Presidents’ address
09/25/2024
Dr. Katherine Fell from Findlay and Dr. Jane Wood from Bluffton spoke of the commonalities of the two universities located just 17 miles apart.
Bluffton's State of the University focused on merger
During the annual State of the University Forum, Dr. Jane Wood, president of Bluffton University, and Dr. Katherine Fell, president of University of Findlay, discussed the state of Bluffton University in the context of the proposed merger with University of Findlay.
President Wood began the presentation by reflecting on Bluffton University’s 125-year history. Wood invited students to imagine what attending college would have been like in 1899, the year Bluffton University was founded.
“A lot has changed since 1899, but what really doesn’t change is the things we all want,” said Wood. “We want to be happy, make a difference in the world and create good relationships.”
In 1899, students were in the middle of the industrial revolution. Now, in 2024, students are in a different kind of revolution, a digital revolution. Both President Wood and President Fell encouraged students to reflect on how the digital revolution can bring students together or push them apart.
Wood and Fell asked from feedback from the audience and students responded that the digital revolution brings students together. Fell stated students can benefit from the digital revolution in the context of this merger as technology allows students from each campus to get to know one another.
President Wood displayed a graph with the number of mergers or closures of public and private non-profit universities. Since 2015, the numbers have accelerated greatly. On average, one small, private institution closes each week.
“We do not want this to happen in our area. Coming together strengthens both Bluffton and Findlay,” said Wood.
Bluffton University and University of Findlay are 17 miles apart. Wood says a merger will allow Bluffton and Findlay to collaborate, rather than compete, to enhance the lives of students.
President Fell spoke about the commonalities Bluffton University, affiliated with Mennonite Church USA, and University of Findlay, affiliated with Churches of God, General Conference, already share.
“Mennonite Church USA and Churches of God, General Conference share a history,” said Fell. “Both of our affiliations remain faithful in the belief to care for one another and differ with one another using peace and civility, which are key to having a good life. Both of our campuses have been and will continue to be dedicated to these principles.”
Fell shared how Bluffton’s four enduring values of discovery, community, respect and service are also lived out at Findlay. Fell gave multiple examples how Findlay students already demonstrate a commitment to these values in their annual freshman service day, through their Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity, and others.
Wood and Fell shared an updated timeline for the proposed merger. In May 2025 the application for the initial stage of the process will be sent to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Pending a positive review, phase one of combining the universities will occur in December 2025 which will be followed by an application for federal approval. At that point, the universities will move into the second phase of the merger process with a timeline to be determined.