Report 22

Huntington University (1)

1. Academics | 2. Finances/Enrollment/Student Life | 3. Major Issues/Strategic Plans

G. Blair Dowden
Director of Education

I am honored to again make this report regarding the state of higher education within the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Since 1991, I have served both as Huntington University's president and as the denomination's Director of Education. It is a privilege to be part of the educational partnership between the denomination and the College that has now spanned 108 years.

In this report, I will highlight important developments at Huntington University since 2001, when the last quadrennial report was made (Part I). Next, I will address some of the major issues faced by the College during the past four-year period (Part II). The report will conclude with a description of the institution's strategic plans for the future (Part III).

I am grateful to Dr. Norris Friesen and Mr. John Paff for their assistance with the preparation of this report. Dr. Friesen is Vice President and Dean of the College and served as Interim President during my sabbatical this spring. Mr. Paff serves as Executive Assistant to the President.

It should be noted that this will be the last quadrennial report from Huntington University. In June 2005, the institution will be formally renamed Huntington University! The name change reflects our growth and development as an institution of higher learning and is a testament to the strength of our partnership in Christian higher education. More about this change will be presented in Part II.

Part I -- Highlights Since 2001

Academic Programs

The past four years have been characterized by significant growth and development in our academic programs. To better serve a greater number of students, several new academic programs have been launched. Other programs have been discontinued.

In 2004, Huntington University received $2.6 million in matching funds through Lilly Endowment's Special Initiative to Strengthen Philanthropy for Indiana Higher Education. The program was designed to broaden and deepen charitable support for all Indiana colleges and universities. In total, Huntington University raised $5,985,447 from alumni, students, parents, personnel, and other interested parties during the grant period. Of this sum, $2.6 million was eligible for the matching grant.

One million dollars of the matching grant was set aside as seed money to establish new academic programs at Huntington University. An additional $500,000 was earmarked for promoting these new programs. (Additional funds from the matching grant have been invested in scholarship endowments. These endowments will yield approximately $72,000 of financial assistance for Huntington University students each year.)

Our faculty engaged in feasibility studies and market research to determine which program proposals would best meet the needs of college-bound students throughout the region. The matching grant program provided a unique opportunity to expand our academic offerings and serve the needs of more students.

New Academic Programs

Seven new academic programs have been approved by the Huntington University faculty, and one additional feasibility study is still underway.

Master of Education. Following approval from the Indiana Professional Standards Board, Huntington University began offering the Master of Education degree in early 2005. The new graduate program is designed for teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in education from a regionally accredited institution. Master of Education concentrations will be available in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Reading, Early Adolescent Education, and Adolescent and Young Adult Education.

Economics and Finance. Starting the fall semester of 2004, Huntington's Business Department has offered a new bachelor's degree in Economics and Finance. The program will prepare students for employment in fields such as financial services, banking, insurance, risk management and real estate. The new curriculum revises and expands the existing business economics track. Since 1997, business program enrollment has grown 37 percent. Over that same time period, enrollment in the economics track has grown over 300 percent. The new Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Finance is designed to meet this demand and serve greater numbers of students.

Digital Media Arts. In the fall of 2004, the Communication Department launched a new Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Media Arts. The new program complements other tracks offered at Huntington University, including Broadcast Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Communication Studies, and Digital Film Studies. Graduates with a degree in Digital Media Arts will be prepared for employment in web design and publishing, disc authoring, television production, film making, photography and image editing, illustration, 2D and 3D animation, advertising, and design. Huntington University has actively recruited faculty members with experience working for Big Idea Productions, makers of the popular Veggie Tales series.

