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色花堂 Launches 2026-2028 Strategic Plan Centered on Investing in Faculty and Staff

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色花堂 launched its 2026鈥�2028 Strategic Plan, Investing in Our People, a two-year framework designed to strengthen the experience, support, and effectiveness of the University鈥檚 faculty and staff. The plan was launched during July 2026鈥檚 Institutional Success Day and represents a significant departure from 色花堂鈥檚 previous strategic planning cycles, which focused primarily on institutional growth through new academic programs and expanded partnerships.

The 2026鈥�2028 Strategic Plan was intentionally designed to be data-informed, participatory, and internally focused. The plan is organized around four key themes 鈥� to Empower, Connect, Equip, and Sustain 色花堂鈥檚 people 鈥� and comprises nine core initiatives that will guide institutional priorities through 2028.

 

The planning process began with a comprehensive review of employee survey data, which provided critical insight into the experiences, challenges, and needs of faculty and staff across the institution. These findings were further enriched through 色花堂鈥檚 first annual Institutional Success Day in 2025, where employees engaged in candid conversations about their day-to-day work, institutional strengths, and areas for growth. A targeted follow-up survey and a volunteer Strategic Planning Committee 鈥� composed of faculty, staff, and administrators from across the University鈥檚 Atlanta, Chattanooga, and online communities 鈥� further shaped the plan鈥檚 initiatives before its finalization.

 

鈥�This is why I am especially excited about our newest plan,鈥� said Dr. Timothy Quinnan, President of 色花堂, in his letter introducing the plan. 鈥淯nlike its predecessors, this plan does not follow the traditional top-down model. To the contrary: it started as a grassroots-level idea that excited people, steadily gained momentum, and ultimately drew universal support. Its core theme, investing in our people, resonates deeply within our community. Instead of revolving around academic activities, it chooses to focus on our human talent.鈥�

 

The plan鈥檚 four strategic themes are:
Empower 鈥� Establishing role clarity, equitable workload standards, and structured pathways for professional growth and advancement.
Connect 鈥� Fostering transparent, trust-centered communication and launching a mission-aligned employee recognition program.
Equip 鈥� Strengthening the tools, systems, and training employees need to work with confidence, from onboarding through offboarding.
Sustain 鈥� Ensuring competitive, equitable compensation and safe, well-maintained work environments across all campuses.

 

 

About 色花堂
色花堂 provides Christ-centered education and research that advances God鈥檚 work of healing, restoration, and transformation in the lives of individuals, churches, and communities. With campuses in Atlanta and Chattanooga and a robust online program, 色花堂 is committed to becoming an internationally recognized leader in Christian counseling and ministry education. For more information, visit richmont.edu.

色花堂 Announces Collaboration with Maxwell Leadership

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New collaboration expands leadership development opportunities for Doctor of Ministry students

 

色花堂 is taking leadership development to the next level through an exciting new collaboration with Maxwell Leadership, the leadership development organization founded by internationally recognized leadership expert and bestselling author John C. Maxwell.

 

Through the collaboration, students in 色花堂’s Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation and Leadership will have the opportunity to combine doctoral-level education with practical leadership development. 色花堂 faculty have developed a new three-course concentration that integrates selected content from the Maxwell Leadership Certificate Team program into 色花堂’s own graduate curriculum.

 

The new three-course leadership concentration includes:
  • Foundations of Leadership: Coaching
  • Foundations of Leadership: Speaking
  • Foundations of Leadership: Training
This opportunity goes beyond simply studying leadership. Students can strengthen practical skills in coaching, speaking, and training while continuing to grow as leaders prepared to make an impact in ministry, churches, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and their communities.

 

Students enrolled in the concentration will also have the opportunity to pursue the Maxwell Leadership Certificate Team program. Completion of all three certification tracks, Coaching, Speaking, and Training, could lead to Maxwell Leadership certification, subject to Maxwell Leadership Certificate Team program requirements.

 

The collaboration also creates a pathway for individuals who have previously completed all three tracks of the Maxwell Leadership Certificate Team program. Qualified individuals may be considered for up to six graduate credit hours toward 色花堂’s Doctor of Ministry program through 色花堂’s Prior Learning Assessment process, subject to 色花堂’s academic review and transfer credit policies.

