By Luke Gascho
On May 25, 2018, the tenth cohort completes Merry Lea’s Master of Arts in Environmental Education. Cohort number ten! That brings the total number of graduate alumni to 51. The eleventh cohort begins on July 6 with twelve students—the largest cohort to date. It’s stimulating to reflect on the journey that led to the establishment of this important program at Merry Lea.
Early in 1998, the Merry Lea team members and board visualized a preferred future for Merry Lea. The groups recognized that one of the factors that set Merry Lea apart from many other nature centers is that it belongs to Goshen College. This led us to pursue collegiate programs that would make good use of 1,189 acres.
The first step was to work toward a full major in environmental science by adding field biology courses to the undergraduate curriculum. The team also saw the potential for courses at the graduate level beyond the two offered in the summer for area teachers.
From field courses to planning a master’s program
Imagination expanded in 2001 when Merry Lea team members visited environmental centers and programs across the country. They toured sustainably designed facilities and interacted with environmental leaders. This led to the construction of Rieth Village and the recognition that Merry Lea had three important strengths that could support a graduate program in environmental education: many years of delivering quality environmental education programs to regional schools, an outstanding field laboratory, and a highly qualified team.
Over the next two years, the Merry Lea team discussed what a well-designed graduate experience might look like. In November 2004, they shared a new initiative proposal with the Goshen College faculty. The President’s Council also reviewed the proposal and strongly recommended that it be redesigned as a full master’s degree offered by Goshen College.
With excitement—and some trepidation—the Merry Lea team took on the task of crafting the full degree. In September 2005, the Goshen College faculty approved what would become the first master’s program for the college. The program received accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) on September 11, 2006.
It was challenging to start from scratch, but by July 2008, the first cohort of three persons was ready to begin. Dr. David Ostergren was hired to direct the program. He started working at Merry Lea on July 1, and the first cohort began four days later!
Each year, the faculty have evaluated the master’s program and made improvements. New faculty members have been hired to match curricular needs.
It has been rewarding to help form and deliver a program that is making an impact far beyond the borders of Merry Lea. In ten years, imagination has turned into reality. Ω
