Virginia Union University
NNK ESI Satellite (Northern Neck Evans-Smith Institute)
Up Coming Courses
Scholarships are Now Available
NNK Evans-Smith Site Coordinator
Rev. Dr, Tonita Noble
For More Information:
804-615-8739
tonita@noblevision.com
The Center for Life-Long Learning and Leadership
The Center for Lifelong Learning and Leadership is an advocate and resource for the needs of congregations and communities. As a product of the mission of Virginia Union University’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, the Center provides classroom opportunities for Christian learners and leaders who are committed to excellence in service. By creating spaces for faith formation and vocational development through leadership education, the Center serves as a partner for nurturing healthy and sustainable leaders and leadership practices.
The Evans-Smith Leadership Training Institute
The Evans-Smith Leadership Training Institute was established in 1976 in an attempt to meet the needs of lay church leaders. It is a certificate program that consists of 6-week courses. Micro-certificates will be offered following the completion of the class. Upon completion of 5 courses, a Professional Certificate will offered. ESI offers a variety of ways for those seeking to further their theological education. This certificate program addresses the growing needs of laity, church leaders, and others as they prepare for ministry and service in various contexts. Similar to our degree programs, our certificate program empowers persons to translate their calling and gifts into faithful ministry.
ESI is designed to complement the graduate professional program, not model it. Shorter more focused tracks provide numerous entry points into the program while reducing the amount of time needed to earn a certificate in an area of leadership formation. In addition to weekday sessions, there is an opportunity for weekday evening sessions and weeklong sessions that could result in the completion of a course or certificate, respectively. All courses are taught by instructors who have a Masters Degree or higher.
The goal is to offer opportunities for persons to grow spiritually and to sharpen and expand skills necessary for more effective and efficient service as leaders in the local congregation. This program is offered on the campus of Virginia Union University, in the Charlottesville area, in the DC Metropolitan area, and other up-and-coming areas.