Jarvis Christian University Kicks Off Academic Year with Faculty and Staff Institute Focused on “Elevating Beyond Expectations”
Faculty and staff from across Jarvis Christian University gathered on Friday, July 31, for the University’s annual Faculty and Staff Institute, marking the official beginning of the 2026–2027 academic year. Held in the Charles Meyer Science and Mathematics Center Auditorium, this year’s institute centered on the theme, “Elevating Beyond Expectations,” challenging employees to embrace excellence in service, leadership, and student success as the campus prepares to welcome students back for the fall semester.
The day opened with breakfast and a plenary session led by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Regina S. Robinson. Following an opening prayer by Rev. Dr. Maurice McMillion, faculty and staff heard welcoming remarks from President and CEO Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt before receiving updates from members of the University’s executive leadership team.
During the morning session, cabinet members introduced new employees and provided institutional updates from their respective divisions, including Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Finance and Administration, Enrollment Management and Retention, Institutional Advancement and Development, and the Office of the President. The annual President’s Town Hall also offered faculty and staff an opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Lee-Pruitt regarding the University’s priorities and vision for the coming academic year.
A highlight of the institute was the keynote presentation by the Reverend Robert “Bob” Payne Jr., pastor of St. Mary African Methodist Episcopal Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. Payne, a retired U.S. Air Force officer, author, and nationally recognized leadership speaker, delivered a message entitled “Going with the OVER – Elevating Customer Service Beyond Expectations.” Drawing upon decades of military leadership, pastoral ministry, and organizational consulting, he challenged faculty and staff to view every interaction with students, families, alumni, and campus visitors as an opportunity to exceed expectations and strengthen the University’s culture of service.
Following the keynote, faculty and staff gathered for a UNCF luncheon hosted by the Division of Institutional Advancement and Development before transitioning into an afternoon of operational and strategic planning sessions. Topics included implementation of the University’s strategic plan, emergency management procedures, campus security, Title IX updates, and a student town hall moderated by Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Kishia James. The institute concluded with divisional and departmental meetings designed to prepare each area of the University for the start of classes and New Student Registration.
Faculty and Staff Institute serves as an annual opportunity for the Jarvis community to align around shared goals, celebrate institutional progress, and recommit to the University’s historic mission of educating students intellectually, spiritually, and through service.
As Jarvis Christian University begins a new academic year, the theme “Elevating Beyond Expectations” provides a guiding principle for faculty and staff as they prepare to welcome students to campus and continue advancing the University’s commitment to academic excellence, student success, and transformational leadership.