Returning to our Roots
Presidents Dr. Katherine Fell of University of Findlay, and Dr. Jane Wood, of Bluffton University, announced Bluffton’s name post-merger at the 2024 President’s Society Banquet.
A highlight of this year’s Homecoming Weekend was the annual President’s Society Banquet, where Dr. Jane Wood, Bluffton University president, and Dr. Katherine Fell, University of Findlay president, announced the Bluffton campus name post-merger will be Bluffton College.
Approved unanimously by Bluffton University and University of Findlay Board of Trustees, and pending approvals from the Higher Learning Commission, U.S. Department of Education and Ohio Department of Education, the Bluffton campus will be renamed Bluffton College and continue its peace church heritage. This name change was at the request of the Bluffton Board of Trustees, which Findlay’s board supported.
Returning to Bluffton College helps ensure Bluffton’s identity and mission remain, and our heritage continues to live on in the next generation of students.
“No matter if our beloved campus is a ‘college’ or ‘university,’ it will always be distinctively Bluffton,” said Dr. Wood. “Returning to our previous name is another example of the commitment from Findlay to honor our history and heritage.”
Positive change will happen in many areas, but there are values that will endure beyond the merger. Under the umbrella of University of Findlay’s mission to equip students for meaningful lives and productive careers, Bluffton’s current mission, which seeks to prepare all students for vocation, responsible citizenship and service to God’s kingdom, will be maintained, and its legacy will continue.
Bluffton will also maintain its Mennonite Church USA affiliation, Beaver athletics in the NCAA Division III, celebrating our alumni at Homecoming, and providing Bluffton students with the quality of education expected from our institution.
“For 125 years, Bluffton has nurtured and educated students with care and commitment,
discovery and community, respect and service,” said Dr. Wood. “Bluffton will continue
to honor the legacy that’s been built while moving forward into a future of collaboration
with
University of Findlay.”
