January 2024 Publication

JANUARY | 2024

BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY 1

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BUILDING BEYOND EXPECTATIONS A NEW DIRECTION IN STRATEGIC PLANNING

Like many institutions, Buena Vista University has historically set and implemented strategic plans over a five-year period. When it came time to approach a new plan, President Brian Lenzmeier, Ph.D. knew he wanted to move in a different direction.

where we are today and beyond what our constituencies think we are capable of,” said President Lenzmeier. “In order to fully achieve this, we had to be innovative in our approach and rethink the plan’s structure and evaluation.”

of setting five-year goals, BVU is taking on an annual strategic planning process, identifying key initiatives, and reviewing the progress of them on a yearly basis; all of this being guided by three core themes: Building Outcomes, Building Community, and Building Connections. Get a first look at Buena Vista University’s ten-year strategic vision.

“I knew that my overall plan theme would be about us embracing a culture of continuous improvement to build a BVU that is beyond

This new plan, “Building Beyond Expectations,” is actually a tenyear vision, centered around helping every student unlock their greatest potential. Instead

MISSION

VISION

MOTTO

WE PREPARE STUDENTS FOR LIFELONG SUCCESS THROUGH TRANSFORMATIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES.

AT BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY EVERY STUDENT WILL UNLOCK THEIR GREATEST POTENTIAL TO BUILD BETTER LIVES AND STRONGER COMMUNITIES.

EDUCATION FOR SERVICE

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VALUES COMMUNITY

GROWTH

RESILIENCE

We appreciate the connectedness of our community, where every member is respected, included, and valued, and each contributes to the community through service and stewardship of resources.

We embrace curiosity, lifelong learning, continuous improvement, and innovation to achieve personal, professional, and institutional growth.

We accept the challenge of building on our institutional history of resilience, valuing the wisdom and inspiration gained by overcoming adversity with adaptability, creativity, and integrity.

CORE THEMES OF STRATEGIC VISION BUILDING OUTCOMES BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY IS ONE OF THE FEW PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS IN THE REGION THAT IS NOT ONLY GROWING BUT THRIVING. WE CONTINUE TO SEEK WAYS TO EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES TO FURTHER OUR STUDENTS’ SUCCESSES DURING THEIR TIME WITH US.

COCURRICULAR EXPANSION STUNT | INAUGURAL SEASON: 2022-23

BVU became the first university in the state of Iowa to add the emerging sport of STUNT to its cheer and dance program. BVU STUNT was selected to participate at STUNT Nationals during its first season of competition.

SHOOTING SPORTS TEAMS COMPRISED OF ARCHERY & CLAY TARGET SPORTS | INAUGURAL SEASON: 2022-23 During its first season, two members of BVU’s archery team won state championships. Members of the co-ed Clay Target Sports team can compete in the National Collegiate Shooting Sports Athletic Association (NCSSAA) and Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) events.

WOMEN’S WRESTLING | INAUGURAL SEASON: 2023-24

BVU became the 12th Division III school across the Midwest–the third in the American Rivers Conference–to sponsor this growing sport at the scholastic and collegiate levels. The BVU Women’s Wrestling program kicked off its historic first season on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Luther Hill Invitational.

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ACADEMIC PROGRAM ADDITIONS ONLINE MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING PROGRAMS | Launched 2023-24 Academic Year

Buena Vista University has launched two online Master of Arts in Teaching graduate programs, in Special Education and in Teaching Secondary Education to help meet the growing demand for Iowa educators. These two M.A.T. programs were created for working professionals and offer the most affordable pricing in the Midwest.

Scan for more information on these programs.

ENHANCED PATHWAYS THROUGH DMU PARTNERSHIP

Buena Vista University and Des Moines University have partnered to create enhanced pathways for BVU students interested in medical and health science careers, while helping build Iowa’s health care workforce. The pathways include concurrent degrees, guaranteed interviews for many DMU programs, and reserved seats in DMU’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION GRANT Buena Vista University has been awarded $2.1 million from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant. This funding will allow BVU to continue our mission of providing a high-quality education to all students, regardless of their financial background. As expressed in the proposal, the award will support a range of evidence-based initiatives that will enhance every BVU student’s opportunity for success and lead to an increase in undergraduate retention and graduation rates.

BUILDING COMMUNITY LONG KNOWN FOR OUR OUTSTANDING FACILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY, BVU WILL INVEST FURTHER IN PROVIDING EVERY STUDENT WITH ACCESS TO THE MOST EFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR LEARNING, THE FINEST FACULTY AND STAFF, AND LIVING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS THAT SUPPORT COMMUNITY GROWTH.

NEW RESIDENCE HALL Buena Vista University is on track with the building of our new apartment-style residence hall that will now have capacity for over 215 students. Construction is well underway, and we are on track to open Fall 2025. Amenity spaces will include open and private social lounges, study spaces, meeting rooms, laundry facilities, an outdoor courtyard, and a workout center. All this with an emphasis on the student experience.

Scan the QR code for more information on the newest residence hall project

Smith Hall is set to be torn down and replaced with a nice green space within the next twelve months.

