<p>
	<img alt="" src="{filedir_5}HP-Rotator-Wayland-Baptist-University.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 110px; float: right;" />Wayland Baptist University (WBU) in Plainview, Texas has become the latest college to join the consortium of 59 Christian colleges and universities that participate with Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, giving its students access to Au Sable&#39;s twenty-two field-intensive courses, restoration and conservation research program, and environmental education internship opportunities.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Says Au Sable Executive Director Fred Van Dyke, &quot;This is a great addition to the Au Sable family. Wayland Baptist University has all the elements needed to make this participation agreement a big win for everyone involved, including supportive faculty, an enthusiastic administration, and students who can really benefit from Au Sable courses.&quot;</p>
<p>
	Wayland Baptist Biology professor Dr. Andy Kasner will serve as the university&#39;s faculty representative to the Institute. Kasner is a familiar face at Au Sable, having attended regularly the Au Sable Academic Council meetings throughout the university&#39;s two-year process of becoming a participating college. Alongside WBU Dean, Dr. Herb Grover, Kasner was instrumental in securing the participation agreement with Au Sable. WBU President, Dr. Paul Armes signed the agreement on February 13, making Wayland Baptist&#39;s participation with the Institute official.</p>
<p>
	Kasner says, &ldquo;I am excited for the opportunities our students will have to broaden their understanding and appreciation of Christian environmental stewardship in a rigorous and awe-inspiring outdoor classroom!&rdquo;</p>
<p>
	With a student body of over 8,000 students, WBU students majoring in Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, and beyond will now have direct access to Au Sable&#39;s twenty-two, specialized courses that emphasize knowledge with skills and faith with learning.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Au Sable Institute is a Christian institute of environmental studies that offers undergraduate students hands-on, upper-level courses in environmental studies at campuses in Michigan (Great Lakes), Washington State (Puget Sound), South India, and Costa Rica; research opportunities in restoration ecology and conservation biology; and internship positions in environmental education for K-12 students.</p>
