November 2026

November 5, 2026

Dear Huntington University Community,

There are moments in the life of an institution when it is important to pause, reflect on where we have been, and consider where we are headed. I believe Huntington University is at an important moment in its journey. We have much to celebrate in our history and in the work taking place across our campuses today. We also recognize the opportunities and responsibilities that come with building a thriving Christ-centered university — one that remains faithful to its heritage and mission while thoughtfully embracing the future. Our recent Board of Trustees meetings provided an opportunity to affirm that direction and take several important steps toward realizing that vision.

I am grateful for the commitment of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, and friends who share this work. The progress we are making reflects a community that cares deeply about this University and the students we serve.

I am writing to provide you with the fall 2026 Board of Trustee update and strategic planning, as well as an overview of the many exciting things happening on campus.

Highlights from the Huntington University October Board Meeting

I want to share several highlights and actions from our October Board of Trustees meetings. Our time was focused on moving from surviving to thriving.

Celebrating Agriculture at Huntington
One of the highlights of our time together was a farm-to-table dinner, spotlighting the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies. The celebration brought together board members, community leaders, and agricultural leaders who are committed to the mission of Huntington University. The evening highlighted our faculty and students as they shared their experiences and accomplishments.

Board Membership and Leadership
We extend our sincere gratitude to C. Robin Wright, (1982), for 16 years of dedicated service on the Huntington University Board of Trustees. His longstanding commitment, leadership, and support of the University have made a meaningful impact, and we are grateful for the many ways he has contributed during his tenure. As he concludes his service on the Board in December 2026, Robin will be named Trustee Emeritus beginning January 1, 2027.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Josh Wilhite for three years of dedicated service on the Board of Trustees. During his time on the Board, Josh has generously shared his time, perspective, and commitment to Huntington University. We are grateful for his thoughtful contributions, his support for the University’s mission, and the role he has played in helping guide the University during his tenure.

The Board welcomed five new trustees. Dr. Russ Baker (1981), Mike Magsig (1969), Kassi Tom-Rowland, and Trent Wolfe, whose terms will begin January 1, 2027. In addition, Rev. Dr. Aaron Perry, the senior pastor of King Street Church (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania) was appointed by the UB Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to the Higher Education Leadership Team in June of 2026. Dr. Perry attended his first board meeting this October, and he will serve the remainder of Tomra Cardin’s HELT term (through December 2027). These individuals bring experience spanning pastoral ministry, higher education, executive leadership, agriculture, finance, and community service. They share a commitment to Christ-centered leadership and to the mission of Huntington University. We look forward to welcoming them to the Board of Trustees and to the leadership and perspective they will bring as Huntington University continues to grow and move forward. Stay tuned for more information about these servant leaders.

The Board reappointed Bobby Caley and Tomra Cardin to the Board of Trustees to serve an additional four-year term beginning January 1, 2027. The Board also approved new Board leadership. We are thankful for Monte Lightner, who served as chair with distinction. Monte’s term as chair has come to an end; however, he will remain on the Board to fulfill his term. Current vice chair Rae Gonterman was elected Board chair; Adrian Halverstadt will serve as vice chair. Tom Feusse’s term as secretary has come to an end and Matt Wilcox will begin as secretary. Tom Feusse will serve as chair of the Finance Committee. All leadership changes are effective January 1, 2027.

Affirmation of Institutional Identity Statements
Thriving organizations are guided by a clear understanding of who they are, why they exist, what they believe, and where they are headed. These foundational questions shape decisions, culture, priorities, and ultimately the legacy of an organization. For more than a century, Huntington University has faithfully pursued its Christ-centered mission while responding to the changing needs of students, the Church, and society. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, it is important that Huntington clearly articulates the enduring principles that define the University while providing a compelling vision for its future.