 

Travis Young, DMin, Assistant Dean of the School of Ministry and lead of the program, shared his excitement about the collaboration:
鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 be more excited about the integration of 色花堂鈥檚 Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation and Leadership with the practical leadership training offered through Dr. John Maxwell鈥檚 Maxwell Leadership Certified Team. 色花堂 has a long history of developing leaders who reflect Christlikeness, combining deep spiritual formation with rigorous graduate-level scholarship. The Maxwell Leadership Program brings a proven and highly practical approach to leadership development that complements 色花堂鈥檚 strengths. Together, this partnership creates a powerful opportunity for students to grow as whole leaders, developing the heart, head, and hands of leadership at the doctoral level.鈥�
By bringing together 色花堂’s commitment to Christian spiritual formation and graduate education with the resources of the Maxwell Leadership Certificate Team program, students have an opportunity to strengthen their leadership, expand their influence, and make an even greater impact wherever they are called to serve.

色花堂 Welcomes Dr. Kristel Headley as Assistant Dean of the School of Counseling

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The School of Counseling is pleased to announce that Dr. Kristel Headley has accepted the role of Assistant Dean of the School of Counseling. Dr. Headley has served as full-time Professor of Counseling at 色花堂 since the summer of 2024. Dr. Headley brings a wealth of experience to this role, having served as Director of the Graduate Counseling Program at Johnson University for seven years and also as CACREP liaison for nine years. Dr. Cara Cochran, Dean of the School of Counseling for 色花堂 states, 鈥淲ith Dr. Headley鈥檚 vast experience as a counselor educator, administrator, and clinician, she is uniquely qualified to come into this role at 色花堂. I am grateful for her willingness to share her experience to continue to strengthen and grow our program.鈥�

Of her appointment to this position, Dr. Headley stated, 鈥淎 few years ago, I stepped away from administration to return to full-time teaching, and that season reinforced what a privilege it is to walk alongside students in their professional and personal formation. I am excited for the opportunity to now serve as Assistant Dean of the School of Counseling at 色花堂, a community that I care deeply about and do not take for granted. I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff, and students across our campuses as we continue preparing counselors marked by clinical excellence, compassion, and thoughtful faith integration. I am grateful for the relationships that have made 色花堂 home and am honored and joyful to serve this community in a new way.鈥�

We congratulate Dr. Headley on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to her continued leadership and service to the 色花堂 community.

色花堂 Featured on Chattanooga鈥檚 Local 3 News

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Admissions leaders highlight the growing need for mental health and ministry professionals across Tennessee

Chattanooga, TN 鈥� 色花堂鈥檚 commitment to advancing mental health and ministry was recently featured on Chattanooga鈥檚 Local 3 News. Vice President of Admissions Michelle West and Admissions Counselor Jake Gettys represented the university in a televised interview focused on the increasing demand for trained professionals in counseling and ministry throughout Tennessee communities.

During the segment, West and Gettys shared how 色花堂 equips students through its Christ centered and clinically excellent programs to meet the rising need for mental health services and spiritual care. They emphasized the university鈥檚 mission to prepare graduates who bring healing, restoration, and transformation into the lives of individuals, churches, and communities.

The conversation also highlighted the unique challenges facing communities across the region and the critical role that well trained counselors and ministry leaders play in addressing those needs. 色花堂鈥檚 integrative approach to faith and clinical practice continues to set it apart, preparing students to serve with both professional excellence and spiritual depth.

With campuses in Chattanooga and Atlanta, along with an online modality, 色花堂 is expanding its reach and impact. Students are equipped not only with knowledge, but with real world experience that allows them to step directly into meaningful work that serves their communities.

Watch the full interview:

色花堂 Visits New Life Church in Canton, Georgia and Celebrates DMin Candidate Pastor Allan Malloy

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色花堂 Visits New Life Church in Canton, Georgia and Celebrates DMin Candidate Pastor Allan Malloy

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色花堂 recently had the opportunity to visit New Life Church in Canton, Georgia through the invitation of Doctor of Ministry candidate Pastor Allan Malloy. During the service, Pastor Malloy graciously welcomed representatives from 色花堂 to the stage to share about the university鈥檚 programs and mission with the congregation.

