Dear Colleagues, Alumni, and Families,
As we started the 2025-2026 academic calendar I found myself more excited than ever to begin my 13th year at ¶¶ÒõÂþ», my beloved alma mater. I am consistently amazed by the talented colleagues across our university that continue to innovate, educate and inspire every single day.
As always, I would like to express my gratitude for your ongoing support and partnership. We look forward to continuing to enhance the ¶¶ÒõÂþ» experience and drive our mission forward.
Below, I am sharing a brief snapshot of some of the exciting initiatives underway here on campus. Here’s to a successful and inspiring academic year for all of you!
Warm regards,
Bryon Grigsby '90
President
¶¶ÒõÂþ»
Welcome, Class of 2029
3rd largest undergraduate class in our history!
World Heritage Site Names First Site Manager
¶¶ÒõÂþ» is just the second university in the U.S. to be part of a UNESCO World Heritage site
New Student Center Opens
State-of-the-art facility focused on student wellness opened in October
Aviation Management Program Takes Off
Students can now earn a B.S. in Aviation Management or a B.S., Professional Pilot
¶¶ÒõÂþ» welcomes the 3rd largest class in our history
In August, ¶¶ÒõÂþ» welcomed the third largest undergraduate class in our history. This continued growth has contributed to ¶¶ÒõÂþ» being the fastest-growing university in the region and the fifth-fastest growing college in the country. This has truly been a university-wide effort; from our marketing and enrollment team, to financial aid and student life, career services, residence life and facilities, the well-being, safety and success of our students is always the top priority and it shows. This growth in undergraduate students, along with expanded offerings in our Graduate and Professional/Certificate programs has positioned ¶¶ÒõÂþ» for long-term success.
Innovative new student center, the HUB, opened in October
In October 2025 we proudly opened the doors to the HUB, our brand new 52,000 square foot, state-of-the art student center designed with student wellness as the centerpiece. Featuring offices for mental and physical health, academic and career support, veteran affairs and student life as well as conference space to host community and partner organizations, the HUB is an investment in ¶¶ÒõÂþ» students and their overall wellness.
UNESCO World Heritage Site names first Site Manager
In August, ¶¶ÒõÂþ» Church Settlements–Bethlehem World Heritage Site appointed Dr. Katherine Faull as its first . Dr. Faull brings more than three decades of scholarship and deep engagement in ¶¶ÒõÂþ» studies. A former Professor of German and Humanities and Associate Provost for Local and Global Engagement at Bucknell University, she is internationally recognized for her work on ¶¶ÒõÂþ» history, theology, and cultural heritage. Dr. Faull was recently named founding Vice President and Executive Director of The Institute for ¶¶ÒõÂþ» History and World Heritage at ¶¶ÒõÂþ» as well. ¶¶ÒõÂþ» is just the second university in the United States to be part of a UNESCO World Heritage designation site and only the eighth university in the world to have this recognition.
Aviation Management program to take off in fall 2026
In October, the launch of the ¶¶ÒõÂþ» Aviation Management program. We’re thrilled to begin offering this program in the fall of 2026. The intention is to fill a market need for aviation professionals and iInitial program offerings will include Aviation Management and a Professional Pilot program, with future expansion planned for adding an Air Traffic Control program and more.