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Jenny Collins
Biblical Studies Department
TWO - Lighthouse Department
Associate Professor of Missions & Director of Lighthouse
Office Location: Student Union - TWO OfficePhone: (765) 998-5361
Email: jncollins@tayloru.edu
Specialties: Student Development, cross-cultural missions, Lighthouse mission program, international service-learning, consumerism, biblical response to poverty, holistic and sustainable community development, effective short-term missions
Vitae PDF: Jenny Collins's Printable Vitae
EDUCATION
2000 Master of Arts in Religion (MAR),TrinityEvangelicalDivinitySchool,Deerfield,IL. Summa Cum Laude
1989 B.S., Computer Science/Systems, Taylor University, Upland, IN. Summa Cum Laude 4.0 GPA
1984 A.A., Computer Technology, Trine University, Angola, IN. High Honors
Other Courses For Credit
New Testament Greek 201, 202, 301, 302, Taylor University, 1996-1997
Geographical and Historical Settings of the Bible, Jerusalem University College, 2000
Philosophy of Religions REL 665, Taylor University, 2007
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND ACHIEVEMENTS
1999 – Present LighthouseDirector, Taylor World Outreach, Taylor University, Upland, IN
2011 – Present Associate Professor of Missions, Taylor University, Upland, IN
2005 – 2011 Assistant Professor of Missions, Taylor University, Upland, IN
2007 & 2010 Who’s Who of American Women
2003 – 2005 Instructor of Missions, Taylor University, Upland, IN
2000 Who’s Who of Students in American Universities and Colleges through TEDS
1998 – 2003 Adjunct Instructor, Biblical Studies, Christian Ed. and Philosophy,TaylorUniversity,Upland,IN
1993 – 1998 Adjunct Instructor, Computing and System Sciences, Taylor University, Upland, IN
1994 – 1996 Lilly Ethics Grant Instructor, Computer ethics researcher and faculty workshop leader,TaylorUniversity,Upland,IN
1991 – 1997 Special Projects Coordinator, Information Services,TaylorUniversity,Upland,IN
1989 – 1991 Information Systems Coordinator, Information Services,TaylorUniversity,Upland,IN
1989 Outstanding Student in Systems Analysis,TaylorUniversity,Upland,IN
1986 – 1989 Network Manager, Information Services,TaylorUniversity,Upland,IN
1984 – 1986 Operations Supervisor, Information Services,TaylorUniversity,Upland, IN
COURSES TAUGHT
BIB 210 Biblical Literature II (3 times)
COS 104 Computing and Information Concepts (10+ times)
IAS 120 Introduction to International Ministry (13 times)
IAS 320 Cross-Cultural Outreach (13 times)
REL 311 Foundations of Christian World Mission (7 times)
REL 391 Preparation and Strategy for Christian World Mission (14 times)
REL 432 World Mission Area Studies (7 times)
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
2012 “Evangelism and Interfaith Dialogue: Are They in Conflict?” panelist at the Taylor University student forum sponsored by the Taylor Student Organization, March 1, 2012.
2011 “Raising the Bar in Short-Term Missions: Applying the Standards of Excellence” at the Advancing Churches in Missions Commitment (ACMC) Regional Conference, Dayton, OH, Nov. 12, 2011.
2011 “Fostering Student Reflection” panelist at the Taylor University Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) workshop, Nov. 2, 2011.
2010 “Raising the Bar in Short-Term Missions” national webinar Nov. 18, 2010 for The Mission Exchange www.themissionexchange.org, presented for leaders of the 82 mission agencies who are members of The Mission Exchange and others interested in missions.
2010 “International Service-Learning” poster presentation at the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD) Conference, Messiah College, Grantham, PA, June 2010.
2009 “The Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission and Best Practices for International Service Learning Programs and Partnerships” at the Being There: Short-Term Missions and Human Need International Conference at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL, July 30, 2009.
2009 “The Crucial Importance of Debriefing and Reflection for Short-Term Missions” at the Indianapolis Mission Leaders Network meeting, Central Christian Church, Carmel, IN, Jan. 21, 2009.
2004 & 2009 “Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission” at the Fellowship of Short-Term Mission Leaders Conference, Simpsonwood Conference Center, Atlanta, GA, Oct. 2004 & Oct. 2009.
2008 “Long Term Partnerships in Short Term Mission” and “Maximizing Your Short Term Missions” at the Advancing Churches in Missions Commitment (ACMC) Regional Conference, Dayton, OH, Nov. 15, 2008.
