George Fox University launches new character development programming and a Center for Christian Formation

NEWBERG, Ore. – George Fox is prioritizing Christ-centered character formation – a mission that recently drew faculty from Notre Dame, Pepperdine, Belmont, and Eastern University to campus to see the university’s model in action and discuss the future of character formation in higher education. George Fox was selected as one of just 29 schools nationwide to receive funding from the Lilly Endowment through Wake Forest University's Educating Character Initiative.

This month, George Fox established the Center for Christian Formation to equip students with the wisdom and character needed to navigate complex ethical and spiritual landscapes. Led by Associate Provost Joseph Clair, who was appointed to a new role as chief mission integration officer, the center unifies flagship thought-leadership events, establishes town halls for civil discourse, and launches a new Civic Life & Leadership academic track.

By intentionally integrating the “head, heart, and hands,” George Fox is bridging the gap between faith and culture, serving as a premier anchor for Christian formation and impactful leadership in the Pacific Northwest.

And, thanks to a $500,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the university is pioneering a new First-Year Experience dedicated to Christ-centered formation and student growth. 

While typical first-year students often see a decline in life satisfaction, the pilot cohort showed a steady increase in belonging, proving that intentional community can buffer the mental health crisis.

The program kicks off with an off-site retreat, followed by seven weeks of large-group dinners and small-cohort discussions led by faculty and peer mentors. It also seeks to bridge the gap between “classroom learning” and “daily practice,” helping students understand how following Christ impacts their future work.

“Our institution has always been serious about the work of (character) formation, but that has often been implicit,” Clair said. “We rely on the idea that it’s caught and not taught. But because of the cultural chaos that we’re in and the different kinds of formations that students may have before they get into college, it’s time to be much more explicit about what we hope for in terms of formation.

Through small grants to fund immediate faculty needs, a mentorship program called The Bridge Network, and student small-group gatherings to support spiritual growth, George Fox is building a culture where Christ-centered formation is woven into every dimension of the four-year journey. The institution is forming leaders who will carry these values into every sphere of professional life. A recent survey shows that 93% of students report that the George Fox community is helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus. 

George Fox University, Oregon’s largest private university, is a U.S. News & World Report “Best National University.” Enrolling nearly 5,000 students across its Newberg campus, regional centers in Portland and Redmond, and online, the institution offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and 21 graduate degrees. George Fox is a leader in flexible education, featuring accelerated online bachelor's degrees tailored for working adults.

Contact: 

Carly Reumann

creumann@georgefox.edu

503-554-2101