What is it like to operate a religiously-based institution of higher education in what is a seemingly secularized world of academics? How does a small college become a university and expand its enrollment? And what are the challenges these schools face in recruiting faculty? These and many more questions are answered by Dr. Joseph Castleberry, president of Northwest University (NU) located in Kirkland, WA just outside of Seattle. Dr. Castleberry took over the reins of NU shortly after it moved from being Northwest College to Northwest University.
Our conversation begins with a description of Northwest, including its history (starting as a Bible college in downtown Seattle 75 years ago) and current enrollment. Joe talks about the recent transition from “college” to “university” and explains the rationale behind that decision. He notes how NU is expanding into a number of branch campuses in Salem (OR) and Sacramento (CA), which are physical “brick and mortar” locations, and extensions in Nampa (ID). Northwest is also developing online degree programs for continuing adult education, as well. The purpose of these expansions is to go where the demand for higher education is, particularly with respect to ministerial training, which he says must be “close to the ground.” We also discuss how NU recruits students and while Dr. Castleberry reveals that most students come from Washington State, efforts to recruit abroad (both in the US and globally) often rely upon personal missionary networks, particulary via the Assemblies of God.