Bluffton University news
Groundbreaking
Join us for the groundbreaking of the Austin E. Knowlton Science Center. Located in the heart of campus, the groundbreaking will take place at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1.
Constitution Day
Micaela C. Deming, of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, presented Bluffton's annual Constitution Day Forum, "The Constitution Versus Domestic and Sexual Violence Survivors: The Inherent Conflicts Keeping Women in Danger."
Alumni Forum
Brandon Freytag '08, cofounder and president of talent at Loaded, will present "Gaming: From Passion to Profession" at Forum.
Messiah rehearsals
Rehearsals for Bluffton's 126th performance of Handel's "Messiah" will be held on Tuesdays evenings starting Sept. 28, 2021. Anyone interested in singing is invited to join the chorus.
State of the University
During the annual state of the university address, President Jane Wood shared information including updates on the university's fiscal health, enrollment and graduation outcomes, and strategic planning initiatives.
U.S. News & World Report
Bluffton University has again been recognized by the "U.S. News & World Report" as a Top Performer in Social Mobility, Best Value School and in the top tier of Midwest "regional colleges."
Free community concert
A free concert by brass quintet Cleveland Brass Works will serve as a welcome back to the community after campus was closed to the public during the 2020-21 academic year.
Design Your Life coach
As a Designing Your Life certified coach, Marathana Prothro, assistant professor of communication, can work with individuals and small groups seeking to design joy-filled lives.
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.