Frequently Asked Questions about Mennonite Education Agency
	What is MEA’s place within the organizational structure of Mennonite Church USA?
	In the summer of 2001, a significant process of discernment by the former General Conference Mennonite Church and the former Mennonite Church resulted in the creation of a new denomination, Mennonite Church USA. In the consolidation and configuration of denominational structures, six offices of ministry were created and numerous agencies were reorganized, including Mennonite Mission Network, Mennonite Publishing Network, MMA/Mennonite Mutual Aid and Mennonite Education Agency.   In work leading up to this, the Education Integration Committee, with representatives from both the General Conference and Mennonite Church educational agencies, worked to envision the new educational agency, with the benefit of the experience of educational leadership from Mennonite Board of Education (Mennonite Church) and Higher Education Council (General Conference Mennonite Church), and a new agency structure emerged. A board of directors, which reports to the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board, was appointed and officially took leadership in 2002.
	Who is part of MEA?
	Elementary and secondary schools, colleges, universities and seminaries are part of MEA.
	Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary Bethel College Bluffton University Eastern Mennonite University Goshen College Hesston College Mennonite Schools Council (A related link is www.mennoniteschools.org.)
	The elementary and secondary schools of the Mennonite Schools Council are located throughout the United States including Puerto Rico with two schools in Canada (see map). The leadership boards of each higher education instutiton and of Mennonite Schools Council relate to the MEA Board and staff according to mutually agreed-upon Statements of Arrangements. The MEA Board of Directors appoints members to institutional boards.
	MEA also works with the Mennonite educational programs of Mennonite Church USA such as Hispanic Pastoral Leadership Education.
	What is MEA's leadership structure?
	The MEA Board of Directors is composed of knowledgeable, experienced persons from throughout Mennonite Church USA who also have passion for education from a Mennonite/Anabaptist perspective. The executive director reports to the board. The MEA leadership team includes an executive director, associate directors and a director of communications.
	Does MEA serve only those who attend Mennonite schools or Mennonite education programs?
	MEA’s mandate is to facilitate all levels of education for Mennonite Church USA:
	Early childhood and preschool programs (Mennonite Early Childhood Network) Elementary and secondary schools (Mennonite Schools Council) Undergraduate programs Graduate programs and seminary programs  Lifelong learning opportunities and continuing education
	How is MEA addressing issues of diversity?
	Within the broader framework of the missional, inclusional Mennonite Church USA, MEA is committed to identifying and providing for the education of Racial/Ethnic people, people who live in urban areas, and people who live in areas where there are no Mennonite educational institutions. The number of Racial/Ethnic students is slowly increasing while the number of Racial/Ethnic church members is the fastest growing part of Mennonite Church USA. Addressing this issue is a key component of MEA's strategic plan.