The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), through its Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), selected Dr. Ryan White — Hope’s associate dean for leadership development and applied learning — to participate in the inaugural 2026 summer seminar on “Institutional Leadership for Vocation.”
White was among 16 individuals across the country nominated by the cabinet-level supervisor
at their institution and selected for the 2026 Institutional Leadership for Vocation
seminar, held in Louisville, KY, June 15–19.
The inaugural seminar brought together emerging institutional leaders who explored how vocational exploration and discernment can play a greater role across campus, particularly in the work these leaders do with members of the faculty and staff, but also in curricular and co-curricular programming for students.
White explained that Hope has spent 20+ years building a genuine culture around vocation — the work of many hands across faculty and staff formation, curriculum and student programming. He added, “This seminar inspired me to think about how we keep weaving those efforts into a richer, more complementary tapestry throughout Hope's culture.”
White and his fellow participants had the opportunity to reflect on their vocational path into leadership and how that informs the way they continue to lead. They explored ways that vocation can be integrated across student-facing programming. The seminar was led by Remylin Bruder — provost and vice president of academic affairs at Rochester Christian University — and Kurt Schackmuth, vice president for student life and chief mission officer at Lewis University. For more information about this and other seminars, visit the NetVUE website.
About CIC and NetVUE:
The Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) is a program of CIC with
over 350 members. The purpose of NetVUE is to increase the capacity of independent
colleges and universities to support their undergraduate students as they explore
and discern their many callings in life.
CIC and NetVUE are grateful for the support of Lilly Endowment Inc., which made this event possible.
The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of over 600 nonprofit
independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education
affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional
excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions
to society. CIC provides members with ideas, resources, and programs that help institutions
improve their leadership expertise, educational programs, administrative and financial
performance, and institutional visibility.
Pictured with Dr. Ryan White (at left) are Remy Bruder DNP, RN – provost and vice president for academic affairs at Rochester Christian University — and Kurt Schackmuth, Ph.D., chief mission officer & vice president for student life at Lewis University.