REPORT 11D
Higher Education
G. Blair Dowden | Director of Higher Education | Download as PDF
I am pleased to submit this report of God’s remarkable work at Huntington University. I am continually grateful for the support of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ in fulfilling our mission to educate men and women to impact our world for Christ. The information below testifies to the power of our continued partnership.
Academics
Institute for TESOL Studies
Huntington University will launch an Institute for TESOL Studies to train English teachers who work with speakers of other languages (TESOL stands for “Teacher of English Speaking Other Languages”). The Institute is an outgrowth of long-term relationships between HU faculty and educators in China.
This summer, for example, 180 Chinese teachers will receive training in TESOL methodology from HU faculty, local teachers, and volunteers. The new Institute for TESOL Studies will expand these opportunities. HU students will also benefit from the program, especially those planning careers in education or intercultural ministry. Future teachers will be better prepared to serve students for whom English is not their first language.
United Brethren churches may also have interest in TESOL training as they reach out to various non-English-speaking populations.
New Director of Christian Ministry Programs
Dr. Michael Cook is the new Director of Graduate Ministries at Huntington University. Dr. Cook previously chaired the Christian Ministries Department at Taylor University Fort Wayne. He also served as the counseling pastor at First Missionary Church in Fort Wayne for four years and has worked in other churches and counseling centers as a clinic director, staff counselor, research consultant, youth pastor, and associate pastor. Dr. Cook holds a Ph.D. and M.Div. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a B.A. from Albany State University, Georgia.
In his new role at Huntington University, Dr. Cook will teach in and oversee the Master of Arts programs in ministry leadership as well as the diploma program in Christian ministries. His office is located in the UB headquarters building, along with other graduate offices. Huntington University is grateful for the provision of this space.
Accreditation for Social Work, Nursing, and Online Programs
Huntington University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities. In addition, the University seeks special accreditation for various departments and programs. For example, the University is currently pursuing authorization from HLC to offer various courses and degree programs online. An announcement is expected this summer.
In February 2009, Huntington University’s social work program was granted accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE). This professional accreditation will enable HU graduates to be accepted into master’s programs with advanced standing. In addition, graduates will have met the basic standard to become licensed social workers in any state.
The University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program received initial accreditation from the Indiana State Board of Nursing, and the initial accreditation report has been accepted by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). We anticipate receiving full accreditation for the nursing program in 2010.
Forbes.com: Huntington is Highest Ranked Christian College
In its premier ranking of America’s Best Colleges, Forbes.com listed Huntington University as #65 in the nation, the highest ranked CCCU member campus to make the list. The ranking was based on a wide variety of factors, including the average amount of graduate’s debt, the percentage of students graduating in four years, the number of students or faculty who have won nationally competitive awards, student evaluations of courses and instructors, and alumni achievements after graduation.
U.S. News & World Report: Huntington is a “Great School at a Great Price”
For the 14th consecutive year, Huntington University has been listed among the best baccalaureate colleges in the Midwest by U.S.News & World Report. Again this year, the magazine listed Huntington as #7 among baccalaureate colleges in the region and #5 among the Midwest’s Best Values. Also this year, U.S.News listed Huntington among the campuses with the greatest economic diversity among the student body.
Student Achievements
Huntington University’s chapter of Alpha Chi, the national collegiate honor society, was named a Star Chapter for the 14th consecutive year (each year since the award was created), one of only four chapters in the country to have a 14-year history of achievement. Four of our students competed at the Alpha Chi National Convention for scholarship awards based on their research projects, and HU came away with three winners: Will Braun, Caitlynn Lowe, and Christopher Sutton.
Faculty Honors
Huntington University is blessed to have distinguished Christian scholars among its faculty. Our professors’ professional accomplishments continue to bring honor to the campus. This year, for example, Dr. Tim Smith, assistant professor of history, was elected to the Fellowship of the prestigious Royal Historical Society. Mr. Jim O’Donnell, associate professor of business, published a new book on investing, providing timely advice in turbulent markets.
Admissions
Enrollment Trends
Huntington University had a 10 percent increase in new undergraduate students this year, enrolling a record 327 new fulltime traditional undergraduate students. The University achieved an overall enrollment of 1,211 students for the fall 2008 semester, a new record and a 5 percent increase over the fall of 2007. This total includes:
- 978 traditional undergraduates—also a new record.
- 130 students in the EXCEL Adult Degree Program.
- 103 students enrolled in the Huntington University Graduate School. This is the first year HU’s graduate programs have exceeded the 100-student mark.
The makeup of the student body also includes the following:
- U.S. ethnic minorities comprised 7 percent of incoming freshmen in Fall 2008.
- While 56 percent of all students are Indiana residents, the student body includes representatives of 36 different states and Puerto Rico.
- The 31 international students represent 17 countries.
Despite a turbulent national economy, we are cautiously optimistic about Fall 2009 enrollment. As of April 30, applications and deposits were ahead of the prior year’s record totals.
