David Odom, executive director of Leadership Education at Duke University, visited Fresno Pacific University’s Center for Community Transformation February 8-11.
At CCT, Odom observed and participated in several programs, including online instruction and social enterprise support efforts such as Launch Central Valley. He also met program participants, city officials and—under the guidance of CCT Executive Director Randy White, D.Min.—checked out some good local tacos.
FPU is one of 115 recipients of Thriving Community grants, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and coordinated by Odom, who also edits Faith & Leadership, an online magazine that featured CCT in December. Odom was curious to see what CCT practices could be applied nationally. When it comes to social enterprises and involving churches in addressing community issues, CCT “may be the best at that in the country,” he said.
PHOTO: From left Randy White, David Odom and Timothy Geddert, Ph.D., interim dean of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, home of the Center for Community Transformation