Over the past year, the Strategic Leadership Team in consultation with The Brand Innovation Group conducted qualitative and quantitative research with several hundred Huntington University stakeholders, including trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, students, and community members, to better understand how the University is perceived and what makes it distinct. This research has informed our revised institutional framework: a clear unified identity, mission, foundational values, and vision. The Board has reaffirmed the current Statement of Faith. There is a task force, led by Drs. Rob Pool and Luke Fetters, that will be reviewing the Philosophy of Christian Education. These documents will provide a unified framework for leadership, governance, strategic planning, academic development, student life, organizational culture, fundraising, and institutional decision-making.

Institutional Identity Statement
Huntington University is a Christ-centered university with a strong historic and ongoing relationship with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.

Mission Statement
Huntington University educates and equips men and women to impact the world for Christ through scholarship and service.

Foundational Values
Huntington University’s foundational values flow from our identity as a Christ-centered university. Grounded in Christ and guided by Scripture, these values are more than ideals; they are enduring commitments that guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define how we live and work together. They reflect who we are while challenging us to continually grow as we pursue our mission of equipping students to impact the world for Christ. As faithful stewards of the relationships, resources, and opportunities entrusted to us, we seek to embody these commitments in all that we do.

• Christ-Centered Faithfulness: Rooted in Christ and guided by scripture
• Commitment to Excellence: Pursuing our work with purpose, rigor, and humility
• Creative Innovation: Embracing imagination, opportunity, and thoughtful change
• Collaborative Spirit: Working together toward a shared mission
• Caring Community: Creating a place where people are seen, heard, and known

Vision Statement
Huntington University will be a thriving Christ-centered university, faithfully stewarding our heritage while courageously embracing the future.

New Academic Structure and Strategic Leadership Team
Following the recommendation from the Board of Trustees Academic Programs Committee, the full Board affirmed the proposed academic restructuring in which all academic programs at all locations will be organized into six schools led by deans. I am pleased to announce that Dr. Luke Fetters, who has served with distinction as the vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty, has been named Huntington University’s first provost effective January 1, 2027. Dr. Fetters will be working in the coming months to identify deans of the schools as he forms the Academic Cabinet. This six-school model will be implemented effectively with the 2027-2028 academic year with additional information being shared this spring semester. The six schools are as follows:

• The School of Agriculture
• The School of Business
• The School of Education and Social Sciences
• The School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• The School of Media and Creative Arts
• The School of Nursing and Health Sciences

In accordance with the Manual of Operations the Board approved the following individuals serving in their respective roles:

• Dr. Rob Pool — Vice president for student life and athletics
• Mr. Bob Young — Vice president for advancement
• Mr. Wayne Moore — Vice president for finance and operations
• Mrs. Susie Carr — Vice president for enrollment management & marketing
• Dr. Luke Fetters — Provost (effective January 1, 2027)

Campus Master and Strategic Planning
The Board affirmed engaging with Design Collaborative to develop a campus master plan. This plan is being funded through an anonymous donor who has covered these expenses. This process will begin this fall and should be completed no later than June 2027. The Board also affirmed a strategic planning process to begin in January 2027. The goal of this will be a three-year plan that will intentionally move us to becoming a thriving Christ-centered university.

Hardy Hall Renewal
For generations of Huntington University women, Hardy Hall has been more than a place to live. It has been a place where friendships were formed, memories were made, and a sense of belonging took root. As we look toward the future, renewing Hardy Hall is one way we are bringing our vision to life: Huntington University will be a thriving Christ-centered university, faithfully stewarding our heritage while courageously embracing the future.

Huntington University is moving forward with Hardy Hall Renewal, a multi-year effort to preserve the distinctive character and sense of community that have made Hardy special while making needed improvements to the building. The four-phase plan, scheduled primarily during the summers of 2027-2030, includes building-wide electrical upgrades, renovated student rooms, restrooms, and lounges, and the reopening of the currently unused third floor, adding 40 beds. Several initial gifts have already been received or pledged to help launch this effort. We will be sharing additional information about the renewal and opportunities to support it as plans move forward. This is more than improving a residence hall; it is an investment in the residential experience and campus community we want to provide for future generations of Foresters.

