Having earned a master's degree as a non-traditional student, I certainly understand the challenges and concerns facing working adults returning to the academic world. My experiences as a student in Bluffton's Graduate Programs in Business convinced me of the value of studying in a cohort format, where students lend constant support to their classmates, becoming mentors for each other.
Sharing the story of Bluffton has always felt natural, because my ties to this university run very deep. My great-grandfather was one of the founders and my paternal grandfather taught here. My dad was a biology professor for more than 30 years. He and my mom met while students at Bluffton -- he picked her up when she fell on an icy sidewalk!
My mother graduated from Bluffton, as did my four brothers. Our house was on the north side of campus, and today I live on the opposite side of campus. Our family attends First Mennonite Church in Bluffton.
In addition to my duties at Bluffton University, I am a freelance writer. My husband, Fred, is editor of The Bluffton News and together we edit the Central District Reporter, the newsletter of the Central District Conference of The Mennonite Church. We have two daughters, ages 24 and 22.
I’ve been a distance runner for more than 30 years and enjoy swimming, biking, sewing and gardening.
Contact information:
Mary Pannabecker Steiner, M.A.
Office of Adult and Graduate Education
Bluffton University
1 University Drive
Bluffton, OH 45817
E-mail:steinerm@bluffton.edu
Phone: 800-488-3257, option 4
Direct: 419/358-3075
Fax: 419/358-3399
