Friends, I pray you had a great summer. I hope you had some meaningful rest and, with your staff, are ready to welcome a new community of students this fall. For the next few weeks, I am bringing you reflections based on the Psalms. This week’s psalm speaks about taking refuge and experiencing safety in God.

DETROIT — Leaders from United Methodist-related institutions, including seminaries and Historically Black Colleges and Universities called for justice, historical reckoning, and a renewed commitment to equity in higher education and society during a Juneteenth panel discussion.

In a joint meeting with the North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAAMSCU) on June 19, the University Senate of The United Methodist Church reaffirmed and deepened its connection with UM-related educational institutions focusing on their United Methodist identity, academic excellence and social justice in higher education.

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry 2024 Impact Report offers a detailed look at a year shaped by transition, renewed alignment and a deepened commitment to developing transformational leaders for the church and the world.

In the dark days of January, members of Grace United Methodist Church in Harrisburg, Pa., welcomed visiting music students from Brazil who seemed to bring the sunshine and a big burst of warmth with them all the way from South America.

Julianna Caskie is one of 290 General Board of Higher Education and Ministry scholarship recipients who graduated this spring.

Scholarship recipient Lenah Alghali has set her sights on a future rooted in service and scholarship after graduating from Howard University.

The United Methodist Church’s Central Conference Theological Education Fund (CCTEF) Commission awarded 83 grants from 163 applications, totaling $1.26 million, to advance theological education in all Central Conferences at its first meeting of the quadrennium.

Scholarship recipient Samuel Yu graduated with a master’s in human development and family science from The Ohio State University, specializing in couple and family therapy.

“I want others to know that it’s never too late to answer God’s call. Even after years of waiting, the opportunity came, and I’m ready," said Seini Fine, a 2025 Claremont School of Theology graduate and GBHEM scholarship recipient.