Grants to United Brethren Students
In the current fiscal year, Huntington University will award $812,923 in grants to United Brethren students. In addition, Huntington University will continue to partner with United Brethren churches through the Church Matching Grant Program. This year, Huntington has matched $26,000 for UB students through this program.
We are encouraged to note that 33 new UB students enrolled at Huntington in fall 2008—the largest group in four years and a seven-student increase over Fall 2007.
Advancement
UBIC Giving
As of April 30, 2009, year-to-date giving from the United Brethren Church totaled $120,486, which is consistent with church giving over the last four years. Huntington University is grateful for the faithful financial support of the denomination.
Other Year-to-Date Highlights (as of April 30, 2009)
- Total gift income (before two major estate gifts received) is up 15% from 2008.
- Total gift income (with estate gift included) is up 154% from 2008.
- Personnel unrestricted giving is up 3% for a total of $29,820.
- Parent unrestricted giving is up 4% from 2008.
Business/Finance
New Residence Hall
Huntington’s new Livingston Hall, a residence for 154 students, opened in August 2008. The prayer chapel inside the facility is named in honor of Paul R. Fetters, long-time United Brethren pastor and ministry professor.
Tuition
The Huntington University Board of Trustees has approved a 4.9 percent increase for fulltime traditional undergraduate tuition and fees in 2009-2010. According to College Board’s Annual Survey of Colleges, four-year private institutions on average raised tuition 5.9 percent for 2007-2008. This year, Huntington’s tuition was $4,843 below the national average.
Student Development and Campus Ministries
Athletics
It has been an eventful year for the Foresters.
- The men’s cross country team won the conference title and finished the season ranked 8th in the nation.
- Seven track and field athletes competed at the NAIA Indoor Nationals.
- Our women’s basketball team was ranked 13th in the nation and competed in the NAIA National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa.
- Basketball coach Lori Culler earned her 400th career victory this year.
- Baseball coach Mike Frame earned his 600th win this season and was inducted into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame.
- The men’s golf team won the MCC conference title and has qualified for NAIA nationals for the first time in the history of the program.
Racial Reconciliation and Academic Opportunity
Huntington University was honored to host the Conference on Christianity, Culture, and Diversity in America in November 2008. The event brought over 200 Christian scholars and university delegates to Huntington to share research and best practices in racial reconciliation. Nationally recognized speakers, Brenda Salter McNeil and John Perkins, joined Fort Wayne pastors Keith Reynolds and Joe Johns as keynote speakers. Conference proceedings and additional information is available at Huntington.edu/cccda.
HU President Blair Dowden serves as chair of the Harmony Initiative, a local task force charged with helping the City of Huntington realize its goal of being “a community of civility and inclusion, where diversity is honored and differences are respected.” Representatives of business, education, social services, and the church community are cooperating in the initiative. Seven of the 19 Harmony Initiative Task Force members are UB leaders or church members, including Bob Brown, Gary Dilley, and Brooks Fetters.
The Horizon Leadership Program, a partnership between Huntington University and Youth for Christ, provided scholarships, mentoring, and service opportunities for a group of six African-American and Latino students in 2008-2009. Additional incoming freshmen have been selected for the program next year. This program is described at Huntington.edu/horizon.
Our desire is for Huntington University to model the kind of diverse community that is consistent with Scripture and our faith. Our Diversity Committee is developing plans to undertake a year-long, campus-wide emphasis in 2009-2010 to study issues of cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity. Programs will engage all faculty, staff, students, and Board members in this discussion.
Christ-Centered Initiative
In 2007-2008, the entire campus community engaged in a year-long exploration of the question, “What does it mean for Huntington to be a Christ-centered university?” That process has continued this year as a special task force has planned various chapels and convocations to stimulate continued discussion, reflection, and renewal.
Strategic Actions
Fort Wayne Initiatives
Last Fall, Taylor University announced that it would discontinue the undergraduate program at its Fort Wayne campus. In the words of one area pastor, “With TUFW leaving, Huntington is now the only Christian college game in town.” Modest numbers of TUFW students have enrolled at Huntington this spring, or plan to do so next fall. We are working to build strategic business alliances and conduct focused marketing in the greater Fort Wayne area.
Response to National Economic Conditions
While many colleges and universities have announced hiring and salary freezes, staff layoffs and multi-million dollar budget cuts, Huntington University is thankful to be relatively stable financially.
While we are certainly not immune from economic pressures, we have no plans at this time to trim faculty or staff positions. Some discretionary expenditures have been postponed until the fall, once enrollment is known and revenues can be accurately projected. Also, budgets may have to be trimmed if the poor economy impacts enrollment.
Our strategy in these difficult economic times has been to pray often, avoid employee layoffs, maximize budget flexibility, redouble recruitment and retention efforts, and continue to focus on our mission.