Bluffton University was informed that the University of Findlay Board of Trustees voted on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, not to proceed with the joint application to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for merger approval and to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding signed on March 19, 2024. This decision comes after nearly a year of collaboration and preparation for the proposed merger.
The university issued this statement:
The merger work has resulted in an invaluable reflective process for both campuses as we have examined our strengths, areas for growth and capacity to change. The due diligence of the past year will help each university move forward in important ways.
Bluffton University announced on February 26 that Dr. Jane Wood has resigned from her position as president, and that Dr. J. Alexander Sider has been appointed as Acting President effective immediately.
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to express our gratitude to Dr. Wood for her service to Bluffton University. Her leadership has been integral to the university’s growth and development,” said Cheryl Hacker, Bluffton University Board of Trustees Chairperson. “We are confident that Dr. Sider’s deep commitment to our mission ‘to prepare students for life as well as vocation…and ultimately for the purposes of God’s universal kingdom,’ combined with his extensive experience at Bluffton, will ensure a smooth and successful transition as we continue to build a bright future for the university."
Bluffton University has announced the following March 2025 Arts and Events Calendar. Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. All events are also posted on the Icon's Community Calendar.
March 9-23
Anabaptism Event: Anabaptism at 500, exhibit “Early Anabaptist Bibles in the Musselman Library Historical Collections,” 3-5 p.m., Musselman Library, Reading Room
Dr. Diana Montague, professor of media and communication, University of Findlay, will provide the Forum, “Researching University of Findlay’s Growth Beyond Findlay College: Rooted in the Past, Reaching Toward the Future,” at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Yoder Recital Hall.
During the presentation, the author of a forthcoming book on the history of University of Findlay will discuss the university’s growth and development from 1983-2019.
The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center of Bluffton University, University of Findlay and the Japan Foundation will be hosting a Taiko Japanese drumming workshop at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, in Burcky Gym.
In this workshop participants will get to practice the art of Taiko, an ancient tradition of drumming. Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited.
February 14 marked the official launch of Bluffton College Foundation, a newly established 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting the long-term success and development of Bluffton University.
"We are thrilled to announce the creation of Bluffton College Foundation, led by Edward Diller, 1969 alumnus and previous 20-year Bluffton board member, with 10 years as Chairman," said Cheryl Hacker, chairperson of the Bluffton University Board of Trustees. “We envision Bluffton College Foundation becoming a cornerstone of our institution’s future, and with Ed at the helm, we are confident this charitable organization will ensure the Bluffton campus remains vibrant and engaging.”