Admissions and Enrollment Updates

A Record-Setting Fall 2026
Huntington University welcomed 308 new traditional undergraduates this year, our largest new class in 16 years. That includes 255 first-time freshmen and a record 30 new international students who are bringing the world to our campuses. Students are thriving at HU Arizona in Peoria, too. Our graduate programs and the accelerated nursing program in Fort Wayne continue to grow, and about 1,300 degree-seeking students now call HU home across all three locations.

Already Looking Forward to Fall 2027
We are off to a great start for fall 2027; as of October 20, more than 1,000 students have applied, 667 have been admitted, and 54 have already said yes to HU. We are building friendships with 14 lead schools across the region, from local public high schools to Christian schools and homeschool families. Our first Scholars Day event of the academic year is scheduled for November 6, 2026, with 59 students currently registered. Additional Scholars Day events are scheduled for February 5 and March 19, 2027.

Advancement Updates

Giving Overview 
Fiscal Year 2026 has been a year of building a stronger foundation for advancement and positioning Huntington University for sustained philanthropic growth. Total giving for FY26 reached $4,413,283. As the University continues to experience growth within the Office of Advancement, the team is engaging donors in a broader range of giving methods than ever before — a critical step during this unprecedented intergenerational transfer of wealth as baby boomers pass assets to their heirs. With more than $2 million in new planned gifts added in FY26, HU’s deferred gift expectancies now exceed $32.6 million.

Forester Fund 
The Forester Fund stands as a cornerstone of Huntington University’s mission, driven by the purposeful goal of “Building a Forest of Foresters.” By prioritizing financial support, this fund bridges the gap for our students, ensuring that a transformative, Christ-centered education remains within reach for everyone in our campus community.

The Forester Fund generated $510,106 in FY26. To date, FY27 giving to the Forester Fund is 112% ahead of the same point last year. There were 113 members of the Pacesetter Society, representing donors who contributed $1,000 or more to the Forester Fund in FY26.

The 2026 “24 Hours of Giving” campaign was a resounding success, setting a new high-water mark for community generosity by raising a total of $160,570, an increase from $142,062 in 2025.

Alumni Engagement 
This year has been a productive season of reconnection. Homecoming 2026, held October 2-4, was one of our most memorable celebrations in years. The weekend brought Foresters together for the Festival on the Mall, class reunions, and our Alumni Banquet and Awards Ceremony, where we celebrated the 50th reunion of the Class of 1976 and honored Marcy Hawkins, Mark Wickersham, and Dr. Ann McPherren for their outstanding achievements and service. The Homecoming excitement continued October 4 as the baseball team took on Indiana University in an exhibition game at Parkview Field, home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. With a packed stadium and an incredible atmosphere, it was a memorable way to conclude a fantastic weekend of Forester pride!

Be on the lookout for regional alumni gatherings, opportunities for meaningful mentorships with students, and a redesigned alumni website. From campus traditions to new opportunities for connection, we are building lasting relationships and strengthening Forester pride for generations to come!

Grants & Foundation Relations 
The Office of Advancement coordinates the writing, reporting, and record keeping process of grants submitted for Huntington University.

Grants awarded recently:

• PNC Bank: $5,000 awarded for the cross country course project 
• Bendix Automotive: $9,000 awarded for the OTD Fort Wayne program “Go Baby Go”
• Brotherhood Insurance Foundation: $15,000 awarded for three areas: $5,000 Hometown Grant Dinner sponsorship, $5,000 Forester Fund Scholarship Dinner sponsorship, $5,000 OTD Fort Wayne Guatemala missions trip support

Student Life and Spiritual Formation Updates

This fall, the Offices of Student Life, Athletics, Spiritual Formation, and Title IX were reunited under the leadership of our newest vice president, Dr. Rob Pool. Strategic initiatives currently underway include creating a University-wide master calendar, streamlining campus promotions, and strengthening collaboration across campus.

