Editor’s introduction to a three-part series on change
I remember who I was when first taking a tour of campus. My face hurt from smiling so much. I immediately felt like I belonged, like I had found the community I always longed for. Now, I’m a different person still holding onto that sense of community I thought would never waver.
From left, Payton Stephens age 18 to age 22. Photo provided by Stephens.
I am a senior communication and media and writing double major who has spent all four years of my college career at Bluffton University. I have taken this semester as an opportunity to reflect on the changes over the course of the last four years.
I have spoken with faculty and staff from a variety of divisions – including every academic department – across campus as well as over 60 students from different departments, social groups, sports teams, student organizations and backgrounds.
After speaking with more than 100 people, it’s clear things have changed on our campus since I tied the yellow bandana around my wrist at the 2019 Freshman Olympics. I noticed patterns emerge as I listened to the stories and reflections you shared with me. The themes are Experience, Expectations and Identity. They are the foundation for a three-part series that I’ve been working on since February.
Every day I walk through campus I remind myself of the love I have for Bluffton. When chatting with professors and staff, I know I have friends, cheerleaders and mentors who push me to be the best version of myself and who still support me when I’m not.
Passing by the tennis courts and seeing women laughing while playing a game of doubles I’m reminded of how the campus is connected with the broader Bluffton Village.
While watching the Riley Creek flood I remember the weather conditions during my first step on campus in spring of 2019. Beeshy Bridge was barely visible under water, a fat grey squirrel sitting on the edge seemingly unfazed.
I came to college with the sole aspiration of becoming a published author and am now leaving with hopes for a career in journalism. I have grown tremendously over my years here. I have gained confidence in myself and my abilities personally and professionally.
Eighteen-year-old Payton wouldn’t have dreamed of having the passion, confidence and knowledge to achieve the things I have now. She definitely wouldn’t have written this article and the ones that will soon follow.
According to U.S. News & World Report, The New York Times and various other sources*, many colleges have been struggling since the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. Liberal arts colleges and universities – especially the small ones – have taken the largest hit in enrollment and financial stability.
Bluffton University shares these struggles with many universities across the country. In the cases of St. Gregory University in Oklahoma and Grace University in Nebraska, these financial issues had a domino effect on multiple areas of campus life. This led to their eventual downfall and closings.
From the data I have collected, Bluffton has made positive strides when it comes to finances since the Covid-19 pandemic. Although, financial improvements come from budgeting which has led to staffing reductions and pushback from students.
Students’ primary concerns are rooted in their day-to-day experiences, the second theme that emerged.
The story of our Experience will bring forward narratives from Bluffton students, faculty and staff. The firsthand stories will highlight both positive and negative encounters on our campus.
The story of our Expectations will examine current policies and procedures regarding the Community of Respect, campus conduct, restorative justice, and honor code among others. You will see from my hours of research and interviews how these policies and procedures have evolved over the years and opportunities for improvement voiced by students, faculty and staff.
Finally, in the story of our Identity we will learn about the historical context of Bluffton University and its mission statement. You will take a deep dive into the enduring values of discovery, community, respect and service and examine how the way we live these values today compares to the ways they were lived in years past.
The voices I’ve heard and the data I have collected have revealed that I’m not the only person who has noticed and felt the winds of change on the Bluffton University campus. I want to see the home away from home I love thrive with community, hope and prosperity.
I want to be able to smile and beam with pride when someone asks about my small vibrant alma mater, having no idea where the Village of Bluffton is. I don’t want to have to sigh before saying that my school is no longer a school but just something I have to remember.
*Additional sources consulted:
Dickler, J. “’Universities Are Going to Continue to Suffer.’ Some Colleges Struggle with Enrollment Declines, Underfunding.” CNBC, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2022, https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/05/colleges-struggle-with-enrollment-declines-underfunding-post-covid.html.
Hess, Abigail. “74% Of Colleges Are Facing Financial Challenges, According to a New Survey of Higher Ed Professionals.” CNBC, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2021, https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/25/74percent-of-colleges-face-financial-challenges-according-to-survey-of-higher-ed-workers.html.
Moody, Josh. “More Colleges Will Likely Face Closure in 2023, Experts Say.” Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs, Inside Higher Ed, Jan. 2023, https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2023/01/19/more-colleges-will-likely-face-closure-2023-experts-say.