Political Studies. Also beginning in fall 2004, Huntington University students have had the option to choose to major in political studies. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Studies allows students to succeed in a wide variety of careers after college including employment in public administration, the legal professions, teaching, public service, and political research and writing. The program will provide both theoretical and practical knowledge of the American political process. Students will complete an internship with a department of local, state or federal government, political party, public affairs organization, or advocacy group. Alternately, students may participate in the American Studies Program in Washington, D.C., a semester-long experience sponsored by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

Social Work. Huntington University will launch a bachelor's degree in social work in the fall semester of 2005. This professional degree will prepare students for careers with private and public social service agencies. The College is currently seeking accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Social workers serve people who suffer from some of the most troubling issues in society, including poverty, abuse, hunger, management, illness, and educational depravation. Our social work program is closely tied to our institutional mission and, once accredited, will potentially attract significant numbers of students to Huntington.

Sports Ministry. A bachelor's degree in Recreation and Sports Ministry was also launched in the fall of 2004. The new program is a collaborative effort of the Departments of Recreation Management and Ministry and Missions. The degree will meet the needs of recreation and sports ministries in the local church, youth organizations, and other related agencies.

Worship Leadership. A Bachelor of Science degree in Worship Leadership, to be offered beginning in fall 2005, will provide students with the ministry skills, understanding, and competencies needed to facilitate meaningful worship experiences that are both culturally sensitive and theologically sound. The Worship Leadership program will offer students a unique combination of ministry leadership preparation and specialized skill development in such fields as music, multimedia, and theater.

Nursing Feasibility Study. In addition to these seven new programs, the College is currently conducting a feasibility study for developing a new undergraduate degree in nursing. Huntington's strong curriculum in the sciences, outstanding facilities in the new Science Hall, and close connections with regional health-care providers would form the foundation for such a program. The current feasibility study will determine whether Huntington can attract and retain qualified nursing faculty and locate sufficient numbers of clinical experiences in the region for nursing students.

Discontinued Undergraduate Programs

This year, faculty voted to discontinue two undersubscribed academic programs. The Business Department ended its trial program in e-commerce. In addition, the Division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences discontinued its major in environmental science, opting to offer a minor concentration instead.

Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries

The Graduate School of Christian Ministries launched a new Master of Arts program in Counseling Ministries. It is designed to help students develop the counseling knowledge and skills needed to bring healing and hope to hurting people as counselors in churches or parachurch organizations. This program will prepare graduates for church counseling, hospital chaplaincy, crisis pregnancy centers, family case management, or other counseling positions which do not require professional licensure.

EXCEL Program for Adults

Expansions to the EXCEL Program implemented in 2000 have proven successful. The Associate's Degree program consists of 64 academic credits: 25 in the Huntington University core curriculum, 31 in the organizational management major, and eight in electives. The program has been popular and has served as a bridge to the bachelor's degree program.

EXCEL's Gateway Program provides preparatory core courses and electives for adults seeking to enter the bachelor's program. These courses are also open to non-degree seeking adults who wish to satisfy professional or personal development goals.

Academic Recognition

US News and World Report has consistently ranked Huntington University in the Top Tier of Midwestern comprehensive colleges. The magazine's 2005 guide to "America's Best Colleges" marks the tenth consecutive year that Huntington University has been listed among the best in its class.

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools has granted Huntington University continued accreditation for a period of ten years (the longest possible term). Our next comprehensive evaluation will take place during the 2013-2014 academic year.

This is very good news. In addition, Huntington University has been formally approved to offer Master's programs in the additional fields of education and counseling. We also have been authorized to offer academic programs at off-campus sites within an expanded, 100-mile radius.

While no additional focused visits will be required, The Higher Learning Commission asked for a contingency report pending the outcome of the United Brethren Church's decision to join the Missionary Church. This report was filed in January 2005, following the outcome of the denominational referendum. The report indicated there would be no changes in Huntington University's finances, governance, and denominational ties.

The Higher Learning Commission team made several recommendations regarding issues that should be addressed over the next ten years. These include faculty workloads, salary benchmarks, the number of academic departments with only one or two faculty members, the need for formal links between assessment and budgeting, the careful orientation of adjunct faculty, library staffing, and other matters. We want to develop intentional plans to address these issues.

Huntington University will also undergo a review in 2005 by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Dr. Steve Holtrop and other education faculty are busily preparing for this important accreditation visit.

Go to Part 2