Orientation welcomed 260 new students and partnered with faculty to launch a new mentoring initiative. The Student Government Association has reached its highest number of representatives in University history and recently collaborated with the Student Activities Board to host more than 170 students at the Presidential Ball.

The annual Olympiad will take place November 5-7, with many points already earned through Homecoming’s powder puff and volleybuff competitions. More than 350 students attended the annual hoedown, in addition to over 50 prospective students who visited campus as guests of the Office of Admissions.

This year, six chapel services will be offered in a new small group “breakout” format designed to promote deeper engagement with Scripture and foster meaningful connections among students, faculty, and staff. This initiative is part of Spiritual Formation’s effort to meet students where they are in their walk with Christ and encourage spiritual growth.

Several new wellness initiatives are also underway. Intramural tournaments, open gym opportunities, and exercise classes are experiencing increased participation thanks to the leadership of Head Men’s Volleyball Coach & Director of the Intramural Program Ken Shaw and student intramural leaders. Counseling Services recently received a gift from The Charles and Candace Curie Fund for Mental Health and Wellness that will enhance mental health and wellness initiatives throughout 2026-2027 and beyond. Finally, responding directly to student feedback, new ice machines have been installed in residence halls across campus.

SENIORS Feature Film Updates

Huntington University’s third feature film, SENIORS, hit select theaters around the country on October 23 with strong opening weekend attendance fueled by robust evening showtimes, well-attended matinees, and community-led group outings. The official debut came on the heels of the film’s Hollywood red-carpet premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre and highly successful performances at the Indiewood Film Festival and the Heartland International Film Festival. SENIORS took home the Grand Prize for Best Feature at the Indiewood Film Festival before claiming the Indiana Narrative Award and Audience Choice Award: Indiana Spotlight Narrative at the Heartland International Film Festival.

Building off the opening-week success in theatres, we are thrilled that SENIORS is screening at Harkins Arrowhead in Peoria, Arizona. We are particularly excited that Dr. Lance Clark had the opportunity to host an exclusive Q&A following the 6:00 p.m. screening on November 4. It was a great opportunity for the HU Arizona community to celebrate their involvement with the film and the great success it has had!

To learn more about SENIORS or to find screening locations, times, and tickets, visit seniorsthemovie.com.

Athletics Updates

Below are highlights of recent success and accomplishments of Huntington student athletes and the Division of Athletics. For more details and to view schedules to come cheer on the Foresters at future athletic events, visit HUAthletics.com. Updates are as of October 20.

Cross Country
Senior Abbey Gentz has made an immediate impact in her return to competition, opening the season with a victory at Indiana Wesleyan’s Twilight Invitational by more than 40 seconds before finishing first among team-scoring runners at the Ray Bullock Invitational. Her performances earned her Crossroads League Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week honors each time, along with USTFCCCA NAIA Women’s National Athlete of the Week recognition following her Twilight Invitational victory. On the men’s side, Jaden Kropp has paced the Foresters with a top-10 finish at the Twilight Invitational and a top-20 performance at Calvin College’s Knight Invitational.

Men’s Golf
Huntington men’s golf competed in four invitationals this fall, highlighted by sophomore Carter Hall’s fourth-place finish at the Harrison Lakes Collegiate, which earned him a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Coach Rick Sholund’s lineup featured an entirely underclassmen scoring five, providing valuable competitive experience for a young team with considerable potential.

Women’s Golf
Despite a limited fall schedule, Huntington women’s golf recorded top-five finishes at four tournaments. Sophomore Magnolia Miller led the way by rewriting the program record book during opening weekend, posting a record-low 18-hole score of 70 and a record 36-hole total of 142 to claim medalist honors at The Duel at the Rock. Miller continued her strong play with a runner-up finish at the Stonehenge Invitational, earning Crossroads League Women’s Golfer of the Week recognition.

Men’s Soccer
The Foresters collected three wins during nonconference play before entering the demanding Crossroads League schedule. Huntington battled nationally recognized opponents Grace and Spring Arbor to draws of 0-0 and 2-2, respectively, before earning its first league victory at Goshen. Senior Kovan Drenth, a Goshen native, delivered the decisive goal with a header to lift HU to a 1-0 road win.

