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Bookmarked: ACSD Reading List – Fall 2025

This content is brought to you by the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD), a volunteer membership organization committed to equipping and challenging faithful professionals to infuse their Christian faith into student development practice and scholarship. Thoughtful content such as this is made possible by volunteer contributions and the financial support of membership dues. Interested in becoming a member for more awesome content just like this? Join today by clicking here!

There’s a stack of Christian higher ed books I keep near my desk – they are a mix of books I’ve read recently, months ago, and even years ago.

What they have in common for me, though, is that I often flip back through each of them. And they are the books I find myself recommending to colleagues and coworkers. If you find yourself on a Google Meet call with me for any length of time, there is a 50/50 chance I will pick up one of these five books and restate the author’s thoughts.

For some of these books, I’ve had the opportunity to cross paths with their authors at conferences, advisory board meetings, or as podcast guests. Collectively, this group of authors represents leaders in Higher Education who care deeply about their faith, their students, and God’s heart for the world. My hope is that these resources might help enrich your work in the day-to-day of student development

1. Academically Speaking (2024)

Academically Speaking (2024) by Dr. Rick Ostrander is one I’ve learned a lot from recently. In his autobiography, Rick shares about his journey as a student, working at and consulting for a variety of institutions within Higher ed, including Moody, Grand Canyon, John Brown, Cornerstone, the CCCU, Westmont College, and now leading a Christian Study Center at the University of Michigan. He’s worked in the public, private, Christian, for-profit, and ed-tech sectors. Additionally, he has served on our Advisory Board at Living & Learning International and has been a long-time advocate for Study Abroad. 

When we work on one side of the multi-layered field of higher education, we can’t see a complete picture of what’s happening. Rick’s book illuminates the landscape in a helpful and winsome way, providing lessons for navigating higher education regardless of the seat (and organization) in which you find yourself. 

2. Christian Higher Education (2023)

In my role overseeing partnerships at Living & Learning International, I find myself speaking with faculty and staff across a broad range of Christian colleges and universities. Christian Higher Education (2023) was the crash course introduction to the contemporary landscape I have been needing. It’s both an abbreviated history of North American Higher Ed and a guide to how Christian faith is operationalized today at schools that profess to be distinctively Christian. The book provides an empirical ranking of select markers related to Christian identity through the Operationalizing Christian Identity Guide (OCIG). As you consider the next stop in your career journey through Christian higher ed, this guide can serve as a helpful reference in your evaluation.

3. Mission-Driven Colleges (2025)

Dr. Rick Langer served as the Keynote speaker for the 2025 Christian Study Abroad Conference hosted at Biola University. In his book, Mission-Driven Colleges (2025), Langer and his coauthor, Scott B. Rae, provide shared language and a framework for administrators, faculty, and staff to have thoughtful conversations in order to integrate faith throughout all elements of a college, university (or study abroad program). Did your institution’s OCIG score come in lower than you may have hoped? Mission-Driven Colleges should be the next book you reach for. 

4.  Development in Mission (2021)

Working in Global Education, I find myself at the cross-section of theory and practice quite often. We go into the field on a study abroad program to see in context how great ideas bump up against the realities of the world. While not a book specifically on Higher Ed, Development in Mission (2021) provides a how-to for thinking about meaningful engagement with the world’s poor. Study abroad has a part to play in this high call. Coauthor Dr. Rob Gailey shares that for business schools specifically, the Global South is an incredibly overlooked setting for learning:

Business Schools are finding value in study abroad experiences for their students. Yet, most business schools ignore Global South countries, the countries poised to have the most demographic and economic growth in the future. Many Christian faith-based universities have ministry trips to Global South countries, but these trips primarily focus on service projects that emphasize doing rather than being or learning. Students preparing for careers in global ministry or international development are particularly in need of first-hand educational and experiential learning before pursuing their vocational calling. (Gailey, 2025)

As students step into these settings, professionals working in student development are uniquely equipped to provide support. There are pathways for student life professionals to spend a season of their career facilitating semester and summer programs abroad. Just like on a college campus, the role of student life is distinct and complementary to the work of faculty abroad.

