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Matt Kennedy , Chief Financial Officer Dan Allen , and Director of Admissions Roberta Nolan , Ed . D ., joining the conversation .
In President Blair ’ s opening comments he noted that the strategy for the operations , growth and development of the College is guided by a commitment to value-based education and a devotion to New Church teachings . He acknowledged the 2016-17 fall term as record breaking , with 303 students enrolled at the College and an eye on growing enrollment to 500 in the next few years .
He expressed a desire for an expanded reach to all learners , both traditional and non-traditional . He also outlined a sequence of points working toward this goal over the next three to five years , starting with expanding academic programs , including additional supportive facilities , and incorporating lifelong learning access into the College ’ s offerings . These initiatives are poised to support continued mission growth .
Dean Bedford detailed some of the plans for expanding academic offerings at the College . He listed a number of new programs in the works including a BFA ( Bachelor of Fine Arts ) in the building arts , a dance minor , a data sciences minor , a communications minor , and a graduate level education program focused on literacy and advanced special education .
The College is actively seeking grant funding for these projects , and Dean Bedford pointed out that these new offerings stem logically from existing resources in the College . He described the adjacent Historic District as an extraordinary boon to a potential BFA program that potentially will distinguish the College among peer institutions , not only regionally but nationwide .
A campus map was projected for the audience to see the recently completed Dr . Sherri Cooper and Rev . Dan Goodenough residence halls , and General Ronald K . Nelson athletic field . Also on the map were suggested locations for possible future projects undergoing feasibility studies – a School of Education and a new student center .
The School of Education would provide additional classroom space for all disciplines and would formally house a graduate School of Education . The student center would serve as a hub for campus life , providing much needed space for student activities , gatherings and presentations .
Dean Rogers reported that a cross section of faculty and staff has formed a committee ensuring that various constituents on campus are represented in early planning phases for such an important structure .
She also reviewed some of the programming that the student life department oversees , and provided an impressive list of positive updates . The news ranged from spiritual life programming to community service opportunities , and from multicultural awareness events to athletic department updates .
She reported another strong academic term for student athletes , with a cumulative GPA over 3.0 this fall . The College will complete the provisional
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