Forester Happenings

Fall 2021 Enrollment Update

Huntington University’s fall 2021 enrollment numbers came in at 1,363 total students. Though down slightly from last year’s record enrollment, this number is still up overall when looking at the last five years of data.

“While many universities across the country are reporting downward trends over the past few years or small upticks after extremely low enrollment in 2020, Huntington University is pleased to be consistent, with steady enrollment growth in key areas,” said Daniel Solms, vice president for enrollment management and marketing.

Those “key areas” specifically include the enrollment numbers at HU Arizona, where total undergraduate enrollment is up over 8%. Additionally, graduate program enrollment numbers are up 4%.

Looking at the makeup of our student population, HU has endeavored to increase diversity, and those efforts have yielded nine years of consistent growth. HU’s students who identify as a U.S. ethnic minority currently make up 17% of the total undergraduate population.

Distinguished Service Honorees Announced

During the annual Burgers, Boots, and Blue Jeans event on September 16, the Huntington University Foundation presented the Distinguished Service Award to Brent and Darlene Stanley. The award, established in 2002, honors an individual or an organization whose life or mission embodies the principles associated with the mission of the University. The award is given to a person or organization that gives substance and credence to the University’s beliefs, serves as an effective role model for HU students and is recognized as making a tremendous contribution to Huntington County.

“It is a pleasure to honor the Stanleys for their commitment throughout Huntington County and to Huntington University. They love our community, and it shows. We are proud to honor them this way," said Kay Schwob, senior director of development at HU.

Fulbright Fairchild

Mark Fairchild, PhD, professor of Bible and religion, has been selected as a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar for the 2021-2022 year to conduct research in Turkey.

Fairchild will be involved in excavations at an underwater basilica in Iznik (ancient Nicea). Nicea is the site of Christianity’s first ecumenical council, known as the First Council of Nicea. Preliminary evidence suggests that the submerged basilica was the place where over three hundred leaders of the early church met with the emperor Constantine, culminating in the confessional statement known as the Nicene Creed. Fairchild will collaborate with Mustafa Śahin of Uludag University (Turkey) and Julia De Sigoyer from the Université Grenoble Alpes (France). Fairchild published a report on the discovery of the basilica in the Biblical Archaeology Review in 2018.

Nursing Scholarships Awarded

Huntington University’s Department of Nursing has announced the 2021-2022 scholarship recipients:

• Molly Burton, Raylynn Johnson and Kayla Sparling are recipients of the Indiana Center for Nursing Scholarship

• Catherine Neese is the recipient of the Winter Nursing Scholarship

• Christine Harber is the recipient of the Bruce and Linda Myers Nursing Scholarship

• Danielle Cummins is the recipient of the Nursing Scholarship

Watson Receives Outstanding Achievement Award

Susanne Watson, director of undergraduate admissions, has been recognized with the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals’ (NACCAP’s) Outstanding Achievement Award. This award honors those who work diligently to advance the cause of Christian higher education and demonstrate a commitment to growing their institution.

“Susanne was nominated by her peers for being an enabler, a creative force within the office and one who comes alongside to help other team members be successful in pursuit in their goals and objectives,” said Chant Thompson, NACCAP director emeritus.

Daniel Solms, vice president for enrollment management and marketing, concurred with this assessment, saying that “Susanne has a big heart; she genuinely cares for people and wants to see them succeed. You see that when she engages with prospective students and as a leader of her team. Susanne is also diligent and possesses strong administrative skills that she uses to make us more efficient and to strengthen the foundation of activity that supports us connecting with future students.”