Preface for 2009 Publication

The reason we are publishing these proceedings is so our readers will be able to appreciate the complexities of microfinance as an example of servant leadership. When the Francis Center first learned about microfinance we were as excited as everyone else who had learned about microfinance over the last decade. But we were also puzzled about how we could participate not only in practicing microfinance but also in the debates that were surfacing on microfinance in several disciplines. We began by reaching out to those on campus who already had some experience and exposure to microfinance and realized that microfinance can be approached from many perspectives, ranging from the religious to the business. From this we saw the benefit of emphasizing the links and made a concerted effort to bring together those in the colloquium with experience in microfinance through faith based, servant leadership, academic and practicing institutions.   

This publication matters because we are bringing together these different perspectives in one document. We explore microfinance and faith, we explore microfinance and the capital markets, we explore critical theory and microfinance and we explore the conflicts within microfinance and this is our first attempt to participate in the dialogue on microfinance which is already broad and growing. To be able to know and understand these perspectives is a way of making us more effective as servant leaders.

This publication goes hand and hand with the web site which you can access by copying and pasting the link below in your browser.  You can listen to the video presentations on the web site and then read the papers or you can read the papers and then watch and listen to the videos. Together they will deepen your understanding.

http://www.pfeiffer.edu/academics/undergraduate/2009-microfinance-colloquium

Since we are beginning to develop our own voice in the debate on microfinance, if you have an opinion about what you think that should be, let us hear from you. Please email us with your comments or suggestions at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

I would also like to thank all who helped in putting this colloquium together, including but not limited to Dr. Rosemary Minyard, Dr. Phil Wingeier-Rao, Ms. Sudie Nallo, Ms Susannah Bales, Ms. Marissa Wheeling and Mr. Scott Eisnaugle. In addition, many thanks to those not mentioned, or those who wanted to support us and could not. This event was an unqualified success in presenting Pfeiffer University’s concept of microfinance as service. We hope you’ll be inspired by this publication to explore your interest in microfinance further.

Dr. Tracy Espy
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

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