Three decades. Thousands of students. Time invested well. Dr. Brian Morley, professor of philosophy and apologetics, is among many professors recently let go as a part of significant changes at TMU.

“30 wonderful years,” Morley said. “Working with students and my colleagues has been the greatest blessing and privilege of my life, second only to being married to my wife, Donna.”

On Friday, March 1, the selected professors were informed of the decision privately by both the dean and provost. To comply with the employee handbook, the administration either had to renew their contracts or let them go.

“Though I was surprised at being cut, I haven’t been the least bit worried. In fact, Donna and I have taken it as God’s grace,” Morley said. “The need (and prayer request) is for wisdom as far as direction. The main challenge in life is that there are just too many great things to do and not enough time.”

Todd Kostjuk, chief financial officer and vice president of administration for TMU, explained that many higher education institutions have had a decline in traditional enrollment due to the rise in alternative options, such as online programs.

“What we’re doing is looking to increase student enrollment,” Kostjuk said. “So, it’s unfortunate we had to make these decisions, but we’re making these decisions with a long-term view at the health of the organization going forward.”

According to Kostjuk, TMU had to acknowledge the larger amount of resources that were given to traditional students and compare it to the declining number of traditional enrollments.

As a result, there had to be a rearrangement of resources and funds to support the position TMU is in currently and the position it needs to be in to reach the desired goals.

“I want the students to know is these are very difficult decisions. We love these people, and we’re going to trust God’s providence to take care of them,” Kostjuk said. “But we’re called as an administration to be good stewards with the financial resources we had. And we feel like, for us, this is a stewardship principle, an issue that we had to deal with in terms of financial management.”

According to Kostjuk, he is also one of the professors let go. Despite this, he is currently working two different jobs within the university—chief financial officer and vice president of administration. Moving forward, he has decided to volunteer as a professor.

“I mean, we’re asking everybody to carry a little extra to help this institution financially going forward,” Kostjuk said. “So, if we’re going to ask other people to carry extra, then we would lead by example and do it ourselves.”

A total of 14 positions are affected by the decision. However, some professors, such as Morley, are not simply being let go but being repositioned.

“I’ll keep teaching online philosophy, theology, and other classes, and chairing the online degree in Biblical Studies.” Morley said, “Also, one of the greatest opportunities I’ve had comes from the school’s decision to develop several special emphases within our online Master’s in Biblical Studies, directed by Dr. Varner: Biblical languages, missions, music and worship, women’s ministries, and theology. I’m developing the theology emphasis.”

According to Kostjuk, the HR director will be available to help professors find new positions.

“I think that the school is working as hard as they can to make sure their students are taken care of and that they’re making wise decisions,” said Gracie Brackett, a sophomore. “Even if that does result in lay-offs, I think they’re doing what they believe is best.”

The administration will use the monetary savings to invest in new initiatives meant to attract more students going forward, Kostjuk said. The administration would like to have 1200 full-time students in the next five years.

“So, we need to invest capital to do that,” Kostjuk said. “You will have to hire a chair of the new major or the faculty, and there are startup costs involved. It’s got to take some capital. And so we’re reframing (the budget) for that.”

There are three major changes planned for the university. First, there are plans to add new majors and athletic programs to the school’s list.

According to Kostjuk, the administration would also like to have a coffee shop for students in the trophy room, due to it being an under-utilized space. Kostjuk said, “The coffee shop’s goal is that it will pay for itself. We want to make it hip and nice and a place where a lot of students who come and hang out and have good coffee.”

They also intend to remodel the space by the Vider Administration building, near the gazebo.

“We’re really looking at repurposing that space to make it more of a hangout space. Maybe do some new hardscape in there, but make it a place where students would come and hang out and enjoy the space.” Kostjuk continued, “So we really want to do things where it builds community within the school.”

As these changes happen around campus, Dr. Morley offers some wise advice about his situation that can apply to students as well.

“I’ve found that life doesn’t turn out the way you expect. But despite unwelcome surprises and challenges, it turns out better. Better, not for comfort and security, but for the deeper values of personal growth and knowing God.” Morley continued, “Those unexpected events are, however, only opportunities. Whether they help us or hurt us depends on our response. And the right response sets us up for the next adventure.” 

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