Purpose

The mission and core values of Bluefield University exist to provide a statement of our purposes, goals, and values as a Christ-centered institution of higher learning.

Our Mission

Bluefield University is a Christ-centered learning community developing servant leaders to transform the world.

Our Values:

  1. We are Christian in outlook, Baptist in tradition, and welcoming to each person.
  2. We are committed to academic excellence and life-long inquiry embracing the liberal arts tradition through the study of humanities, sciences, professional studies, and graduate programs.
  3. We are a diverse community characterized by integrity, mutual respect, support, and encouragement.
  4. We are passionate about helping students understand their life calling and become compassionate, globally-minded servant leaders.

Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is being a servant first, letting the natural feeling to serve others come first, and then through conscious choice bringing one to aspire to lead. This manifests itself in that the servant leader makes sure that other people’s highest needs are being served.*

Characteristics

The ten characteristics of servant leaders are:

  • Listening – A servant leader puts the emphasis upon listening effectively to others.
  • Empathy – A servant leader needs to understand others’ feelings and perspectives.
  • Healing – A servant leader helps foster each person’s emotional and spiritual health and wholeness.
  • Awareness – A servant leader understands his or her own values and feelings, strengths, and weaknesses.
  • Persuasion – A servant leader influences others through their persuasiveness.
  • Conceptualization – A servant leader needs to integrate present realities and future possibilities.
  • Foresight – A servant leader needs to have a well-developed sense of intuition about how the past, present, and future are connected.
  • Stewardship – A servant leader is a steward who holds an organization’s resources in trust for the greater good.
  • Commitment to the Growth of Others – A servant leader is responsible for serving the need of others.
  • Building Community – A servant leader is to help create a sense of community among people.**

Best Practices

Five best practices that may help cultivate the characteristics of servant leadership:

  • Right Identity – A servant leader puts the emphasis upon listening effectively to others.
  • Right Motivation – A servant leader needs to understand others’ feelings and perspectives.
  • Right Method – A servant leader helps foster each person’s emotional and spiritual health and wholeness.
  • Right Impact – A servant leader understands his or her own values and feelings, strengths, and weaknesses.
  • Right Character – A servant leader influences others through their persuasiveness.***

Christians identify Jesus Christ as the model servant leader. Christ shared that he came not to be served but to serve. In addition to living a life exhibited by the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, a servant leader is humble and allows his/her words and deeds to speak for themselves. Ultimately, a servant leader desires to live a life of significance and to make a difference in the lives of others.****

 

Robert Greenleaf
** Larry Spears
*** Paul T. P. Wong and Dean Davey
**** David Olive

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Moran

Associate Professor of Counseling

Brandy Smith

Assistant Professor of Education & Counseling,
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program,
Title IX Confidential Counselor

Our team is here for you! How can we help?

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