The Marshall Christensen Foundation traces its origin back to a relationship between InterVarsity-USA and the Kazakh-American Free University in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan. In 1996, InterVarsity-USA asked Dr. Marshall Christensen to assume responsibility for the American partnership that was serving this university in Kazakhstan.

In 1997, Dr. Christensen visited the Kazakh-American Free University  along with three business representatives from Oregon. As a result of their visit, they decided to create a foundation that would support international higher education - at the university in Ust-Kamenogorsk and around the world. The Marshall Christensen Foundation was formally registered as a non-profit foundation later that year in the State of Oregon.

Today, the MCF focuses its work on fostering quality education and developing servant leaders at places of learning around the globe.  The MCF carries out this work by serving universities in developing countries through a variety of programs that help students and faculty develop as servant leaders and through university partnerships that bring mutually beneficial exchanges and friendships to universities around the world.

The MCF carries out its programs with the help of a small staff team, an actively involved Board of Directors, and the important help of many volunteers. The MCF highly values the participation of educators and professionals as key contributors to MCF programs as mentors, trainers, and teachers.  The MCF funds its programs through the generous financial contributions of individual and corporate donors.

MCF programs are coordinated and directed by the following MCF staff team:

Dr. Marshall Christensen, Founder.  Marshall has dedicated his career to higher education and helping students prepare for life.  He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon and he was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Heidelberg, Germany.  He is a professor of history and the international provost for the Kazakh-American Free University in Kazakhstan.

Dr. Daniel Ballast, President.  For twelve years, Dan helped to develop international higher education as vice-president of  the Kazakh-American Free University in Kazakhstan.  He lives with his family in the Philippines, where he directs the Foundation's programs around the world.

Mr. Lars Peterson, Director of Teaching Abroad Programs.  In this role, Lars works with the MCF to recruit, prepare and support American teachers for short and long-term volunteer roles at international universities.

Lis Saunders, Administrative Assistant.  Lis works part-time with the MCF and she also works full-time as a Senior Executive and Board Assistant at Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.  She also volunteers with a variety of Portland, Oregon based non-profits.

All activities of the Marshall Christensen Foundation are approved and overseen by the MCF Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors are also actively involved as participants in MCF programs.

Dr. John Maring, Director Emeritus.  Dr. Maring served the Foundation for over ten years as a board member, including many years as chairman.  Dr. Maring lives in Seattle,Washington and owns an investment firm.

Geoff Guilfoy, Chair.  Geoff Guilfoy is a principal at AKT LLP where he directs the company's Public Sector Division and management consulting services.  Prior to joining AKT, Geoff served in executive management positions in Oregon State government for 17 years.  Geoff is also an Executive Professor at Willamette University's Atkinson Graduate School of Management.

Chris Anderson, Vice-Chair.  Chris Anderson is the  Executive Director of the Wolf Education and Research Center.  He also facilitates outreach  to Mexico as founder of Mission Oaxaca, the result of 14 years of work in Latin America.  He is President of Owl Brand Supply Company, a company that specializes in wholesale and retail science labs.

Tom Smart, Treasurer.  Tom Smart worked in education as a school teacher and administrator for 30 years.  He now works to provide insurance and benefit packages to employees of schools and churches.

Robert Christensen, Secretary.  Bob is the pastor of Mt. Scott Church of God in Portland, Oregon.  He and his wife Barbara have served in ministry together in the United States and in Brazil.

Dr. Ronald Galloway.  Dr. Galloway, a professor of leadership and organizational behavior, is the Dean of the School of Business of Northwest Nazarene University.  He also directs the university's MBA program.

Shawn Mitchell.  Shawn Mitchell served for 13 years in church ministry and administration.  Shawn is now the co-director of Catalyst Project, a non-profit corporation that serves communities by offering home repair and maintenance to those in need.

Michael Marsh.  Michael Marsh has served for over 30 years in Oregon government.  He now consults and assists state and local governments with accountable, citizen-focused financial management.  He has an MBA and is a Contributing Professor at Willamette University Graduate School of Management.

Jonathan Martin.  Jonathan worked for 15 years in China where he taught English and English Literature.  He now directs the global outreach department at Good Shepherd Community Church in Boring, Oregon.  He is the author of "Giving Wisely," a book on financial stewardship in charitable giving.

The mission and activities of the MCF are a product of the MCF's core values:

Communities of Learning:  Values relationships with students, teachers and administrators at places of learning.

International Understanding:  Brings countries and cultures together in dialogue, friendship and partnership.

Volunteerism:  Involves individuals who are willing to volunteer their time.

Stewardship:  Efficiently delivers programs that provide maximum impact.

Servant Leadership:  Models, shares, teaches and draws out the principles of servant leadership through its programs.

Community:  Lives in, models and builds communities of servant leadership.