Dr. Jane Wood, Bluffton University president, shared a vision for the university’s future and told about graduate success during her address at Friday morning's Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

Focusing on three “momentum makers,” Dr. Wood shared areas involving academics, student engagement and athletics.

“Over the next 12 to 18 months we will highlight these three areas as what we believe makes us stand out,” she said, based upon a summer planning retreat with the university cabinet.

Providing an overview of Bluffton graduates, Dr. Wood shared these statistics:

• 99% of graduates are employed or in graduate school or in long-term service within six months of graduate.

• Top five industries for recent Bluffton graduates (5-year average)
    • K-12 education
    • Community and faith-based agencies
    • Health care
    • Manufacturing
    • Higher education

• 96% of employed graduates said their Bluffton degree was important in obtaining their job.

Focusing additionally on the academic momentum makers, Dr. Wood said that Bluffton's nutrition and dietetics programs is one of only two accredited private colleges in Ohio.

Concerning athletes, 42 students received HCAC all-academic honors last year, and in the arena of student engagement, the university celebrates nature and the outdoors at the intersection of the village of Bluffton and campus.