. “The ONU alumni I know speak very highly of their educational experience and are doing well in their careers. I was looking for a supportive graduate program with quality content, and they assured me I would find that with ONU.”
Earning a master’s degree has long been one of Beth’s career goals. Graduating with her bachelor’s degree in communications, she began her career in the education field. “I taught in the alternative education department for Lifeline Youth and Family Services in Columbia City, Indiana, for several years,” she says. “We worked primarily with at-risk youth, ages 11 to 18, who were juvenile offenders.”
In 2002, Beth joined Youth For Christ (YFC) and has held several leadership positions, including Ministry Site Director, living and working overseas, and Staff Development Coordinator. Her recent transition to a remote supervisory role has allowed her to relocate back home in Indiana. Currently, Beth oversees YFC’s staff and ministry sites serving military-connected youth, who are primarily dependents of active duty service members in the U.S.
Accepting the challenge and diving in
In January 2024, Beth began ONU’s Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) degree program. ONU’s partnership with YFC USA made it financially possible for her to pursue her degree at this time. She has been impressed by the level of support she is receiving from her professors and advisors.
“Going back to school at this time in my life has been a smooth transition for me,” Beth says. “I feel very resourced and not stressed at all. Everyone at ONU is guiding me through the process so well. ONU’s program is compatible with my current job position and schedule. This opportunity is opening up new avenues to education and information for me.”
Choosing the 24-month schedule when she enrolled, Beth is taking one eight-week class at a time with a two-week break in the summer and a two-week break during the Christmas holiday season. “This program is more than just theory,” she says. “The range and balance of our coursework plus the energizing discussions with members of my cohort are definite positives for me. Our cohort is made up of professionals from a wide spectrum of professions, life stages and experiences. I’m already impressed by the quality, content and professionalism of ONU’s program.”
Some surprises along the way
One of the surprises for Beth as a ONU graduate student is how relational the MOL online program is. Even though students and professors are fully remote, they have many opportunities to interact with one another, including lectures, group work in teams and group discussions. She is also impressed by how much she is learning from the other students, in addition to the coursework and the professors.
Beth has also enjoyed sharing with her cohort about Youth For Christ’s ministry and also hearing from them about their previous connections with YFC. Knowing that YFC is making a difference in individual lives is encouraging for her. She can also help expand others’ awareness of what YFC is doing in today’s world.
“ONU’s MOL program is designed to develop you as a truly professional, quality leader,” Beth says. “Students are also empowered to bring their faith into their leadership roles. This is an affirming, life-giving program that offers constructive challenges in a positive environment. I encourage other leaders to inquire and make an informed decision about entering ONU’s MOL program.”
To learn more about ONU’s Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) degree program, email admissions@olivet.edu or call 800-648-1463.
