SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Bushnell University Athletics broke ground today on a new exclusive Player Development Center for the Beacon Golf Program, as part of a new partnership between the University and Pine Ridge Golf Club.
Pine Ridge Golf Club, located in the beautiful Mohawk Valley of Springfield, Oregon, will be the home for one of the nation's premier collegiate golf player development centers with an indoor/outdoor facility that is believed to be the first of its kind in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Athletic Director Corey Anderson said, "We are beyond excited and truly blessed to collaborate and form a partnership with Pine Ridge Golf Club. While this ground breaking is specific to the outdoor player development center and the upcoming work to be done to the original clubhouse, it is the relationship to be fostered between Pine Ridge and Bushnell that will go beyond golf and continue to make a positive impact on both of our communities."
Set to open in the Spring of 2025, the new facilities will be situated on and around the grounds of the original Pine Ridge clubhouse between the 12th and 14th holes.
Outdoor amenities will include a 135,000 square-foot "short game" practice area including multiple sand traps and a two-tiered green along with chipping and wedge targets of various lengths. Pine Ridge's original practice putting green, on the west side of the clubhouse will also be renovated.
Indoor amenities inside the refurbished original 3000 square-foot clubhouse will include a simulation golf range, putting green, locker rooms for both men and women, spacious team/meeting room, new exterior entrance and public restrooms.
Bushnell President Dr. Joe Womack said, "We are excited for what this opportunity and partnership means for the future of Bushnell University golf and the excellent youth programs already underway at Pine Ridge Golf Club."
"This highly anticipated partnership is rooted in community," said Bushnell Director of Golf Larry Watts. "There is no denying the hand of God has guided these two entities to a unique relationship. That is what Jesus is all about and I'm humbled by the interest and support behind the facility. Pine Ridge is a friendly place, where Bushnell feels at home."
About Bushnell University
Founded in 1895, Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call on their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, and leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell.
Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant University District. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through course formats on campus, online, and hybrid formats. More information about the University is available at www.bushnell.edu.
EUGENE, Ore. - Next month, Bushnell University will kick off its new Office of Executive-in-Residence (EIR) with two seasoned executives in international business, financial services, and leadership. The format is structured to give executives with time constraints an opportunity to share their experiences with students, staff, faculty, and the general community.
The program honors executives who have made substantial contributions to their fields. An Executive Director will oversee the office, and an Executive-in-Residence will provide focused engagement over a shorter period. In alignment with the University’s mission of wisdom, faith, and service, the EIR will illustrate to students, faculty, and the community ways of fulfilling one's calling in today’s workplace.
“We see the EIR Office as one-of-a-kind, where executives will have many different opportunities to engage and share their knowledge,” said Dr. Latrissa Lee Neiworth, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, which will oversee the new office. The executives will be involved in the Bushnell community in many ways, which may include providing guest-lecturer appearances, teaching a course, helping develop new curriculum, delivering an auditorium presentation for the community, helping engage local business leaders as student mentors, or holding office hours with individuals or small groups of students. This flexibility of engagement will help differentiate Bushnell’s EIR Office, according to Neiworth.
Larry Coburn, an experienced leader who combines faith and business, will serve as Executive Director. His business career includes nearly 30 years with sportswear giant NIKE, Inc., followed by over 15 years as an independent consultant. Coburn draws on his wide-ranging experiences in accounting, sales operations, IT, product development, and Lean Manufacturing to help clients improve processes. He has also lived and worked internationally, including extended time in Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. The highlight of his career was serving as Global Director of NOS (NIKE’s Lean Manufacturing Initiative), establishing and leading a global Lean Manufacturing learning center in Vietnam from 2003-2008. He holds an M.S. in Ministry from Pepperdine University.
The office's first Executive-in-Residence for 2024-2025 will be John Iglesias, a seasoned financial industry leader who has left an indelible mark on the organizations he has led. His visionary and strategic thinking has produced significant growth and success in several organizations, including the Northwest Community Credit Union, Salal Credit Union, and Washington State Employees' Credit Union. As past President & CEO of Northwest Community Credit Union, Iglesias was responsible for overall operations, strategic direction, growth, and mergers and acquisitions strategy. Among his accomplishments, he created a new credit union service organization, Northwest Innovation Services, to provide innovative solutions to members’ issues, created an international business division, and developed a Korean-focused banking and affluent member services division. Last year, he shared expertise and best practices with the Korean National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NACUFOK). Prior to his roles in the credit unions, Iglesias worked at Bank of America for 10 years.