2008 “Best Practices of International Service Learning Programs, Partnerships, and Pedagogy” with Dr. Michael Guebert and Rukshan Fernando at the 3rd Annual Conference on International Service Learning, IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN, Feb. 29, 2008.
2007 “Best Practices for Short-Term Healthcare Missions” plenary session with Dr. Michael Soderling at the West Coast Healthcare Missions and Ministry Conference, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA, Aug. 14, 2007.
2007 “Best Practices in Short-Term Mission to Foster Better Cross-Cultural Partnerships” and “Practical Resources to Better Equip Lay Teams and Colleagues for Short-Term Missions” with Rukshan Fernando at the Coalition of Supporters of Indigenous Ministries Conference, Wheaton, IL, June 12-13, 2007.
2007 “Standards Introductory Workshop” (8-hour pre-conference workshop) with Roger Peterson at the National Short-Term Mission Conference, Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 18-19, 2007.
2006 & 2007 “Lesson 2: Old Testament” at the Anderson, IN and Indianapolis, IN Perspectives on the World Christian Movement courses offered for undergrad and graduate credit (course from the U.S. Center for World Mission, www.perspectives.org), Sept. 13, 2006 & Jan. 22, 2007.
2006 “Maximizing Your Short-Term Mission” at the National Missionary Convention, Indianapolis, IN, Nov. 11, 2006.
2006 Devotions and a Lighthouse Presentation at the October Board of Trustees meeting, Taylor University. Also gave Lighthouse presentations for Colleagues College, the Council for Global Engagement, and the Parents Cabinet, Taylor University, Fall 2006.
2004 & 2006 “Short-Term: Where to Go and What to Do” and “Short-Term: Preparing Your Team” at the Advancing Churches in Missions Commitment (ACMC) Great Lakes Regional Conferences, Dayton, OH, Nov. 13, 2004 and Carmel, IN, March 4, 2006.
2005 “Key Elements of Service Learning: A Collaborative Approach for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs” at the Indiana Campus Compact Regional Meeting on International/Cross-Cultural Service Learning, Taylor University, March 3, 2005.
2004 “LighthouseInternational Service Learning” to the Taylor University Board of Trustees at President Gyertson’s request, Taylor University, Sept. 30, 2004.
2003 “International Service Learning: A Collaborative Approach to Short-Term Missions for Student Ministries and Academics” at the Association for Christians in Student Development Conference, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, June 4, 2003.
2002 “International Service Learning for Students” at the Educating for the Global Community Deans’ Conference, Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, IN, Feb. 22, 2002.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
2010 “The Standards Explained,” www.roundtripmissions.com, published by Christianity Today, Inc.
2009 “Follow-Up for Growth: Jenny Collins on the importance of follow-up,” www.roundtripmissions.com, interview published by Christianity Today, Inc.
2008 “5 Pitfalls of Short-Term Mission and How to Avoid Them,” with Hannah Neilsen, www.shorttermmissions.com/articles/avoid_pitfalls published by Shorttermmissions.com.
2006 “Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission,” Common Ground Journal, v4 n1 (Fall): 8-9. ISSN: 15479129, www.commongroundjournal.org.
2004 Indianapolis Star interview for article: “Short-Term Missions Give Lasting Hope,” published August 29, 2004.
2004 “Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission,” Koinonia, Winter 2004, a publication of the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD).
2002 – 2004 “Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission” co-editor of the Seven Standards of Excellence and other web site content at www.soe.org. Helped overhaul the website again in 2007.
2001 Book chapter: “Short-Term Missions: Maximizing for Long-Term Impact” in Overcoming the World Missions Crisis, Russell Penney, ed., Kregel Publications.
1999 Two devotional articles: “Heavenly Treasure” and “Reach Out” in This Cloud of Witnesses, Taylor University, Upland, IN.
1999 Research project: “God’s Concern for the Poor in the Law of Moses,” Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL.
1998 Manuscript/research project:“Kingdom Conduct: Living a Biblical Lifestyle in a Consumer Culture,” Christianity Today Faith and Consumerism Writing Contest – Honorable Mention.
1997 Research project: “New Testament Teaching on Poverty and Wealth,” Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2012 Visit to a Taylor University alumna, Lighthouse host and team in the Czech Republic and site evaluation.
2010 Selected as one of 400 U.S. delegates to attend The Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization, Cape Town, South Africa, Oct. 16-25, 2010.
