ACSI Research Fellow Program
The Research Fellowship program at ACSI offers a unique opportunity for talented researchers to contribute to advancing the field of Christian education while addressing critical global challenges. By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovative research, the program aims to make a significant impact on the world stage.
Program Aims:
- Create a vibrant and inclusive international research community.
- Foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovative solutions to address both US and global challenges through research projects in Christian education.
Program Oversight:
- The fellows will collaboratively work with ACSI’s research department and Thought Leadership and the Research Director will oversee the program.
ACSI Fellows Collaborate on Research to Advance Faith-Based Education
ACSI Fellows collaborate with the Thought Leadership team (Research Department) to develop research and Working Papers on important topics in education, spirituality, and culture, focusing on their impact within the realm of Christian education. Their work addresses current trends and challenges, offering valuable insights for advancing faith-based learning.
RiB is a biannual publication by ACSI, aimed at sharing the latest research findings and insights on the Christian school sector. It is available exclusively to ACSI member school and is managed by ACSI Director of Research.
Lynn Swaner Ed.D.
President of Cardus USA – ACSI Senior Research Fellow
Matthew Lee, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor of Economics at Kennesaw State University - ACSI Senior Research Fellow
Francis Ben, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Head of Postgraduate Coursework and Research at Tabor College Adelaide Australia – ACSI Global Research Fellow
Alison Heape Johnson
PhD candidate at the University of Arkansas – ACSI Junior Research Fellow
Eligibility:
- Understanding of Christian education.
- Strong academic credentials (e.g., relevant degrees, publications, minimum a Ph.D. candidate in education programs for Junior Fellow and a Ph.D. or Ed.D. for Senior Fellow).
- Demonstrated research excellence.
- Experience in international research collaboration.
- Excellent English communication skills.
- Minimum five years experience of doing research.
Nomination and selection process:
- The selection of the fellows is done through ACSI’s internal nomination.
The Potential of MLK Day (and Week)
Born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15, 1929, and tragically killed in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968–Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is, arguably, the most famous non-presidential American in our nation’s nearly 250-year history. But how and why did his name become the name of so many American streets, the object of so many American statues, and the namesake of an annual American holiday?
For more than a decade, Dr. King publicly and courageously worked towards a society whose laws and practices affirm the God-authored dignity of all people. He was known to ask volunteers of this movement to sign commitment cards–pledging that they would meditate on the teachings of Jesus Christ, behave in a godly/loving manner, and refrain from all forms of violence. He believed in this approach so strongly, he was arrested thirty times while leading it. In addition to this, he (in his words) was “hit so many times, (he became) immune to it”. Yet, he never forfeited this peaceful approach, organizationally or personally. Even when facing continuous death threats, he refrained from uttering venomous words toward others. Dr. King’s humility and selflessness may be most visible in the fact that he worked for a positive future in America he suspected he personally would never get to see.
Year after year, Christian educators work hard to instill character in their students that results in them being friendly to others, voicing concerns in a respectful manner, and refraining from all verbal and physical mistreatment of each other. Sound familiar? Both Dr. King and modern-day Christian educators advocate for principles and behaviors that are rooted in the supreme principles of the Bible.
- Pursuing peace while leaving payback to God (Romans 12:17-19)
On January 20, 2025, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will mark its 40th year of official observance. America’s first day officially observing this holiday was January 20, 1986.
President Ronald Reagan signed this holiday into law in 1983–after years of campaigning by Dr. King’s widow Coretta Scott King, a bipartisan duo of U.S. Senators, and the strategic singing talent of 25-time Grammy Award winning singer Stevie Wonder. In addition to commemorating Dr. King’s birthday, the timing of MLK Day (every third Monday in January) also serves as an opportunity in our first calendar month for Americans to strive to make better history this new year.
MLK Day is normally a day where schools are out of session. This should, in no way, cause schools to skip the positive potential of this holiday within our school settings for the duration of this week. I would like to humbly suggest some ways to highlight this holiday that may benefit your school community and possibly inspire your surrounding community.
Consider doing this:
1. Field trips for high schoolers or middle schoolers to historic MLK sites. Sites in Atlanta, Georgia, Washington, DC, Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama, Memphis, Tennessee, Indianapolis, Indiana, and others come to mind as great places to visit for this purpose.
2. Elementary school or pre-Kindergarten coloring pages containing the face of MLK and Biblically relevant quotes by MLK could be a fun and fruitful activity. Children can familiarize themselves with the face of an American hero and words that promote love of neighbor (Matthew 22:39).
3. Chapel speakers, classroom speakers, or morning announcements containing quotes or teachings that promote MLK’s efforts to make America a place where all people are treated equally (Genesis 1:27).
Refrain from doing this:
1. Please don’t ignore MLK Day. While you may be trying to make up for lost time (being that school is not in session on Monday of this week), disregarding MLK Day could unintentionally send a message that exceptional Black Americans, racial equality, and pursuing unity are not worth acknowledging, celebrating, or prioritizing in your school. All minority students in your schools are beneficiaries of MLK’s work. Legalized racial segregation in schools would likely have lasted much longer, if MLK and many others had not “dreamt” so big and worked so hard.
2. While acknowledging/honoring MLK, do not promote idolatry of him. Jesus Christ alone is worthy of idolatry. (Exodus 20:3; Matthew 4:10)
3. Please don’t market your school’s recognition of this day as a “Black” holiday. MLK fought for racial equality, not Black supremacy. He happily partnered with White people, and people of other ethnicities, along the way. Americans of all ethnicities can benefit from highlighting MLK’s work. Since God created humanity in His image—with racial diversity and equality (Genesis 5:1), we should all embrace a message that promotes these Biblical truths.
Throughout the week of January 20th at Christian Academy, a voluntary group of students and employees throughout our school system will renew our annual “Tables of Brotherhood” lunches. During these lunches, participants will reflect on Dr. King’s quote from his August 28, 1963 speech in Washington, DC, where he stated that a portion of his “dream” was “one day…the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood”. These participants will also spend time reflecting on the commonalities God has blessed us with, to assist us in our pursuit of Biblical unity. These lunches are some of my favorite days of the school year.
Are you making plans to use the positive parts of Dr. King’s legacy as an opportunity to honor humanity’s God-authored equality and to promote Christlike love for one another in your school community? If you are, I will be rooting and praying for God to bless your efforts. But let’s be wise in our efforts. Let’s be careful not to carelessly misquote a man who spoke with responsible conviction and clarity. Let’s not renew racial rivalries that Dr. King and more significantly—Jesus Christ died to end. And let’s not settle for just one day of expressing good will towards one another. Let’s strive to make Christlike love for everyone our daily activity. Let’s pursue unceasing “brotherhood” together. Let’s endorse Dr. King’s words when they echo God’s words:
“In some, not too distant tomorrow, the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.”
Previously published in January, 2025.
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