Faculty promotions, new strategic plans at Bluffton University
MAY 12 MEDIA RELEASE__The Bluffton University Board of Trustees met in May for their annual spring meeting. The board discussed a variety of topics including federal and state changes in higher ed, reflections from the halted merger process, enrollment review and other institutional needs. Trustees also took several actions including promoting faculty and approving a one-year strategic plan.
Three faculty members were promoted during the meeting. Dr. Sarah Lehman, who has been with Bluffton since 2019, was promoted to associate professor of biology and granted tenure. Dr. Chris Morrissey, who has been with Bluffton since 2019, was promoted to associate professor of sociology and granted tenure. Dr. Amy Mullins, who has been with Bluffton since 2013, was promoted professor of education.
The board also approved a one-year strategic plan. With Bluffton’s five-year strategic plan ending in 2025 and recent transitions in leadership, new strategies were discussed to help strengthen the mission and vision of Bluffton University into the next 125 years.
Leadership suggested a four-pillar system focused on stability, trust, hope and compassion. The vision statement calls for more concentrated work to begin on stabilizing operations, improving meaningful relationships in the community, building and expanding instructional spaces and increasing student retention and recruitment efforts.
The strategic plan launched during a faculty staff retreat on May 6 with plans to be completed in June 2026. An on-campus planning phase has begun with more information to be made available to the public later this summer.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Friday, August 29, 2025
- Community Dog Park officially opens as memorial to Katrina Riepenhoff
- Obituary for Ian Christopher Shriner
- 2025 Blaze of Lights theme is "Home for the Holidays"
- Pirate volleyball win vs. Defiance Ayersville
- Highway Patrol focused on removing impaired drivers from the road
- Beaverdam Bunch 4-H results at 2025 Allen County Fair
- Porchfest brings live music to Bluffton neighborhoods
Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Pirate girls golf close 2nd at tri; Bauman 1st
- Pirate boys golf 2nd in NWC quad-match
- Pirate girls tennis loss at Wapak
- "You Made It" Forum welcomes Class of 2029
- 2nd annual Bluffton Porchfest celebrates live music
- Learn to play bridge at the Senior Center
- Blanchard Valley Health System enhances “Find-a-Doc”
- Taste of Bluffton serves as mixer for students and residents
- Heart to Heart: New Blood Pressure Guidelines
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Mayberry Rd. closure Aug. 27-28
- Janet M. Leonard was a teacher
- Pirates boys golf wins NWC tri
- Inside Innovations brings established design studio to Bluffton
- Walking thru Autumn hikes include Motter Park
- Colloquium Presentation: Emotional Education in 18th Century Germany
- Student to Share Lessons from Study Abroad Experience in Mexico