I
attended graduate school at PCC in the 80's. I
was attracted to the summer graduate program because it was
accessable for a person who could not move to Forida
as a resident student. I was challenged as a
graduate student by the gifted and world-class faculty that were
brought in for the summer classes. These men and
women were trained at institutions that are recognized as the
best (Eastman, Manhattan School of Music, Juliard, et.al.). Not
only were they well trained, but they proved their worth
in their respecive fields outside of PCC. This was
invaluable to me as a student. Several of these
faculty members became my mentors and good friends from whom
I have on many occasions recieved advise and additional “education”
since I was graduated. Later, I had the opportunity to
be a part of the faulty at PCC. It
was in many ways a very positive experience as a
musician. During the 90's the college was able to
stage excellent musical productions. The pressures, however, from the
adminstration are immense and many times tend to stiffle the
faculty and students alike. This has led to frustration and
the resignation of several excellent, well-seasoned faculty, leaving a younger
and largely inexperienced faculty to carry the load. While the
College should have been able to field excellent performance groups
on campus (symphonic bands, chorales, and orchestras),they have fallen short
of what they could be. PCC was THE place
for training singers, pianists, and conductors in the 90's and
early 2000's, but, in the opinion of this alumnus, they
are on the way down. The trickle down effect
will be seen in the fine arts programs in Christian
schools and churches in years to come.
I have supported
the College by recommending many students to attend there and
sending my own children as well. Having been close
to this school I give the following advice:
1.
You get out of college what you put into it;
meaning, if you want to get a good education at
PCC you can get it in most areas. They
have tried to invest in their faculty and, by in
large, they have good credientals.
2. If you are
a well-adjusted young person (spiritually, emotionally, and academically) you will
probably do well at PCC. The rules are tough,
and at times you will have to swallow hard when
faced with the sometimes insensitive tendencies of the Student Life
Office. They are not there to help; they are
there to enforce the rules (no matter how pedantic some
of them are).
3. As a student, you will
have to evaluate if institutional accrediation is important to you
or not. Even though there are accredition orginazations available
that do not violate the mission and stand of PCC
they have firmly stated that they are not and will
not become accredited. This can make furthering your education,
obtaining grants, or teaching in a public school a challenge.
4. PCC has taken a firm position on the
Biblical text issue. Their position is so strong that
they believe that any person/institution not embracing their “TR” and
“doctrine of preservation” view of the Bible is either
liberal or well on the way to being liberal (in
the true theological sense). While there are many churches
(both inside and outside of fundamentalist camps) still using the
KJV, the adminstration of PCC has made the translation issue
a separation issue amoung good, conservative, theologically sound preachers and
institutions. If you embrace this position, you will feel
comfortable as a Bible student. If you do not, you
will be frustrated and face constant critisism.
5.
The staff and faculty at PCC are friendly. It
is a safe place for young people. The facility
is second to none. It is clean, well-ordered, and
beautiful.
6. While PCC is a good choice for
many students,it is not for everyone. Do your research,
ask many questions, visit the campus (not during College Days),
and make an informed decision.
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