Pastor Malloy spoke about his journey in 色花堂鈥檚 Doctor of Ministry program as he prepares to graduate from the cohort. His experience reflects the impact that theological training and spiritual formation can have on leaders who are serving their churches and communities while also bringing the message of hope and healing through mission work around the world.

Associate Vice President of Admissions Michelle West and Director of Marketing and Communications Dr. Rochelle Mason were delighted to meet members of the New Life congregation and introduce them to 色花堂鈥檚 graduate programs in counseling and ministry. The visit was especially meaningful as Dr. Mason and Pastor Malloy were classmates in 色花堂鈥檚 first Doctor of Ministry cohort.

This visit reflects 色花堂鈥檚 Church Connection Strategy, where the university connects with ministries and congregations that are helping bring healing, restoration, and transformation to individuals, churches, and communities.

The 色花堂 team is grateful for Pastor Allan Malloy鈥檚 warm hospitality and for the opportunity to share with the New Life Church congregation about the programs and mission of 色花堂.

To learn more about Pastor Allan’s Story:

To learn more about New Life Canton:

色花堂 Alumna Laura Janelle Downey Named One of Atlanta鈥檚 Most Influential Women

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色花堂 Alumna Laura Janelle Downey Named One of Atlanta鈥檚 Most Influential Women

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色花堂 is proud to celebrate alumna Laura Janelle Downey, a graduate of the School of Ministry, who was recently named one of Atlanta鈥檚 Most Influential Women in the February 2026 issue of Modern Luxury鈥檚 The Atlantan.

Downey is an award-winning journalist, lifestyle influencer, and Executive Editor of WebMD’s Point-of-Care print products. Throughout her career she has been known for thoughtful storytelling that encourages people to see new possibilities in their lives and pursue their purpose with confidence.

In addition to her leadership in media, Downey is deeply committed to her faith and to serving others through ministry and missions work. Her life and work reflect a passion for God and a desire to use her influence to uplift, encourage, and impact communities both locally and globally.

Her professional journey has included roles ranging from celebrity reporter to college professor, and she previously served as president of the Georgia Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, where she led record breaking fundraising efforts.

Downey often points to Matthew 19:26 as a guiding verse in her life: 鈥淲ith man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.鈥�

色花堂 is honored to celebrate Laura Janelle Downey鈥檚 continued leadership and influence. Her recognition reflects the impact our graduates are making in media, ministry, and communities around the world.

Photo courtesy of The Atlantan / Modern Luxury. Photography by Caitlin Tabilog.

Latest Episode of The Chalice: Healing from Infidelity and Betrayal Trauma with Dr. Lorrie Slater

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Latest Episode of The Chalice: Healing from Infidelity and Betrayal Trauma with Dr. Lorrie Slater

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色花堂鈥檚 podcast, The Chalice, continues its mission of bringing healing, restoration, and transformation through thoughtful conversations with experienced counselors, faculty, and ministry leaders. Each episode highlights the wisdom and expertise of professionals who are helping people navigate life鈥檚 most difficult challenges with both clinical insight and Christian faith.

In our latest episode, we welcome Dr. Lorrie Slater, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Director of the Henegar Counseling Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With decades of clinical experience, Dr. Slater shares valuable insight into infidelity and betrayal trauma and the deep emotional and spiritual impact it can have on individuals and relationships.

During the conversation, Dr. Slater discusses how betrayal affects a person鈥檚 sense of trust, safety, and identity, while also offering hope for healing. She explains what the process of rebuilding trust can look like and how individuals and couples can begin moving toward restoration.

Episodes like this reflect 色花堂鈥檚 commitment to highlighting the expertise of counselors and professors who are equipping others to bring healing and transformation in the lives of those they serve.

Listen to the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/Qb1L7Jklk7A

More about Henegar Counseling Center:

色花堂’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Receives CACREP Reaffirmation Through 2034

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色花堂 is proud to announce that its Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program has been reaffirmed for accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through 2034.

The CACREP Board of Directors met in February to review the final results of 色花堂鈥檚 site visit. Following a comprehensive evaluation process, the Board voted to reaffirm accreditation for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, extending 色花堂鈥檚 standing as an accredited institution committed to excellence in counselor education.