Women’s Soccer
HU women’s soccer has enjoyed one of the strongest starts in program history, opening the season 4-0-1 while outscoring its opponents 21-7. Senior Sophie Shepherd has spearheaded the attack with 10 goals and 3 assists, while freshman Payton Toth has made an immediate impact with 9 goals and 4 assists. Together, the duo has provided a dynamic offensive foundation for the Foresters’ success.

Men’s Tennis
Huntington men’s tennis posted a perfect 3-0 record this fall while making a strong impression on the national stage. At the ITA Midwest Regional Championships, the Foresters produced the singles champion, a singles runner-up, three semifinalists, four quarterfinalists, and a doubles runner-up. Junior Mete Koseoglu claimed the regional singles title after defeating teammate Julian Tantera in the semifinals and Mateo Batista in the championship match, earning an automatic bid to the ITA Cup in Rome, Georgia. Tantera also qualified for the national event as an at-large singles selection, while he and Javier Lopez Real earned an at-large doubles bid. Competing against the NAIA’s top 16 singles players and doubles teams, Koseoglu advanced to the singles quarterfinals, and Tantera and Lopez Real reached the doubles quarterfinals.

Women’s Tennis
Forester women’s tennis turned in a strong fall campaign, finishing 3-2 with a commanding 6-0 sweep of NCAA Division II Ashland University. The Foresters’ only setbacks came against NCAA Division I Valparaiso and NCAA Division II Saginaw Valley State. HU also excelled at the ITA Midwest Regional Championships, producing a singles semifinalist, a doubles runner-up, four singles players in the round of 16, and two doubles teams in the semifinals. Yariange Ballo and Ashley Bucur led the way in doubles, advancing to the championship match to secure a runner-up finish.

Women’s Volleyball
In a season of transition, Huntington has remained competitive behind the standout play of sophomore Maggie Hollon, who has ranked among the NAIA’s national leaders in kills while averaging approximately five per set. Hollon has earned two NAIA Women’s Volleyball Attacker of the Week awards and three Crossroads League Attacker of the Week honors, establishing herself as one of the nation’s premier offensive players. The Foresters have also received significant contributions from senior setter Lauren Ross, a two-time Crossroads League Setter of the Week, and junior defender Kennedy Urban, a two-time Crossroads League Defender of the Week.

Good News About Huntington

Here are some of the recent achievements and good news stories of members of the Huntington community. For more details, visit the Huntington University news webpage or Facebook page.

