Methodist University’s enhanced CIRCUIT program is introducing some exciting opportunities in 2024.
Methodist University’s enhanced CIRCUIT program is introducing some exciting opportunities in 2024.
CIRCUIT is more than a chapel service; it is a weekly gathering (Wednesdays at 11 a.m.) for the MU community that offers multiple engaging events in the areas of education, inspiration, and community. The ultimate goal is to help students, staff, faculty, and friends elevate their skills, broaden their perspectives, and nurture their inner growth.
“The soul of a university campus transcends its physical structures and academic programs,” said Rev. Kelli Taylor, vice president of Mission Integration & Student Well-Being and university chaplain. “It embodies the essence of intellectual pursuit, spiritual discovery, and purposeful community. Methodist University’s soul is where knowledge flourishes, creativity abounds, spirituality deepens, and lifelong connections are forged – shaping the future leaders, thinkers, and change-markers of tomorrow. This place is CIRCUIT.”
Typically, for each CIRCUIT, Methodist University offers three separate events – giving the MU community a choice on which event they would like attend. There are no classes during this protected hour. Each event promotes at least one value from the University’s Mission Statement.
Topics range from “Is God a Mathematician?” to “Honeybees, Teamwork, and Organizational Success” to “Diversity Equity & Inclusion Lunch and Learns” and much more. CIRCUIT is open to everyone from the MU community.
Below is a simplified version of the schedule. Events from each day are hosted simultaneously at 11 a.m. with “Education” events hosted at the Seminar Room of Davis Memorial Library, “Inspiration” events hosted at Matthews Chapel, and Community events hosted at the Alumni Dining Room. For more details on each event with up-to-date information, visit the Events Calendar or stay up to date on the Religious Life & Community Engagement page.
January
- 17: Let’s Celebrate! CIRCUIT Turns Three! at the Quad (Education, Inspiration, Community)
- 24:
- “Is God a Mathematician?” by Chair and Professor Mathematics Dr. Kathy Fick (Education)
- “University Chapel Service” by Pastor Kevin Duffy of Village Baptist Church (Inspiration)
- “Breaking Chains: Facts and Freedom from Human Trafficking” by Joe and Maryanne Hickson of North Star Ministries (Community)
- 31:
- “Can Money Buy Happiness?” by Assistant Professor of Financial Economics Dr. Robert Gmeiner (Education)
- “University Chapel Service” by College Pastor Tre’vone McNeill of TrueVine Ministries (Inspiration)
- “Beyond Athletics” by Resident Coordinator TJ Gill (Community)
February
- 7:
- “Transcultural Nursing Perspectives” by MU Nursing Students (Education)
- “University Chapel Service” by Lead Pastor Rev. Scott Foster of St. Andrews UMC (Inspiration)
- “The Story Behind The Mark You Made” by Assistant Professor of Art and Art Exhibition Coordinator Andrew Prieto (Community)
- 14:
- “Love is All You Need” by Assistant Professor of Psychology by Dr. Laura Mars (Education)
- “A Service of the Imposition of Ashes for Ash Wednesday” by Vice President of Mission Integration & Student Well-Being and University Chaplain Rev. Kelli Taylor (Inspiration)
- “Safe Zone Training” by Counselor & Psychotherapist Sarah Kress (Community)
- 21:
- “Living, Learning, and Building Community in Digital Spaces” by Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication & Media Dr. Erica Hilton (Education)
- “University Chapel Service” by Pastor Terance McCrimmon of The Life Center (Inspiration)
- “Preparing for Interviews: Employer Panel by Director of Academic & Career Advising” Dr. Taylor Vann (Community)
- 28:
- “Wealth and Purpose” by Assistant Professor of Management Dr. Mark Regensburger (Education)
- “University Chapel Service” by Executive Director Craig Morrison of Fayetteville Operation Inasmuch (Inspiration)
- “DEI Lunch and Learn” by Belonging & Inclusion Director Gavin Myrick (Community)
March
- March 6:
- “Honeybees, Teamwork, and Organizational Success” by Assistant Provost for Student Retention & Persistence Dr. Doris Munoz (Education)
- “University Chapel Service” by Pastor Rev. Becky Durham of Peace Presbyterian Church (Inspiration)
- “Voting: A Right, Privilege, or Responsibility?” by Director of Religious Life & Student Volunteer Services Ruth Carr and Professor of Political Science Dr. Christopher Cronin (Community)
- March 13: Spring Break (No CIRCUIT)
- March 20:
- “Love, Sacrifice, and the Poetry of Robert Hayden” by Poet Jason Canady (Education)
- “University Chapel Service” by Pastor Rev. Glenn Meadows of Cedar Falls Baptist Church (Inspiration)
- “DEI Lunch and Learn” by Belonging & Inclusion Director Gavin Myrick (Community)
- March 27: “Living What Matters: A Journey Through Holy Week” by Vice President of Mission Integration & Student Well-Being and University Chaplain Rev. Kelli Taylor (Education, Inspiration, Community)
April
- 3:
- “Executive Functioning: Tips and Strategies for Success with Collegiate Expectations” by Occupational Therapy Assistant Director and Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Dr. Melissa Gibson and Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Alisha Myers (Education)
- “University Chapel Service” by Plumbing Supervisor and Pastor Rufus Autry of Tabor Methodist Church (Inspiration)
- “I Am Somebody” by One Stop Coordinator for Student Success Justin Malloy (Community)
- 10: “Embodiment and the Cross: How Reflecting on the Crucifixion Can Inform the Work of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” by Associate Professor of Kinesiology Dr. Kyrstin Krist and Vice President of Mission Integration & Student Well-Being and University Chaplain Rev. Kelli Taylor (Education, Inspiration, Community)
- 17:
- “Memory, Storytelling, and Archives” by Archives Librarian Arleen Fields (Education)
- “University Chapel Service” by Pastor Rev. Marv Gordner of Black’s Chapel Methodist Church (Inspiration)
- “DEI Lunch and Learn” by Belonging & Inclusion Director Gavin Myrick (Community)
- 24: “Closing the CIRCUIT” (Education, Inspiration, Community)
To learn more about MU’s Religious Life & Community Engagement, visit here.