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.