5. Transformations at the Edge of the World (2009)

While most of the books on this list have been written in the past four years, I also want to include Transformations at the Edge of the World. This 2009 text is a collection of essays capturing the programs leading the field of Christian Study Abroad from that era. As we seek to design academically excellent global programs where students live in community, engage the challenges of the world, and learn to respond with a Christ-centered worldview, understanding where the field has come from is essential. The leaders in this book share their knowledge, priorities, and observations, and pave the way for the next generation of programs available to Christian colleges and universities. 

These five books continue to serve as a reference point for me as I think about both the global and local realities of Christian higher ed. I hope they can be the same for you!

References
  • Gailey, R. (2025, April). A pedagogical case for college students to study abroad in the global south [Conference presentation abstract]. Christian Study Abroad Conference, La Mirada, CA. 
  • Glanzer, P. L., Cockle, T. F., and Martin, J. (2023). Christian higher education: An empirical guide. ACU Press.
  • Langer, R., and Rae, S. B. (2025). Mission-driven colleges: Keeping first things first in Christian higher education. 
  • Lynn, M., Gailey, R., and Reese, D. (2021). Development in mission: A guide for transforming global poverty and ourselves. ACU Press. 
  • Morgan, R. J., and Smedley, C. T. (2009). Transformations at the edge of the world: Forming global Christians through the study abroad experience. ACU Press. Ostrander, R. (2024). Academically speaking: Lessons from a life in Christian higher education. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Picture of Greg Belgum

Greg Belgum

Greg Belgum, MA, serves as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Living & Learning International, a leading provider of Christ-centered, accredited study abroad programs. He also serves as the conference chair for the Christian Study Abroad Conference. Greg attended his first ACSD conference at Biola in 2018.

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Comfort Olugbuyi

Florida Atlantic University, Associate Director for Center for Learning and Student Success and eSuccess   

Workshop: Be the Standout: Elevating your Workshop Skills

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi comes to Florida Atlantic University with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Texas, an M.A. in Youth and Family ministries from John Brown University, and a Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership from Bethel University (MN). Comfort’s research and experience focuses on academic support for college students. She looks for opportunities to support students where they are in the ever-changing world and create partnerships and connections to close gaps and increase retention and overall sense of belonging for students. Comfort joined ACSD June 2008 and has loved the partnership, friendships, mentorships, and overall camaraderie experienced through the years. She currently serves as the Chair of the Diversity Leadership Team, and previously served as New Professional Retreat facilitator (Vice Chair and Chair).

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi has almost two decades of higher education experience in various positions. She started as a Graduate Assistant Caterer and event coordinator at the University of North Texas, moving on to a Resident Director at John Brown University and Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). Comfort then spent over a decade in various student affairs positions at Palm Beach Atlantic University within First Year Advising, Academic Support, and Disability Services. She had additional opportunities to invest and support employee professional development, employee health and wellness, multicultural programming, and NCAA athletics all at PBA. Currently, Comfort serves as the Associate Director of Academic Support at Florida Atlantic University, which is part of the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) where she provides academic support and serves as a liaison to online and hybrid students to all six campuses. When she is not on a college campus you can find Comfort serving at her local church as a welcome host and greeter, volunteering at local community events, or watching local musical theater/play productions.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Olugbuyi is excited and honored to partner with Elevate. There is tremendous value within this professional development opportunity. Comfort is excited to share her ideas through her unique perspectives. She looks forward to collaborating with this group of professionals to share information and offer support in helping to create workshops to enhance ACSD and other conferences.

