In this new academic year, I am filled with anticipation for all that God will do in the lives of our students. It is always an incredible joy to witness how God works in their hearts as they grow in their faith, deepen their knowledge of His Word, and prepare for a life of impact.
This blog will be a key resource for you throughout the year. We’ll keep you informed about upcoming events, highlight significant moments, and introduce you to the people who are investing in your student’s life. Whether it’s campus happenings, ministry opportunities, or academics, we want you to feel connected to all that God is doing here.
Thank you for entrusting us with the opportunity to walk alongside your student during this important season. We look forward to seeing how God will move powerfully in their lives throughout the year!
Latest News 
New York
Opening Weekend and Welcome Week
We had a fantastic Opening Weekend and Welcome Week! If you missed the Parent Orientation, you can watch the recorded video at the link below:
This year, we introduced “Welcome Week,” with daily activities designed to promote student-to-student and student-to-staff interaction. We hope your student sent you a picture from their first day of school and enjoyed getting to know their peers and staff.
If you’d like to see photos of your student’s first week, check out the button below:
Throughout the year, you’ll find photos of both campuses updated at this link.
Service Assignment and Ministry Training
The rest of September will be full of service assignment training and preparation for ministry opportunities. The Huskies soccer and volleyball teams also have many upcoming games! To watch the home games, visit the link below and select “Fan Zone”:
Florida
Opening Weekend
We had a wonderful Opening Weekend, with many parents and family members attending.
Student Life
Students are adjusting to balancing their class assignments, service duties, and ministry responsibilities.
Open Air Evangelism
Last weekend, ministry teams participated in Open Air Evangelism at Clearwater Beach, sharing the gospel with many people.
Upcoming Events
New York
- Homecoming & Family Weekend: October 11–13. This event is for alumni and families of current students. For more information or to register, visit: Homecoming & Family Weekend
- Campus Preview Days: October 17–18. If you know a junior or senior who may be interested in the Bible Institute, they can sign up here: Campus Preview Days
- ACBC Essentials Conference: The first session will be held October 18–19. You can attend in person or online. More details are available here: ACBC Essentials Conference
- Florida Visit: On October 19, we’ll be flying all Florida students to the New York campus. This visit will coincide with the Missions Conference from October 25–27.
Florida
- Crews Lake Cookout: A fun day at a local park with lunch, games, and fellowship!
- Fall Festival: October 10. Our Campus Preview Days guests will also join us for this exciting event.
- Campus Preview Days: October 10–12.
Meet Our Academics Teams!
New York
- Todd Steltz, Academic Dean | tsteltz@wol.org
Todd oversees all academic matters at the Bible Institute. Please note that we can only discuss academic concerns if your student has filled out a FERPA form giving us permission.
- Melissa Paris, Administrative Assistant | mjparis@wol.org
Melissa manages grading and student graders under her supervision.
- Daniel Skau, Registrar | daskau@wol.org
Daniel handles alumni services, including transcript requests, and manages our learning system, Canvas. Transcripts can be ordered at wol.is/bitranscript.
- Sanna Swanson, Librarian | sswanson@wol.org
Sanna oversees our newly renovated library, along with students assigned to serve there.
- Abby Hurley, Academic Office Assistant | arhurley@wol.org
Abby manages attendance, grading, and test make-up inquiries.
Mailing Address:
Student Name
4230 Glendale Rd, PMB # (Student’s Mailbox)
Pottersville, NY 12860
Florida
- Mark Strout, Executive Dean | markstrout@wol.org
Mark is the resident professor of Bible Survey.
- Daniel Fahning, Associate Academic Dean | dhfahning@wol.org
Daniel teaches Systematic Theology. FERPA forms are required to discuss academic matters.
- Rebecca Britos, Administrative Assistant | rdbritos@wol.org
- Kelsey Brown, Academic Assistant | kbrown2@wol.org
Mailing Address:
Student Name
13001 Word of Life Dr, PMB # (Student’s Mailbox)
Hudson, FL 34669
Both Campuses
Academic Resources:
- Tutors: Current students offer group tutoring sessions for specific classes and one-on-one help with assignments, study habits, and test prep.
- Study Intensives: Group study sessions led by tutors are available weekly before major tests. These sessions are open to all students.