Born and raised in Guam, Iglesias previously served in the US Navy, where he traveled extensively and worked with Japanese and Korean military leaders for more than 20 years, serving as an intelligence officer. He is recognized for his commitment to driving growth and success through strategic thinking and servant leadership. He holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Saint Martin’s University and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies there as well.
Bushnell University’s Office of Executive in Residence will open in August 2024, with its activities coinciding with the beginning of Fall Term.
In 2023, potential college students and their parents alike are asking institutions, and themselves, a very important question: “Is higher education worth it?” Students and their parents want to know that they will see a return on their investment, measured by one crucial metric: a better life for the graduate. But what is a “better life? How exactly does one attain that “better life?” And how do we quantify and qualify what a “better life” is from person to person?
Here at Bushnell University, we believe that the definition of a “better life” is as unique as each student who sets foot on our campus. During their time at Bushnell, our goal is to coach students in cultivating a deeper understanding of what they value, who they were designed to be, and where they find meaning in the world of work.
To achieve this, we have developed an approach to career development for our students that we call the Purposeful Graduate Model. It consists of five stages: Purpose, Participate, Prepare, Plan, and Pursue. Each stage incorporates specific activities and events designed to cultivate a better understanding of vocation and calling for our students. From a structured class to athletic participation to a formal internship, these diverse opportunities allow students to explore and identify who God uniquely designed them to be.
Purpose
The foundation to becoming a purposeful graduate is understanding individual purpose or passion as it relates to life and career. The Purpose stage is the foundation of character and calling. It is continuous and ongoing, as students ask “the big questions” about who they are, who they want to become, and the contributions they want to make in the world.
One of the key elements of the Purpose stage is participation in First Year Seminar (FYS) classes, where students have an opportunity to complete the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment. This assessment provides students with their top five “Strengths” to consider as they transition out of high school and begin their collegiate experience.
Participate
Often associated with the first year of college, the theme of the Participate stage is engage and explore. Bushnell highly encourages students to try new things, step out of their comfort zone, and get involved in athletics, campus activities, and leadership opportunities. By participating in these ways, students can “test drive” or “try on” skills and abilities that help them connect with their calling and enhance their career development.
One crucial aspect of Participate is self-exploration, or learning how one is uniquely wired and designed. In addition to the StrengthsFinder, the Career Development Office at Bushnell offers a variety of assessments to facilitate the self-exploration process. By taking an assessment and discussing the results with a career development professional, students can identify majors and career options that best align with their unique combination of strengths, preferences, skills, interests, and values. Such alignment is linked to increased job satisfaction, motivation, and productivity. Even if students already have a sense of what God is calling them to do, a career conversation with the career development staff can help them develop a strong plan for fulfilling it.
Prepare
The major components of the Prepare stage are research and reflection. In this stage, we advise students to gather information about potential career pathways by accessing online resources and interacting with professionals in the industries that interest them. Reflecting on the information they gather leads them to make an informed decision about their major and career goals. Reflection questions associated with the Prepare stage include: What can I do with this major? What are my career options? What do I need to be successful in this career? How do I know if it will be a good fit?
The world of work is full of possibilities. By researching various majors and occupations, students can select one that best fits them. Occupational information helps them know what to expect in relation to educational requirements, job stability, day-to-day functions, and salary and wages. Students may also find it beneficial to have a career conversation at this stage, as well. Career coaching sessions are available to all current students at Bushnell, regardless of major or location (online or residential).
Plan
In the Plan stage, students decide and develop. Typically, students in this stage decide what direction they want to go with their major and begin to explore internship possibilities. In addition, they may determine whether to pursue graduate school or full-time employment post-graduation. Throughout this stage, students develop a resume and cover letter and begin to build interviewing and networking skills in order to secure an internship.
Internships are a hallmark of Bushnell’s curriculum. Every bachelor’s degree in the traditional undergraduate program includes a field experience component or an internship. Internships are designed to prepare students for a career in their chosen field by integrating academic coursework with practical application. It is also an opportunity for students to acquire knowledge, refine skills and abilities, obtain valuable work experience, and expand their professional network. The University partners with companies and organizations in the local community to provide quality internship experiences that equip our students to be competitive in their chosen field.
Pursue
In the Pursue stage, students execute and evaluate the plans they have developed through the previous stage. Often this stage includes completing an internship experience, applying to graduate schools, and/or launching a job search. Bushnell students have access to Handshake, an online job search platform that connects them with hundreds of internships and job opportunities – locally, nationally, and internationally.