Shino Simmons

Keck Graduate Institute, Dean of Students

Workshop: Strategic Planning: How to Create a Multicultural Strategy in Your Area of Influence

Shino was born in Japan and raised in Hawaii. Shino has served in higher education for the past 27 years, and she felt the call to raise up the next generation of leaders through higher education. She began her career as a resident director but quickly rose to various leadership positions, including associate director of residence life, directorship in various offices, Title IX Coordinator, associate dean of students, Vice President for Student Affairs, and currently the Dean of Students at Keck Graduate Institute.

Shino received her B.A. in Psychology and M.Ed. in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University. She continued her education at Claremont Graduate University and received her Ph.D. in Higher Education, where she learned from scholars such as Dr. Daryl Smith, Dr. Linda Perkins, and Dr. Susan Paik.

Shino has been married for almost 26 years to Eric, and they have two beautiful, fun, strong, smart, and crazy kids (Kayla, 17 and Travis, 13). She loves having great conversations over a good cup of coffee (and dessert). She especially enjoys seeing the next generation of leaders be trained, equipped and developed so that they can continue to lean into what God is calling them to do.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
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Kevin Villegas

Baylor University, Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives

Workshop: Starting with You: Self-awareness and Sustainability

Dr. Kevin Villegas serves as the Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives. In his role, Dr. Villegas is responsible for leading a comprehensive approach to empower all students and Division of Student Life staff in the creation of a more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus environment as an expression of the Baylor University mission. He has more than two decades of demonstrated leadership experience in a variety of roles within higher- and secondary-education settings, which includes working in or overseeing areas such as campus ministries, student leadership development, new student orientation, student activities, international student programs, athletics coaching, and public relations. He has also led international service trips, co-led a cross-cultural course, and taught strategic leadership in higher education, and leadership and first-year seminar courses for undergraduate students. 

Dr. Villegas is an active member of the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD) and served for several years on the executive committee as the chair of the Diversity Leadership Team. He was a recipient of ACSD’s Jane Higa Multicultural Advancement Award in recognition of his significant contributions toward increased understanding and promotion of multiculturalism in ACSD and at Messiah University, where he worked for 17 years. Beyond the realm of education, Dr. Villegas also worked in the entertainment industry and in pastoral ministry. 

A native of New York City, Dr. Villegas is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served on active duty for four years before going on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Messiah College, his Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I’m excited to be a part of Elevate because equipping our professional members to better serve and develop multicultural student populations on our respective campuses is vital work. In an increasingly diverse society, knowing how to navigate differences of all sorts with conviction and compassion is needed now more than ever.

Leah Fulton

Trinity Christian College – Palos Heights, IL, Vice President of Student Success

Workshop: Development: Institutional Partnerships and Operational Efficiency

Leah comes to Trinity with a B.A. from Ball State University, an M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Minnesota. Leah’s research explores the historical and contemporary motivations and barriers facing African Americans in foreign missions, the history of Black women in doctoral education and the experiences of Black mother doctoral students. She also studies the experience of students and adjunct faculty of color in leadership education.

Leah has over a decade of higher education experience, primarily in student affairs, beginning at Wheaton College where she was a founding member of the Shalom House- a living learning community for students to explore racial reconciliation. She has served as Assistant Dean of Students for the University of St. Thomas and as Associate Dean for Intercultural Student Programs and Services at Bethel University where she launched the Act Six program and the Cultural Connection Center- a campus affinity space designed to cultivate understanding, friendship, and shalom in the way of Jesus. She is also the founder and principal consultant for Project 51, which serves leaders and not-for-profit organizations seeking to grow in their approach to justice, to belonging, to equity, and to diversity.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Fulton is excited to be part of Elevate because of how important it is to support professionals of color in Christian higher education. She benefited from the wisdom and experience of professionals before her and is eager to invest in other professionals to support their ability to navigate the industry, care for students, be well, and effectively make lasting change.

