The Governing Board of MLC met last week. After consideration of our staffing needs, the board approved the initiation of a process to extend five calls later this fall. Four calls will fill vacancies due to retirements: Vice president for Mission Advancement to replace Mr. Jon Scharlemann; Professor of theology and history to replace Dr. Mark Lenz; Professor of early childhood education to replace Prof. Susan Haar; Professor of physical education with coaching responsibilities to replace Prof. John Gronholz. A call will also be extended for a Teacher Induction Program coordinator who will oversee this synodical mentoring initiative while serving in our Office of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education. The calls will be extended sometime after November 1 pending the completion of the nomination process and the scheduling of a call meeting.