For some, graduate school is a natural next step to achieving career aspirations. The career development office offers resources and assistance in identifying programs of study, preparing for tests, writing essays, and practicing for interviews. If an advanced degree is part of a student’s career development, we want to help him or her get there successfully
Success in securing employment involves customized and targeted materials that showcase a person’s accomplishments. One size does not fit all when it comes to resumes and cover letters. Career specialists provide students with job search tips and strategies for how to present their qualifications effectively and confidently – online, on paper, and in person. Students may also choose to connect with potential employers through signature events like networking nights, career fairs, and Mock Interview Day.
“You can’t overestimate the importance of mock interviews. I have heard from employers around the area that the students who have regularly participated in the interviews have been outstanding when the real interview happens. These experiences give you the chance to understand the rhythm and flow of questions and how to best represent yourself.”
– Christy Silverthorne, M.A., Assistant Professor of Marketing
At Bushnell, the answer to the question that students and their parents are asking is a resounding YES. Higher education is worth it. A thoughtful educational experience prepares students for the world of professional employment, intentionally moving them through each stage of a healthy career development journey towards becoming a Purposeful Graduate.
85% of Bushnell graduates work in their field of study or attend graduate school within six months of receiving their diploma.
About Bushnell University
Founded in 1895 Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call on their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, and leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell.
Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant university district. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through course formats on campus, online, and hybrid formats. More information about the University is available at www.bushnell.edu.
EUGENE, Ore. – Beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year, Bushnell University is launching a new, innovative College of Professional Studies, which houses some of its most popular degree offerings. The new College will be headed up by one of Bushnell’s own – Dr. Latrissa Lee Neiworth, who brings a multidisciplinary background in education, leadership, technology, and business and was most recently the university’s Dean of the School of Business, Leadership, and Technology, as well as Professor of Leadership and Business.
Dr. Neiworth brings a unique blend of business savvy and educational experience to this new role. In addition to starting and operating five successful businesses over her career, she has also earned a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology and a master's degree in education, with an emphasis on Teaching and Curriculum, from Fresno Pacific University’s School of Education.
As a long-time innovator in higher education, Dr. Neiworth was honored in 2021 as one of the top 100 Visionaries in Education in the U.S. at the Global Forum for Education & Learning. In the two years she has been a dean at Bushnell University, Dr. Neiworth has led a turnaround in the Business School that included doubling the enrollment of its accounting program and increasing the size of its Computer Science admissions, adding two accelerated dual degree offerings, creating the beginnings of a micro-degree pathway for its MBA, and spearheading several new undergraduate degrees, among other efforts.
“We are fortunate to have Dr. Neiworth’s energy, enthusiasm, and expertise in higher education innovation and her willingness to head up this new operation,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Reed Mueller. “Her ability to help drive collaboration and evidence-based improvements will provide our new College of Professional Studies and the students it serves a competitive edge -- by delivering unique offerings based on data, improving student experiences and outcomes.”
The College of Professional Studies will house the School of Education and the School of Business, Leadership, and Technology, which provides additional opportunities for teamwork, collaboration, and effectiveness. The schools will continue to operate autonomously under their professional accreditation bodies but will share administrative efficiencies and governance while building alliances and furthering partnerships and ingenuity.
“Both schools have popular programs and have been recognized for being solid providers of quality offerings,” said Dean Neiworth. “We are blessed that both schools also have talented and experienced faculty members. It will be exciting to see how these two schools can help each other solve some of the challenges facing higher education today.”
The School of Education includes a bachelor's degree in Teacher Education, graduate degrees in Education, Teaching and School Counseling, and Certificates in ESOL, Physical Education, Reading Intervention, School Counseling, and Special Education. It also offers pathways to special endorsements.
The School of Business, Leadership & Technology includes undergraduate degrees in accounting, business administration, digital marketing, digital media and graphic design, computer science/software engineering, and related business concentrations: general business, international business, sports and recreation management, digital marketing, and management and leadership. It also offers master's degrees in leadership, Sports Management, and the MBA with concentrations in leadership and management, non-profit leadership, finance, and finance with CPA Review for up-and-coming accountants.
The new College kicks off its operations effective July 1, 2024.
About Bushnell University
Founded in 1895 Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call on their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, and leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell.
Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant university district. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through course formats on campus, online, and hybrid formats. More information about the University is available at www.bushnell.edu.