Chris Kimball
The start of each academic year provides an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to excellence. I am pleased to report that CLU is making great strides in accomplishing the seven ambitious goals of our Strategic Plan.
Recruit and retain faculty and staff
This fall, we will welcome 12 new undergraduate and graduate faculty members who come from some of the top institutions in the country to enhance the academic successes in math, theatre arts, exercise science and sports medicine, psychology, criminal justice, computer science, English, chemistry, physics and our doctoral program in higher education leadership.
Recruit and graduate students
Enrollments for undergraduate and graduate programs are strong. We expect to have the largest ever freshman class with 480 students. We were fortunate to be selected as one of 20 universities for the Foundations of Excellence in First College Year – a national program that promotes greater first-year student success.
Enhance learning
The faculty has bolstered the University Honors Program with a new leadership structure in an effort to challenge students at a higher level as they probe the questions of life, identity and purpose within a global community.
An Office of Undergraduate Research has been established to promote student-faculty research in all areas of study. The office will oversee the highly respected annual Festival of Scholars and assist in securing national grants that benefit both undergraduate and graduate students.
Generate resources
CLU was tapped for an inaugural Wal-Mart Foundation College Success award. These $100,000 grants are given to enhance the recruitment, retention and graduation rates of first-generation college students.
Two other recent gifts will provide support for our Study Abroad and International Studies programs.
Students in our School of Education will benefit from a $999,000 federal grant awarded to Moorpark Unified School District by assisting teachers in incorporating arts-based instruction in their lesson plans. The grant also will fund the Shakespeare Educational Tour for six schools, a project that ultimately benefits our Theatre Arts Department and the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company.
Invest in facilities
We have several construction projects under way. Trinity Hall, a 220-bed residence hall, will open in fall 2009. The six Gilbert Tennis Courts will be completed this fall, and construction continues on the collaborative community pool that is slated for completion in early 2009.
Develop leadership capacity
The 2008-2009 Corporate Leaders Breakfast Series begins in September with a panel discussion on security issues led by Duke Blackwood, Executive Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Foundation. Other programs in the series include an update from Amgen Vice President Dennis Murphy; a look at trends in philanthropy with Michael Towbes, Chairman of the Board of Towbes Group; and an overview of the future of newspapers with George Cogswell, President and Publisher of the Ventura County Star.
The Rev. Arne Bergland, a Lutheran pastor who has served parishes in Washington, Iowa, Montana and Alaska, is our new Director of Church Relations. He will help us sustain and extend the university's multiple relationships with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and other religious communities.
Articulate the identity
As an affirmation of our commitment to having CLU students, faculty and staff help build a better society, we are encouraging everyone to be a volunteer. I joined my staff recently to work half a day on a local Habitat for Humanity house. The work was strenuous. However, it was quite rewarding to know we are living out a part of our mission to serve the community.
We have an exciting academic year ahead of us. I invite you to visit our campus and become a part of our community. Please explore our Web site at www.callutheran.edu to view the many activities that are offered for all to enjoy.
— Chris Kimball
