Taylor University and Daystar University of Nairobi, Kenya, have entered into a partnership to expand opportunities for global engagement, intercultural learning, and faith-based scholarship. President Michael Lindsay met with Daystar leaders, including Vice Chancellor Laban Ayiro, to finalize and celebrate the agreement earlier this month. While there, Taylor representatives toured Daystar’s campus and participated in the planting of trees in "Taylor Square," symbolizing the growing and enduring partnership.
Both Taylor and Daystar are interdenominational evangelical institutions within the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). Through their liberal arts approach, each is focused on equipping and developing servant-leaders for Christ. With over 40 years of impact in Africa, Daystar is dedicated to seeing continent-wide transformation through thousands of students from more than 30 countries.
The connection between the two universities began in the 1980s, and the Memorandum of Understanding now presents a partnership. Taylor eagerly anticipates the opportunities this connection will create for students at both institutions. Through reciprocal semester-long study abroad programs, students will live and study at the partner university, learning and serving alongside peers in a cross-cultural academic community. In addition, students and faculty will engage in collaborative research, workshops, symposia, and shared initiatives designed to support holistic learning, personal formation, and global engagement.
"My semester studying abroad at Daystar was truly life-transforming. Chapel, daily life with my Kenyan roommates, and learning with students and faculty from around the world gave me a glimpse of the beauty and diversity of God's kingdom. I am thrilled that current Taylor students will now have the opportunity to experience this too," shared Marcy (Austhof) Winterholter ’95.
Taylor University is proud to add this program to our numerous other cross-cultural opportunities. In fact, Taylor is one of the most globally engaged Christian universities, with 25% of the student body traveling internationally each year.
"By fostering an environment where global engagement is not just encouraged but integrated into the fabric of our educational system, we prepare students to thrive in an interconnected world," reflected Dan Darko, Global Scholar-in-Residence and Professor of Biblical Studies & Leadership at Taylor University.
Taylor anticipates continued growth in partnerships like these to equip servant-leaders to minister Christ’s love, grace, and truth to a world in need.
