Launching First Graduate Program Master of Arts in Social Justice
It is widely known amongst the Central Oregon community that Bend has repeatedly been named by Entrepreneur Magazine as the next big city for entrepreneurs. What is less well known is that Bend is also a growing hub for social entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders.
For example, International President of Food for the Hungry Keith Wright makes his home and center of business in Bend. Additionally, The Justice Conference was birthed in Bend in 2011, and has since traveled to Portland, Philadelphia, Hong Kong and will be heading to Los Angeles next February. The conference is now one of the largest international conferences on biblical and social justice in the world. And it all started right here in Bend, where the conference staff and operations continue to be based.
Perhaps the greatest kept secret in our community is that Bend is home to Kilns College, a humble and unpretentious institution, with an innovative approach to education. Committed to marrying a classical learning model with a social justice focus, it’s truly a hidden gem in the Central Oregon community. Founded in 2008, the college will be launching its first graduate program—a Master of Arts in Social Justice—this fall. The Master of Arts degree was designed to equip students to contribute to the national (and international) dialogue on justice, and to educate current and future generations of nonprofit leaders.
The Master of Arts degree has students moving to Bend from across the country in order to immerse themselves in our vibrant social justice community, and to participate in the work of justice.
One such student is 32-year-old Emily Hill, a Cincinnati native who recently relocated to Bend to pursue Kilns’ graduate program. Hill studied economics at Miami University of Ohio, worked in international market research with The Nielsen Company and is also the founder of Stop Traffick Fashion—a social enterprise that provides opportunities and hope for survivors of human trafficking. She is excited to pursue her Master of Arts at Kilns to further her understanding of biblical justice, refine her passions, and take part in a dynamic community of individuals seeking justice.
The Master of Arts in Social Justice is bound to bring an influx of young social entrepreneurs like Emily to Central Oregon, as it’s designed for anyone interested in working in the nonprofit sector, pursuing theological training or simply seeking a better understanding of living out justice in day-to-day life. Program highlights include A People’s History of Justice in the Modern Era, Christian Ethics: Bonhoeffer and Kierkegaard, A History of Africa Since Independence and Systematic Theology of Christian Social Justice.
There is no doubt Bend is an entrepreneurial, innovative city strongly contributing to a global conversation on justice. I look forward to how the new Master of Arts in Social Justice degree at Kilns College will add to and shape this conversation.
Ken Wytsma is the founder of The Justice Conference and President of Kilns College. He is the author of the book Pursuing Justice: The Call to Live and Die for Bigger Things from Thomas Nelson, Inc. and blogs at www.kenwytsma.com.
Kilns College, 550 SW Industrial Way, Ste. 180, Bend. 541-389-9166, info@kilnscollege.org, www.kilnscollege.org.
