It’s that time of year where we reflect on all the blessings we have to be thankful for. It’s a time when we remember what truly matters: our family, community, the lessons we’ve learned, and most importantly, God’s love and provision for us.
As the president of Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), I take time to reflect on these same things each year, from our students and faculty on campus to our supporters across the country. We recently celebrated our fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth, bringing our student body to 4,518 (a 22.5% increase in overall student enrollment over the last five years). We give God all the glory for how He has been working through us!
I remain grateful for our growing campus community: our dedicated faculty and staff, students, alumni, board members, and supporters, who are the heartbeat of PBA. Each group strengthens our campus culture. What’s more, our leadership embodies humility and a willingness to grow, enabling us to better carry out our mission to equip students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly.
It’s hard to believe, but PBA is a relatively young university. It was founded in 1968, reflecting our founders’ God-sized dreams to bring a Christian university to South Florida. Since then, we have seen God’s love and provision for us time and time again—especially through our growing student population, which now represents 80 countries and all 50 states. We’ve also recently launched new academic programs, including our Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Medicine program, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering, and more.
I am thankful for our neighbors. As The Palm Beaches continue to grow, so does PBA—and our local leaders have demonstrated an unwavering belief in our mission. Earlier this year, our God-Sized Dreams Campaign celebrated a historic milestone with the opening of the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall, and we’re currently building a new residence hall to house nearly 1,000 students. But these milestones are much more than the number of construction projects. They directly reflect the growing demand for PBA, and the desire students and families have for a Christ-centered college education.
I am thankful for our mission. PBA is not just a place where students earn a degree—they become who God created them to be and take part in The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). Our alumni community of more than 20,000 strong is replete with examples of how our graduates are living out this mission. Michele Rigby Assad ‘95, author and former CIA intelligence officer, who served as our commencement speaker earlier this year, currently uses her expertise to aid in relief efforts for persecuted Christians. Ryan McDermott, who graduated in 2007, currently serves as a teaching pastor and the senior executive director of family ministry at Christ Fellowship Church. He is committed to impacting the next generation for Christ. They are just two of the thousands of alumni around the world who embody this calling.
Our current students are also learning to embrace God’s leading in their life. Whether traveling abroad on a mission trip or volunteering through our community service program, Workship, students are offered countless opportunities to serve God and others. This year, for example, Workship embarked on a special project: volunteering 250 service projects in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Our students, alumni, and employees contributed more than 14,500 hours toward this goal, but the real win is that we came together to serve others and help our community.
As PBA continues to grow, we will keep Christ at the center of our mission, carrying on our founders’ legacy. Because God’s love, provision, and calling is what keeps us going. He is the reason we are blessed. May we all keep Christ at the center of our lives, families, and work this holiday season.
Dr. Debra A. Schwinn has served as the president of PBA since May 2020. Previously she was Associate Vice President for Medical Affairs, Dean of the Carver College of Medicine, and Professor of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry at the University of Iowa. Prior to those appointments, Dr. Schwinn served in senior leadership roles at the University of Washington and Duke University.
