The Glory of Growth
August 27, 2010
I saw an article recently that made my heart leap with joy, pride, and anticipation. It read in part, “SC State University will soon see the emerging of a new state-of-the-art facility on its 160 acre campus with the construction of the new Engineering and Computer Science Complex . . . The $24.5 million dollar, 86,500 square foot complex will feature innovative classrooms, research centers, laboratories, offices, and other academic support spaces . . . the new edifice will come at a time when the University anticipates significant enrollment growth in its nationally accredited computer science and nuclear engineering programs . . .” This facility (like the James E. Clyburn University Transportation Center pictured here) is one more in a long line of dormitories, apartments, classroom structures, and other aesthetic and missional University upgrades. In fact, when I visited the campus last year it was vastly different from the place I entered as a freshman in the fall of 1981. It was the same, but it was also magnificently different. Friends, I believe the growth experienced at South Carolina State is the growth God is calling us to experience as we share his truth in downtown Richmond. Think about it. The University’s growth is not easy (Acts 14:22; Rom. 5:3-4). It requires careful planning (Luke 14:28) and significant sacrifice (Lk. 9:23). Partnerships have to be established (Eccl. 4:9-12; 2 Cor. 8:23), and a long-term view of the future must be maintained (Matt. 25:30-31; Rev. 21:3-4). But as it struggles, plans, sacrifices, partners, and maintains its vision, SCSU stands as one of the preeminent historically black colleges and universities in the nation. What the University did, we must do here at 813. Are you ready? —JLNJR (Resource: Focus, July 2010, 1)