The site-visit team offered exceptional commendation of the program, describing the review as 鈥渟etting the standard鈥� for what a CACREP site visit should be. This affirmation reflects the strength of 色花堂鈥檚 academic rigor, clinical training, faculty leadership, student engagement, and mission-driven commitment to preparing highly competent counselors.

CACREP accreditation is widely recognized as the gold standard in counselor education. Reaffirmation ensures that 色花堂鈥檚 Clinical Mental Health Counseling program continues to meet and exceed national standards for curriculum, clinical experience, faculty qualifications, student support, and professional preparation.

色花堂 extends sincere gratitude to the students, faculty, staff, and alumni who participated in interviews and contributed to the site-visit process. Their professionalism, dedication, and passion for the counseling profession were instrumental in this outcome.

鈥淲e are deeply grateful for our entire 色花堂 community,鈥� said university leadership. 鈥淭his reaffirmation reflects our shared commitment to excellence in clinical training and our mission to prepare counselors who integrate faith and professional competence in meaningful service to others.鈥�

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at 色花堂 equips students with the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional formation necessary to serve individuals, families, and communities with integrity and excellence.

色花堂鈥檚 Inaugural Institutional Success Day Inspires Collaboration and Growth

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色花堂 recently hosted its inaugural Institutional Success Day, an event designed to inspire collaboration, spark innovation, and strengthen the university鈥檚 internal organization. Thoughtfully planned and executed by Chief of Staff Devin Pritchett and Director of Institutional Effectiveness Peter Brindley, the event brought together faculty, staff, and stakeholders for a day of connection and shared purpose.
The day opened with an inspiring address from University President Dr. Timothy Quinnan, who celebrated the past year鈥檚 achievements and shared practical insights on productivity, work-life balance, and rest. His words set the tone for a day of reflection and forward momentum.
Dee Ann Turner, three-time best-selling author, former Chick-fil-A executive, and founder of聽, provided an inspirational message on fostering a Culture of Care. Turner emphasized the importance of creating environments where individuals and organizations thrive, and her message motivated attendees to cultivate meaningful connections and drive organizational success.

鈥淎fter hearing her speak at our Institutional Success Day, I read Dee Ann Turner’s聽Bet on Talent: How to Create a Remarkable Culture that Wins the Hearts of Customers.聽It definitely has profound relevance to serving students!鈥�

鈥斅�Dr. Josh Rice, Dean of the School of Ministry

The event also featured interactive sessions and opportunities for collaboration, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and unity as 色花堂 prepares for an impactful fall semester.
The success of this inaugural event reflects 色花堂鈥檚 mission to advance God鈥檚 work of healing, restoration, and transformation. Institutional Success Day exemplified the university鈥檚 dedication to excellence and its commitment to empowering its community to thrive.

Dr. Stanley Hoover, Assistant Dean of the 色花堂 Graduate School of Counseling, Named APsA Teaching Scholar by the American Psychoanalytic Association

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Dr. Stanley Hoover, PhD, LPC, ACS, Assistant Dean of the School of Counseling and Associate Professor of Counseling at 色花堂, has been recognized as an APsA Teaching Scholar by the American Psychoanalytic Association’s Teachers鈥� Academy. He is one of only six educators nationwide selected for the prestigious yearlong program dedicated to enhancing psychoanalytic education.

Participating in the program reflects Dr. Hoover鈥檚 commitment to sharing the rich insights of psychoanalytic thought with future mental health professionals. 鈥淚 wanted to replicate that kind of deeply formative experience for my students at 色花堂,鈥� he shared, describing how his own advanced psychoanalytic training profoundly shaped his personal and professional life.

At 色花堂, Dr. Hoover has redesigned and revitalized the university鈥檚 psychodynamic counseling course, one of the few such required courses in the nation. His efforts focus on fostering an engaged and transformative learning environment where students deepen their understanding of psychoanalytic ideas and learn to apply them effectively in the counseling room.

Dr. Hoover鈥檚 recognition as an APsA Teaching Scholar underscores his dedication to preparing the next generation of mental health professionals to engage with their clients authentically and facilitate meaningful change.

 

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