Anderson Receives 2021 Residential Faculty of Distinction Award

Written by Caleb Koerperich, Manager of Academic Services

McPherson, Kansas – Each year, Central Christian College of Kansas (CCCK) residential students and faculty select a faculty member to be honored as the Faculty of Distinction. This faculty member is recognized by the faculty and students as one who exhibits excellence in teaching.

In order to be chosen, the Faculty of Distinction must exemplify a HEART that fosters community by inspiring students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn and by working with colleagues within and across disciplines, departments, and programs; a SOUL that exemplifies a life of sacrifice, stewardship, and service to God and the Church; a STRENGTH that illustrates a professional persona appropriate to the office of instructor and maintains a balanced response to the demands of the office; and a MIND that encourages intellectual enthusiasm and fosters critical inquiry across the curriculum.

This year, Dr. Larry Anderson (CC ’74) was chosen to receive the Faculty of Distinction award.

Dr. Mindi Cromwell, Ministry and Theology Department Chair, had this to say about Dr. Anderson,

Rev. Dr. Larry Anderson, known by faculty and students alike as ‘Larry’, is a model of Christian integrity and faithfulness in and out of the classroom. In the classroom, his passion for the Word of God and the Biblical setting of scripture is contagious and has led many of his students into faith in Jesus and a deeper walk with him. Most students probably don’t realize the hours of continuing education that he puts into preparing for his classes so that they are receiving a top-notch biblical education that stays current with new discoveries and research.

Outside of the classroom, Larry walks alongside his students as a follower of Jesus who will sit and talk through their questions, pray through their struggles, and point them to Jesus. This award is of no surprise as Larry models the true Character of both a Christ-follower and a Christian scholar.

Additionally, 2021 marks Dr. Anderson’s 25^th year of teaching at CCCK. One thing that has not changed in all the years is Dr. Anderson’s dedication to the students of CCCK.

Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Jacob Kaufman, had this to say about Dr. Anderson,

Many of us here have ‘Larry’ to thank for introducing us to Jesus, Church History, and biblical research. I personally have much to thank Larry for, who introduced me to Church history, and who also modeled when I was a student what it means to love the subject matter and present that love to the class. When I started teaching here at CCCK, I often imagined to myself, ‘What would Larry do?’ I am sure that many other faculty have found themselves in the same situation.  Furthermore, I have always appreciated Larry’s desire for scholarship and his willingness to go the extra mile by preaching to our students and even in the community.

In addition to his honors at CCCK, Dr. Anderson will be honored by the Kansas Independent College Association.

ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF KANSAS

Central Christian College of Kansas is a regionally accredited institution offering undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Central strives to offer Christ-centered education for the whole person – heart, mind, soul, and strength. Its history dates back to 1884, and it is located in the friendly town of McPherson, Kansas. Central is a strategically small college that offers over forty areas of residential study and a thriving online program for non-traditional students. To learn more about Central go to centralchristian.edu/about.