Winona Lake — Grace College began a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management online degree program in 2014. The first cohort of students, including president and CEO of K21 Health Foundation, Rich Haddad, graduated May 7.

K21 is a private foundation that provides grants in Kosciusko County aimed at improving the health of local residents. Haddad has worked as K21 CEO since 2006. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Grace College in 1987 with a double major in business administration and accounting. Haddad decided to enroll in the Master’s of Nonprofit Management program to refresh and improve his skills and lend credibility to his leadership at K21.

Having worked in the nonprofit world for nearly 15 years, Haddad explained, “The program has helped me to better understand and embrace my goals in nonprofit management.” Haddad said the program not only prepares students for effective nonprofit work, but also allows them to sharpen their management skills while gaining experience. “I especially appreciated the opportunity to apply our learning to existing organizations throughout the program. The approach was a win-win for students and nonprofits.” Haddad concluded, “There is no doubt in my mind that every leader, both current and future, will increase their capacity to succeed in the nonprofit world through this program.”

The Master of Science in Nonprofit Management at Grace College is a 36-credit hour online program that can be completed in two years, with students taking one or two classes per semester. The program offers a faith-based education to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a difference as leaders in nonprofit organizations. Curriculum includes budgeting, fundraising, grant writing, managing staff, applying technology, strategic planning and more.

Dr. Steve Grill, director of the Master’s in Nonprofit Management program and Dean of Community Education at Grace College, said, “We’re proud of the first nonprofit management graduating class and anticipate the impact Rich and his contemporaries will make in the nonprofit sector. We continue to grow this program and reach an amazing variety of students across the nation who are looking for a biblically-based education to enhance their impact as well.”

Applications for the Master of Nonprofit Management fall, 2016 cohort can be completed online and are due by July 31. For more information about the Master’s in Nonprofit Management and other graduate degree programs at Grace College, visit grace.edu/graduate-programs or call (800) 823-8533.