Jerry Woehr

Wheaton College, Director of International Student Programs

Workshop: International Students: Your Role in Their Flourishing

As Director of International Student Programs at Wheaton College, Jerry empowers international students (F-1 visa, MKs & TCKs) to flourish by advising student organizations,  advocating for international student needs, mentoring students, and providing leadership for the F-1 visa student program. Partnering with his office staff and student leaders, Jerry seeks to fulfill a vision of developing students that follow Jesus, as members of God’s global kingdom, through relationships that foster belonging, active learning experiences, and meaningful engagement with their communities. He considers it a privilege to know God more deeply through his experience, and support of, a vibrant and multicultural community at Wheaton.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I hope to encourage the Elevate cohort with the experiences and lessons God has given me in higher education, just as so many have done (and still do) for me! I also had the unique privilege of being a part of the team that created the Elevate certificate and returning as a workshop presenter is a gift.

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams

Butler University, Senior Director, Student Experience and Engagement

Workshop: Programming: Innovative Approaches to Multicultural Programming

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams serves as the inaugural Senior Director of Student Experience and Engagement at Butler University. While reporting through Academic Affairs, the office sits between university divisions to partner with and collaborate across campus to cultivate a relationship-rich, high-impact, and seamless student experience that fosters a sense of belonging for all students. He is extremely passionate about helping college students discover, develop, and deploy their giftings and passions. In addition to his work at Butler, Nii is a church planter in the Indianapolis metro area. He holds both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Communication from Missouri State University. In his downtime, you can find him spending time with his wife and daughter, playing Monopoly Deal, and searching for the best donut shops in Indianapolis.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?

As a Ghanaian-American, I uniquely understand the weight multicultural practitioners carry cultivating belonging on campus. It’s an honor to help develop and encourage leaders who are making an impact across the country!

MORE FAq's

Elevate is geared toward higher education professionals serving in a student-facing, multicultural role and are either (or both) a department of one or are early in their higher education career. Those in positions of directors, coordinators, specialists, or similar titles should consider applying and participating.

ELEVATE is aimed at professionals who are student-facing and oversee programming. We want to equip our student development professionals who are working to make a more welcoming compass experience for students.

Elevate applications will be reviewed by the ACSD Diversity Leadership Team and participants will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Applicant is eager for new learning and support (department of one, early career professional in this field)
  • Applicant is interested in learning more about best practices within multicultural (higher ed) work
  • Applicant currently serves in student facing multicultural role (part time or full time)
  • Applicants have the support and institutional backing to participate in 2 ASCD conferences, all Elevate workshops, and to eventually use their learning to strengthen the impact of their department/role/institution.
  • Applicant will document how they will contribute to the cohort and shared learning experience

The Diversity Leadership Team will award 2 Elevate scholarships that cover the cost of the Elevate Certification (value of $300). To be considered for an Elevate Scholarship, indicate your interest in the Elevate application and complete the short answer question about financial need.

Yes, Elevate applicants and/or participants are eligible for both the ACSD Multicultural Scholarship and the Elevate Scholarship. The ACSD Multicultural Conference Scholarship covers the amount of the annual conference registration fee.

Yes, either a supervisor or a senior colleague must complete a professional reference form confirming their support of your participation in Elevate and a desire for you to return with lessons (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) that will positively influence your department and work.

No. A supervisor or senior colleague approval is required to ensure that participants have departmental support to implement what they are learning (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) in their department and/or role as a multicultural practitioner.

Participants will continue networking and fostering relationships with their Elevate cohort members in addition to receiving continued support from the ACSD Multicultural Collaborative and the Diversity Leadership Team. 

Elevate participants will be asked to participate in recruitment videos, photos, and provide written testimonials sharing their experience with Elevate.

The Diversity Leadership Team understands department budgets or personal changes may occur between conferences and will work with you to ensure attendance is possible for both conferences.

Yes. The Diversity Leadership Team understands professional changes happen and they will work with you to continue towards completion of the certification.

ACSD Executive Committee voting is now live!