Bluffton University news
Transfer consortium
Bluffton has joined an initiative to streamline the transfer process for community college students to earn bachelor's degrees in English, psychology or biology.
Black named XC coach
Scott Black has been named as the next head cross country and track and field coach.
Tobias Buckel
New York Times Bestselling author and World Fantasy Award winner Tobias Buckell is joining the Bluffton University English department this fall. Buckell will serve as an instructor of English.
Dr. Wood reappointed
The Bluffton Board of Trustees reappointed Dr. Jane Wood as president; reviewed plans for the Knowlton Science Center; and completed diversity, equity and inclusion training.
Strength and conditioning
Bluffton University's strength and conditioning program is now an approved and recognized program through the National Strength & Conditioning Association's (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP).
Digital music album
"B-Verb" features 13 tracks from 13 student composers from Bluffton's first Digital Music class. "We are really excited about this album. There's a song for everybody on it."
Cultural competency training
Five faculty and staff members completed the Building Cultural Competencies within Organizations certification program. The program is designed to strengthen awareness and understanding about diversity and inclusion.
Nursing students
Five Bluffton nursing students graduated from Northwest State Community College with associate degrees. As a dual-degree program, nursing majors must complete foundational nursing classes before completing their BSN at Bluffton.
Faculty Grants
Faculty members were recognized at an academic year-end event honoring faculty who have been awarded grants, sabbaticals and other scholarly endeavors.
Bluffton develops partnerships
Bluffton continues to grow its network of Corporate Partnerships. The university has entered into 3-year agreements with four new Corporate Partners since January.
Service to students recognized
Long-serving employees were recognized for their commitment to students during a faculty and staff recognition luncheon. Employees, reaching five-year to 35-year milestones, were celebrated.
Scholarships
Emily Dienstberger and Meredith Myers have been awarded the full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, valued at nearly $140,000 for four years.
New concentrations
New business administration concentrations are available in two growing and in-demand fields; project management and supply chain management.
Profit into peace
Olivia Tennefoss '21 won the annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest with a speech celebrating the way small-town entrepreneurship builds peace and well-being.
2021 Commencement
"It's not your responsibility to solve all of the world's problems, but neither can you ignore them," challenged 2021 Commencement speaker Lawrence E. Milan '73.
Bluffton Bread sales
Bluffton Bread Company cash and carry sales return for Mother's Day. A limited amount of two flavors will be available Saturday, May 8, outside of Roots by Strattons.
Degree completion
Bluffton's nationally accredited social work major is now available through a degree-completion program designed for working adults. Classes will begin Aug. 4, 2021.
Academic excellence
Bluffton University recognized many of its top students for their academic achievements at the 2021 Academic Awards and Honors Forum.
May Day Gala concert
The May Day Gala Concert will be streamed for viewing at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 7, and Saturday, May 8.
Spring concert
The spring fling choral concert, featuring University Chorale, Camerata Singers, Concert Band and several ensembles, will be streamed on Sunday, April 25.
Athletic awards
Bluffton recognized Patrick Spillman and Abigail Newkirk, standout senior athletes in men's and women's soccer, as the 2021 athletes of the year.
Mother's Day Sales
Bluffton Bread Company is back for Mother's Day. Online orders for Mother's Day will open on April 25. Cash and Carry will be available May 8.
Reading endorsement
Teachers seeking to advance their careers can fast-track their plans by enrolling in Bluffton's summer reading endorsement program.
Juried student art
The 53rd Juried Student Exhibition, showcasing work created this year by students in Bluffton art classes or independent studies, will be displayed beginning April 20.
Ambassador program
Bluffton will launch the President's Ambassador Program in the fall. Select students will assist recruit prospective students, welcome campus guests, and engage alumni and donors.
Vaccination clinic
Bluffton University will partner with Bluffton Hospital to offer on-campus vaccination clinics for current students on April 9 and 12.
Gospel and Jazz
Bluffton University's fall gospel choir and jazz concert will be streamed for viewing starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 10.
SHRM aligned
The degree-completion in business program is aligned with Society for Human Resource Management guidelines. Students with relevant experience may test to become a SHRM Certified Professional.
"Good Trouble"
Dr. Drew Hart led conversations exploring the need for "Getting Into Good Trouble" during Spring Spiritual Life Week.
Keeney Peace Lecture
Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr. called on individuals to "courageously use their resources, platforms and privilege to disrupt and dismantle policies that discriminate and decimate."
Choral concert
The spring choral concert featuring University Chorale and Camerata Singers will be streamed for viewing on Sunday, March 28.
Head coach named
Ben Rath will serve as Bluffton's first head men's and women's swimming and diving coach, an intercollegiate program to start in the 2021-22 academic year.
Commencement 2021
Health care executive, Lawrence E. Milan, a 1973 Bluffton graduate, will address the 2021 graduating class during the May 8 Commencement ceremony at Salzman Stadium.
Certified coach
Dr. LaShonda Gurley, Director of the Center for Career and Vocation at Bluffton University, has been named a Design Your Life certified coach.
EQ training
Dr. George Lehman, professor emeritus of business, will provide training on emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workplace, beginning with a free virtual session through the Lima-Allen County Chamber of Commerce.