SA国际传媒

The Board of Regents of SA国际传媒, St. Louis, has taken several steps in response to the current economic situation. Meeting via conference call early in January, the Board voted to take action to ensure the continued financial health of the Seminary. 鈥淭he Board simply wants to be the best steward of the resources available to the Seminary,鈥� said Dr. Dale A. Meyer, president of SA国际传媒. 鈥淭he Seminary has been blessed with many who generously support the mission, but the current state of the economy requires close monitoring of income and expenses. The biggest single issue is the loss of adequate endowment income due to the stock market decline.鈥�

The Board asked its Finance Committee to consult monthly to 鈥渕onitor the ongoing situation and make any further recommendations it will deem necessary.鈥� Effective immediately, the Board voted to freeze salaries for all faculty and staff, cease beginning new deferred maintenance projects during the remainder of the Seminary鈥檚 fiscal year (ending June 30, 2009) and slow down the replacement of electronic equipment. Also, the Board accepted reductions in pay voluntarily offered by President Meyer and the three vice presidents, Dr. Andrew Bartelt, Dr. Paul Devantier and Michael Louis.

鈥淲e have big plans for the future of the Seminary as it serves the cause of Jesus Christ,鈥� said James Ralls, chairman of the Board of Regents. 鈥淭he moves the Board has taken, and may take in the months to come, are designed to keep the Seminary able to meet challenges and accomplish ambitious goals. Opportunities for theological leadership and education abound. What we do now will have a direct effect upon the financial condition of the Seminary and its ability to respond to opportunities when the economy begins to recover.鈥�

Some 58 percent of the Seminary鈥檚 expenses normally are covered through gifts from donors. Thirty-two percent are covered by tuition, fees, rent, room and board paid by Seminary students; eight percent by endowment earnings; and less than two percent by The Lutheran Church鈥擬issouri Synod.

Currently, 659 residential and non-residential students are enrolled at SA国际传媒, making it one of the largest seminaries in the United States. 鈥淥ur students are very important to us,鈥� said President Meyer. 鈥淲e want the Seminary to be able to keep tuition costs reasonable and to maintain, and even expand, our service to them and to the church at large.鈥