ATHLETICS RENOVATIONS Siebens Fieldhouse will undergo additional renovations resulting in a new weightroom and expanded spacing for our student athletes and BVU Athletics coaching staff.

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BUILDING CONNECTIONS WITH OUR CONTINUED GROWTH, BVU REMAINS FOCUSED ON PRIORITIZING OUR CONNECTIONS WITH PROSPECTIVE AND CURRENT STUDENTS, ALUMNI, AND BENEFACTORS. WITHOUT SUCH RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, AND FUNDRAISING EFFORTS, WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE QUALITY RESOURCES OUR STUDENTS DESERVE.

EXPANDED INVESTMENTS IN FUNDRAISING LAUNCHED 2022

In order to continuously improve our alumni engagement efforts and drive fundraising success, BVU has invested in increased staffing and financial resources within the Office of University Advancement. With increased opportunities to expand connection, increase shared experiences, and provide a variety of opportunities to give back, we empower fellow Beavers to serve and make an impact on our global BVU community.

COMMITMENT TO INCREASED HIGHER EDUCATION ACCESS IN IOWA LAUNCHED JULY 2023

For Fall 2024 Storm Lake undergraduate prospects, BVU has launched two opportunities that provide Iowa students with affordable access to a BVU education, minimizing financial barriers to enrollment.

• The Iowa Access Grant ensures that qualifying Iowa students receive 100% tuition coverage.

• The Build-Up-Iowa Scholarship provides all qualifying Iowa students with an additional $2,000 per year in addition to merit scholarships and is renewable for up to four years.

BIO/BIOMED & COMPSCI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS LAUNCHED FALL 2023

BVU is offering 24 full-tuition four-year scholarships awarded over the next two years.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Tell us about you and your family, and your connection to BVU. My dad, David Larson obtained his school administrative degree from BVU. He was an adjunct professor for the School of Education and coached with the football team for 19 years before retiring. My twin brothers Taylor and Jon (Larson) both went to BVU and were on the football team. They graduated with double-majors, and each earned a Master of Science in School Counseling.

JESSICA

MATHISEN ‘04

I also met my husband Tom Mathisen at BVU. Tom graduated from BVU’s School of Business with a degree in finance and accounting and earned an MBA from the University of Iowa.

What is your favorite memory from BVU? From living on campus?

My favorite memory is move-in day and the drive back to campus around the lake with a packed car. It was such an exciting time to see all my friends that I hadn’t seen all summer and figure out where they were all living that year. The Johnny Holm Band would usually play that first night and it was so much fun to see everyone back on campus.

What activities were you involved in at BVU? I was involved in orientation programming that brought groups of first-year students to campus for an overnight throughout the summer and helped with move-in day. It was a great way to get students excited for campus.

Did any specific faculty and/or staff have a special impact on you during your time at BVU and how?

Dr. Gerald Poff and Dr. Richard Lampe had a great positive influence on my BVU science education. Both professors took the time to know me as a student and person. Each provided a great deal of encouragement throughout my four years as a science major. Each were the type of professor that wanted to see students succeed.

You are a co-chair of BVU’s first ever Beaver Ball and have been a member of the alumni board since 2017.

What inspired you to serve BVU in these capacities?

When I was asked to join the alumni board, I felt very excited to have the opportunity to reconnect with BVU and give back in any way that I could, because it had such a profound impact on my life and career path. It is so great to hear of BVU’s ongoing success and share that positive information with fellow alumni.

As co-chairs of the first ever Beaver Ball my husband and I are excited to invite our friends to reconnect with this special school that has meant so much to all of us. I think it will be a reminder of how all the people at BVU made it a great school and helped us all get to where we are today.

BVU just signed an agreement with DMU to create enhanced pathways for BVU students seeking medical and health science careers. You received your education to be a Physician Assistant through DMU. Tell us about your experience and why this partnership is important for current and future BVU students?

BVU’s School of Science has a long tradition of producing well-prepared students who go on to attend graduate programs with much success. The programs are challenging, and the professors are very dedicated and accessible to the students which makes BVU unique. My professors knew me by name and knew my career goals. The motivation that I received encouraged me to continue my biology studies when there were times that I questioned my career path.

BVU’s excellent course offerings provided me with the requirements I needed to apply to the DMU Physician Assistant (PA) program. During J term I also interned with a local PA, which helped set me apart from other applicants as I gained numerous patient observation hours.

The agreement for BVU students to automatically receive an interview is a huge opportunity for them.

Additionally, BVU’s coursework prepares future PAs for the rigorous programming they are about to enter in their first year of PA school. A few of my peers from other schools were not successful due to not being prepared by their undergraduate experience.

Not only do you volunteer your time and share your talent with BVU, but you also donate annually. Why have you and Tom made it a priority to financially support Buena Vista University?

Tom and I are thankful for those that supported BVU to help make our student experience be so amazing. We know that generous friends and alumni of BVU are essential to its long-term success. We both feel that we should give back our time and financially, to continue to ensure future students have such a positive experience.

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