2025-26 Bluffton University News

Faculty Colloquium

Dr. Alex Sider, president and professor of religion at Bluffton University, will present the Colloquium, "Following Jesus When Things Fall Apart."

Messiah Tradition

Bluffton University in conjunction with University of Findlay will once again join together for the treasured holiday tradition of Handel's Messiah.

As part of the role, Dr. Mast will also serve as editor of the C. Henry Smith Series in Anabaptist Culture and Thought and deliver one Yoder Scholar Lecture per year on a topic related to biblical, religious or Anabaptist studies.

Yoder Scholar Appointed

Bluffton University is pleased to announce that Dr. Gerald Mast has been appointed the Harry and Jean Yoder Scholar in Bible and Religion.

Bluffton University looks forward to the insight and leadership the board of trustees will continue to provide with the addition of these three new members.

New Trustees Elected

Bluffton University has elected three alumni to its board of trustees: Pete Suter '94, MAOM '02, Malissa Takacs '01 and Matt McQuown '90, MBA '06.

Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3, Shanaman will explore the rhythms of life through a spiritual lens, encouraging listeners to reflect on timing, purpose and faith.

Spiritual Life Forum

Adam Shanaman '22, campus ministries intern at Bluffton University, will speak on "A Time for Everything" during Bluffton's Spiritual Life Week Forum at 11 a.m. on Oct. 28 in Yoder Recital Hall.

Bluffton’s cross-cultural program encourages students to move beyond tourism and experience life through another community’s perspective. During the forum, students described their time in Chicago, Kentucky and the Czech Republic.

Cross-Cultural Forum Recap

Bluffton University students recently reflected on lessons learned through their 2025 cross-cultural experiences during the university's annual Cross-Cultural Forum.

Driven by our peace-church tradition and a focus on developing students for life as well as vocation, Bluffton has spent 125 years learning, experiencing and bettering the world together.

2025 Enrollment

Bluffton University looks to continue to strengthen enrollment alongside new leadership changes and strong strategic guidance.

Holland will offer insights into Thoreau as a 19th-century American Poet-Naturalist whose spiritual solitude fostered a deep connection with all of creation.

Thoreau's Spiritual Ecology Forum

Dr. Scott Holland, professor emeritus of theology and culture at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., will present "Henry David Thoreau's Personal Solitude and Public Solidarity or How to Befriend All Creation" during Bluffton University's Forum at 11 a.m. on Oct. 21 in Yoder Recital Hall.

Bluffton announces the Be a Beaver Program, enhanced scholarships, and local grants—making high-quality education more affordable for students.

Bluffton Reduces College Costs

Bluffton guarantees full tuition for qualifying students with new aid, bigger scholarships, and local grants--helping students and families plan with confidence.

Helping Students Succeed

Bluffton University is honored to announce its recognition as a Top Performer for Social Mobility in the latest "U.S. News & World Report."

"We The People"

Bluffton University hosted its annual Constitution Day Forum with Jean-Marie Kamatali, professor and the Ella A. and Ernest H. Fisher Chair of Law at Ohio Northern University, as the speaker.

First Tuesday Forum

Ellie Sheminski '27, a social work major with minors in criminal justice and Spanish, will present "The Impacts of Peaceful Student Activism" at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Musselman Library's Reading Room.

U.S. News Ranking

Bluffton University has again been named to the top tier of Midwest Regional Colleges in the "U.S. News & World Report" rankings released today.

Focused on person-centered care, OhioGuidestone provides mental health counseling, addiction recovery, family support, and workforce development.

New Corporate Partner

Bluffton University continues to grow its network of Corporate and Education Partnerships in the Midwest region, now entering a partnership agreement with OhioGuidestone.

Faculty Colloquium

Dr. Walt Paquin, director of social work program and professor of social work at Bluffton University, will present the Colloquium, "Using New Tools to Assess Neighborhood Quality,"

Students traveled to the Czech Republic, Kentucky and Chicago to explore culture, service and learning in diverse contexts.

Cross-Cultural Forum

Bluffton University students will reflect on their Spring 2025 cross-cultural experiences during Forum at 11 a.m. on Sept. 30 in Yoder Recital Hall.

“Make fast, low-stake decisions daily. Before you make the big decision, learn how to make small ones. Start hitting the low hurdle and that creates muscle memory,

Indecision Drains. Action Teaches.

Bethny Ricks '06, Bluffton University Trustee, executive consultant and author of "Face Forward," spoke on the topic of decisive decision making, a skill she describes as essential both personally and professionally.

North holds no regrets, though, stating, “Everything about that trip, the good and the bad, taught me lessons and transformed me into who I am today.”

Paradise to Reality

Bluffton University kicked off their First Tuesday in the Library series with Coen North '26, Spanish and communications and media double major, who shared his experience of his semester abroad in Yucatán, Mexico.

Skilliter will examine how modern youth sports systems can suppress healthy development in young athletes and explore ways to reclaim their original purpose: joy, growth and connection.

Youth Sports Forum

Evan Skilliter '14, assistant professor of health, fitness, and sport science at Bluffton University, will present "The Cost of Competition: What's Happened to Youth Sports and Can We Fix It?"

Kamatali will explore how the U.S. Constitution functions both as a binding legal document and a reflection of the people’s evolving values.

Constitution Day Forum

Jean-Marie Kamatali, professor and the Ella A. and Ernest H. Fisher Chair of Law at Ohio Northern University, will speak on "WE THE PEOPLE: The Constitution as a Legal Instrument and a Manifestation of Popular Sovereignty."