Acknowledging the difficulties resulting from enrollment challenges, the 2008 recession and the ongoing pandemic of 2020, Judson College President Mark Tew made an appeal to the College’s family of supporters sent today (Dec. 15).
“Judson College is having increased difficulty pursuing its educational mission,” Tew said in a letter to friends of the college sent via email. “Continued low enrollment over the past two decades has strained the College’s resources to the point that insufficient cash can be projected through the College’s normal revenue patterns.”
As a result, the Judson board of trustees is asking for help to continue the 2020–2021 academic year.
“In order to begin the spring semester, the College must, by Dec. 31, receive unrestricted cash donations of $500,000 and unrestricted commitments for an additional $1,000,000 in cash donations to be contributed to the College between Jan. 1 and May 31, 2021,” Tew said in the letter. “Without these extraordinary gifts, the College will not have sufficient cash to meet its operational responsibilities and will be unable to begin the spring semester. If this happens, all students will be informed of transfer options to complete their degrees.”
Tew continued on a note of optimism: “If the generosity of the College’s dedicated family of donors reaches these goals, the College will proceed with the spring semester that will conclude with commencement on April 30, 2021.”
‘Extraordinary request’
Tew called the appeal an “admittedly extraordinary request,” adding, “please know that the Trustees and administration of Judson College are seeking God’s leadership for the future of the College in order to ensure that all things are done ‘decently and in order’ (1 Corinthians 14:40).”
Joan Newman, ’73, chair of the Judson College board of trustees, said in a statement to TAB Media that the board is “committed, individually and collectively, to the mission of Judson College.
“With her 182-year history, Judson has weathered many storms and become stronger and more determined to provide a quality Christian education. We continue to be impressed and reassured by the level of support and commitment from the legions of Judson alumnae and friends who support Christian principles. We welcome the financial and prayerful support of all concerned as we navigate through these challenges.”
Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, noted that Alabama Baptist churches through the state convention’s Cooperative Program contribute approximately $1 million per year to Judson’s budget.
“We at the State Board of Missions are praying for the Judson College family as its board of trustees deals with current financial challenges,” Lance said.
Exploring next steps
Tew offered potential donors the opportunity to review Judson’s most recent audited financial statements. And, he said, due to the pandemic enrollment impacts to higher education, Judson’s board of trustees will engage the services of Fuller Higher Ed Solutions to research the college’s changing markets and to explore potential avenues.
According to the organization’s website, Fuller HES was founded in June 2020 to aid Christian college campuses with enrollment strategic planning.
Fuller HES grows out of Founder Tim Fuller’s deep love for and experience with Christian colleges and universities. His 40-year career includes 27 years of enrollment service and leadership at Houghton College and 13 years of consulting at Credo.
During his Credo tenure the firm’s work with Christian colleges increased from less than 10 to more than 150 campus partners, with much of this growth attributed to Fuller’s experience, network, and talented colleagues.
Fuller has personally consulted with more than 100 Christian college campuses to help them with enrollment, strategic planning and making the case for why they are worth choosing.
“Timothy Fuller will be leading this effort, including requesting assistance for focus groups from the College’s various constituencies,” Tew wrote. “If you are requested to participate, please make every effort to do so.”
The letter included a link for donors to give a one-time gift and/or a pledge to help in 2021. Access the one-time gift link by clicking here. Access the pledge link by clicking here.
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