2010 Visits to Lighthouse hosts and teams in India and Indonesia and site evaluation in Singapore.
2008 Lighthouse team visit and site evaluation in Paraguay.
2006-2007 Took part in three Spanish courses at Taylor University to learn Spanish – SPA 101, 102, 201.
2006 Lighthouse team visits and site evaluations in Ecuador and Trinidad.
2005 Lighthouse set-up trip and site evaluation in Ethiopia.
2004 One day course: “Sharing the Hope with Muslims” taught by Fouad Masri of The Crescent Project, Muncie, IN.
1994 Chaperone, Israel/Greece Study Trip, Taylor University, Upland, IN.
2003 One week course: “Cyberspace Stress, Sabbath and Serenity,” taught by Dr. Marva Dawn, Oxford University & Regent College Joint Summer Program, Oxford, England.
2003 Ministry exposure trip to Ireland & Northern Ireland – OMS International & Project Evangelism.
2000 Ministry exposure trip to Turkey – Frontiers.
Conferences:
The North American Mission Leaders Conference, sponsored by the Evangelical Missiological Society, CrossGlobal Link and The Mission Exchange (2011)
The Lausanne Consultation/Mission America Coalition, Orlando (2011)
Being There: Short-Term Missions and Human Need, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL, July 29-31, 2009.
Fellowship of Short-Term Mission Leaders (1999-Present)
Association for Christians in Student Development (2000-2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012)
Advancing Churches in Missions Commitment (2001, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011)
North American Professors of Christian Education: Reaching the Nations through CE (2000)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & SERVICE
2011 – Present The Taylor University International Programs Advisory Group
2002 – Present The National Committee for the Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission, served as Interim Executive Director in 2007.
2000 – Present The Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD)
2000 – Present The Fellowship of Short-Term Mission Leaders (FSTML)
2009 Served on the Peer Review Team for CURE International’s two-day Peer Review in its pursuit of Accredited Membership in the Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission
2007 – 2009 Served as a consultant to the Committee for Best Practices in Global Health Missions
2006 Served on the Taylor University Center for Global Engagement committee to determine global site criteria
2005 Served on the Taylor University Life Together Covenant Task Force at UCAP’s request
ASSESSMENT
2008-Present Lighthouse students and sponsors have participated in Dr. Steve Snyder’s research through the Taylor University Intercultural Inventory instrument and personal interviews with very positive results.
2009 The Lighthouse Program/TWO underwent a three-day on-site review with a very favorable outcome. The review team consisted of Dr. Rod Spidhal (Chair), Missions Professor, Northwestern College (Iowa), Dr. Sam Shellhamer, recently retired Vice President of Student Affairs, Wheaton College, and Dr. Pam Medows, Professor of Education, Taylor University.
2008 The Lighthouse Program/TWO underwent a two-day Peer Review in pursuit of Accredited Membership in the Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission. The program and Director received high commendation and Accredited Status from the review team consisting of missions professionals from Northwestern College (Iowa), Perimeter Church (Atlanta), and Send International.
MINISTRY AND RELATED EXPERIENCE
1999 – Present Missions Task Force, The Gathering Church, Muncie, IN
1992 – Present Mentor of Taylor University students (1–4 women per semester)
Summer 2006 Sunday School Teacher, Adult Class, First Church of God ECI, Muncie, IN (now The Gathering)
2002 – 2005 Deacon of Missions, First Church of God ECI, Muncie, IN
Fall 2004 Sunday School Teacher, Adult Class, First Church of God ECI, Muncie, IN
2002 – 2004 Board of Directors, Globalink Ministry, Upland, IN
1992 – 2002 Lighthouseand Spring Break Sponsor for international service learning/mission projects, Taylor University, (Bahamas, Jamaica, India (4x), Singapore, Kenya and South Africa)
2001 – 2002 Sunday School Teacher (college class), First Church of God ECI, Muncie, IN
1996 & 1997 Chair, Missions Committee, Grace United Methodist Church, Hartford City, IN
1986 – 1996 Sunday School Teacher (college class, senior high youth), Grace United Methodist Church, Hartford City, IN
1993 & 1994 Co-Coordinator of Just for You women’s conference with 700 women in attendance, Taylor University, Upland, IN
1986 – 91, 1993, 1995 Senior High Camp Counselor, United Methodist Camp, Epworth Forest, IN
FAMILY
Husband: J.D. Collins, Commissioner of the MCC NAIA Athletic Conference, Consultant to the Big Ten Conference, former NCAA Division I Basketball Official and business owner
ACTVITIES AND INTERESTS
Gardening, travel, cultural studies, reading, writing, bird/wildlife watching
