Bluffton University news
Intervention specialist pathway
Teachers seeking new opportunities in the field of education now have an accelerated summer option to complete coursework for an Ohio Department of Education intervention specialist license.
Enrollment grows
A large first-year class combined with successful retention efforts and growth in adult and graduate studies enrollments account for a 49-student increase.
Passion into Profession
How do you turn your passion into your profession? Brandon Freytag '08, cofounder and president of talent at Loaded, did just that.
Homecoming and Alumni Weekend
Homecoming and Alumni Weekend events on Oct. 1-2 will include cheering for the football and volleyball teams, alumni and affinity gatherings, campus tours, food trucks, Beaver Tail-Gating and inflatables.
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."
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."
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."
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.
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.
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.
Reading endorsement
Teachers seeking to advance their careers can fast-track their plans by enrolling in Bluffton's summer reading endorsement program.
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.
"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."
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.