Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Mid-Year Board Committee Reports

The Bethany College Board of Trustees recently finished mid-year committee meetings. The Trustees heard many reports regarding the challenges facing private colleges, but we were also pleased to share with them many details of the good work of our faculty and staff. 

I have written to you about our decision to freeze tuition for new and returning students for the 2014-15 academic year. We must continue to be sensitive to issues driving our market while pursuing new sources of revenue to keep higher education affordable. A record-setting (as to numbers and profile) Kalon Leadership Scholars weekend is among the encouraging factors asour Enrollment Center staff recruit the Class of 2018. To date, we are trending similar to the fall of 2012, which resulted in one of the largest and most academically talented classes at Bethany in 30 years.

The Board also heard good news on progress toward our goal in the “Transformation Now!” capital campaign. Sven de Jong, Bethany Senior Vice President, reported that the campaign has reached the $46.5 million mark with 3,211 donors and an overall 38 percent alumni participation rate. The campaign has made possible significant upgrades to campus facilities, growth in the endowment, and, most importantly, the addition of substantial operating funds. The campaign has been successful despite two major national economic downturns.

Enrollment and advancement are the most important revenue streams for the College. It is pleasing to note our progress during challenging times. Thank you for your contributions toward creating a positive environment in which these gains were made possible.