Erskine
Masked Move-In Day Marks Semester Start Erskine College welcomed some 820 students to campus this fall, a record number seen as a blessing
by administrators, staff, and faculty members. As new and returning students moved into residence halls, health and safety protocols to combat COVID-19 were in place, including temperature checks as well as face covering and social distancing requirements. During an online meeting August 28—a few days after classes
began August 19—the Erskine Board of Trustees, led by outgoing Board Chair Jill Gazzaway of Davidson, N.C., received reports on institutional enrollment, the largest in Erskine’s history; an- nounced new members and officers, a list which includes the new chair, the Rev. Clint Davis of Chester, S.C.; and approved a new mission statement for the seminary—“…to prepare men and wom- en to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ through theologi- cal higher education that is ecclesial, missional, and confessional.” The Rev. Josh Chiles, a graduate of Erskine Seminary who pre- viously served as assistant athletic director for recruiting as well as athletics chaplain, has been appointed Erskine’s interim chaplain. He is now conducting chapel services and sending out weekly devotional messages to students, faculty, and staff members. The Rev. Paul Patrick, former chaplain, has accepted a call to serve as pastor of Greenwood Presbyterian Church but will continue to lead Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) this year, assisted by RUF intern Ramsey Conner, a 2020 graduate of Erskine College. Erskine President Dr. Robert Gustafson, along with his administra-
Jill Gazzaway Rev. Clint Davis
tion, faculty, and staff, worked throughout the summer to prepare for the new academic year in the midst of COVID-19 concerns. “There are a lot of heroes on our campus who are vigilant about being here every day,”
the president told the trustees. “They love Erskine, and they want it to be the best it can be. I thank the heroes, and I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for allowing us to open in person.” Gazzaway said that during the virtual board meet-
ing, “Over and over again we heard what a miracle it was that students were on campus this fall. It is clear that the Lord’s hand is on this place.” A number of traditional activities and events have
been reconfigured during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the Signing of the Book, in which fresh- man women recite the honor pledge and add their names to those of generations of Erskine women, was conducted outdoors this year. The college’s academic calendar for the fall semes-
ter has been modified so that classes end just before the Thanksgiving break, with exams given online.?
Glorifying God as a Christian Academic Community November/December 2020 11
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