• The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at Huntington University has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality for how well they prepare future teachers to teach reading to elementary students. The report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, published on June 9, spotlights Huntington University for meeting the standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction. Specifically, this means the program is preparing aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, and avoids many instructional practices that research has shown to be ineffective or counterproductive for teaching children to read.
• Huntington University’s Department of Nursing has received a full 10-year reaccreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Huntington stands as a leading nursing program in Indiana, with the reaccreditation coming on the heels of data showing HU’s excellence in progressing nursing students through the program. The reaccreditation also further strengthens the ongoing partnership between HU’s program and Parkview Health, where students complete clinical work for the program. Another key achievement for the program is the strength of data received regarding National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates. Huntington boasts both high first-time pass rates and matriculation rates, an unusually strong combination among Indiana programs. This indicates most students are progressing through the program successfully, reach NCLEX eligibility, and pass the NCLEX on the first attempt. The consistently strong matriculation and graduation percentages highlight the program’s dedication to student success, with an emphasis on supporting students through the academic process to achieve their goals.
• Huntington University selected Dr. Aaron Wilkinson as its new chair of the Department of Business and Economics, directing the department at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Wilkinson brings a distinctive blend of academic leadership, administrative experience, and student-centered teaching to the role. Wilkinson steps into a thriving program, with the Department of Business and Economics being one of the University’s most highly enrolled programs.
• Huntington University completed five facility upgrade projects throughout the spring and summer, providing the campus with enhanced and refreshed spaces for the campus community ahead of the 2026-2027 academic year. Spaces included in the upgrades were Forester Studios in the Merillat Centre for the Arts, Habecker Dining Commons and HUB Food Service, Baker Hall, the Baker Hall-Roush Hall lounge, and the Department of Education in Loew-Brenn Hall.
• Huntington University has launched its Pre-Law Advisory Council (PAC) dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and mentoring Huntington University students pursuing law school or careers in related fields. The PAC is comprised of Huntington University alumni who practice law or utilize their law degree in a variety of professions, and are committed to the University mission, including the integration of Christian faith and learning across all academic disciplines. Council members are passionate about investing in the next generation of legal professionals by building valuable connections with students and developing a robust network of Christian legal practitioners. Key goals for the PAC include providing insight into various legal career paths and daily practices, supporting students in navigating moral and ethical challenges within the profession, and enhancing Huntington University’s strong track record in preparing students for law school and impactful careers.
• Huntington University celebrated its inaugural Founders Day on September 21, the anniversary of the institution’s dedication. The day was filled with reflection of HU’s past and vision for the future, with many alumni, UB pastors, and employees joining in the day’s events.
• Huntington University has joined the SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards® Consortium, a national network of more than 435 private colleges and universities that offer guaranteed tuition discounts to families who have accumulated Tuition Rewards points. The partnership, formalized through a College Enrollment Consortium Agreement with SAGE Scholars, Inc. and signed September 15, 2026, takes effect for incoming undergraduate students. Tuition Rewards is a free loyalty-points program in which families earn points — through participating employers, banks, and 529 college savings plans — that convert into guaranteed tuition discounts at consortium colleges, at no cost to the family or the institution. As a new Consortium member, Huntington University will accept Tuition Rewards as a credit toward a qualified student’s tuition, up to the lesser of the student’s accumulated points or one year’s tuition, applied evenly across four years of undergraduate study — effectively capped at 25% of freshman-year tuition per year. Through the partnership, Huntington University also gains access to SAGE Scholars’ database of Scholars in grades 9-12, along with basic demographic information shared by participating families — a resource the University’s enrollment team will use to connect with prospective students already engaged in college planning.
• HU Arizona students were recognized for outstanding creative work at the 2026 Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter Student Production Awards, earning awards across HU Arizona’s digital media arts programs. The Student Production Awards recognize excellence in student-produced media and are presented by the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. HU Arizona students received awards in the following categories: College Editor: Film production students Tal Nelson and Jackson Steele for JS Motocross Journey; College Editor: Graphic design student Ethan Sinconis for Past Present Future; College Animation/Graphics/Special Effects: Animation student Javsel Rodriguez for Deadline. The recognition is especially meaningful for HU Arizona, with winning work representing each of the University’s three undergraduate digital media arts programs. In addition to the three award-winning entries, HU Arizona students received a total of 14 nominations in this year’s Student Production Awards, highlighting the breadth of creative work being produced by students across the digital media arts programs.
• Huntington University has been recognized as one of the safest college campuses in Indiana by Niche, earning an A+ overall safety grade in the site’s 2027 college rankings and ranking third safest in the state. The Niche rankings are based on a variety of campus safety factors; notably, the campuses’ scores on campus crime rate, student surveys on safety, and local crime grade. This comes as updates in emergency preparedness have been and continue to be made across HU’s campus. In the residence halls, the emergency communications flow chart for resident assistants was approved. Among other emergency response signage, these flow charts were posted in residence halls by the Office of Student Life. Additionally, the campus-wide update of new security cameras has steadily continued. The project is anticipated to be complete by the end of the 2027-2028 academic year.
• Huntington University’s Horticulture Club celebrated its 100th delivery of fresh produce to HU Campus Dining. Since the first delivery in March 2023, this partnership has brought locally grown produce straight from our campus garden into meals served across campus. From squash and tomatoes to fresh herbs, our students are helping bring farm-to-table dining to life right here at HU!