February 20, 2007 - President's Update


With Founders Week behind us, it is evident the semester is spinning forward. What follows is a brief supplement to the content of my Convocation address delivered on February 13th.  I suggest you read that by way of background to these added updates. It can be found at: http://www2.creighton.edu/administration/president/speeches/2007convocation/index.php

As stated previously, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association will be on campus March 11 – 14 for our re-accreditation site visit.  More details will be forthcoming.

PERSONNEL

• Earlier it was announced that Professor Christine Wiseman, Vice President for Academic Affairs, will be departing Creighton to become the Provost at Loyola University, Chicago. Chris has done a splendid job in articulating the needs of her division, contributing to the collegial and transparent functioning of the Cabinet, encouraging a higher profile for female faculty and staff, and chairing the Self-Study for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. After five years, Chris is rejoining her husband and family in Milwaukee. An opportunity to say thank you will be held later in the semester.

• Also announced earlier is the departure of Dr. Patricia Fleming, Senior Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. After thirty years in the classroom and Dean’s office, Patricia will assume the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of the Faculty at St. Mary’s Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.  She has made significant contributions across the years in streamlining the functions of the Dean’s office and making it a user-friendly place. Again, a reception will be planned later in the spring.

SEARCH COMMITTEE 

The committee charged with finding the next Vice President for Academic Affairs is now in place.  Patricia Callone, Vice President for Institutional Relations, will serve as chair.  Committee members include:  Michael Kelly, School of Law; Dr. Deb Wells, College of Business; Dr. David Gardiner, College of Arts & Sciences; Dr. James Howard, School of Dentistry; Mary Higgins, Student Retention Director; Michael LaCroix, Reinert Alumni Memorial Library Director; Fr. Charles Jurgensmeier, S.J., College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Barbara Braden, Dean, University College and Summer Sessions; Dr. Neil Norton, Faculty President; Marcia Bredar (BA’74, JD’77) Alumni; Steve McHale, A&S Student; and Anne Tillotson, CoBA Student.

ENROLLMENT 

As we approach the March 1st deadline for financial assistance, the application pool for the freshman class of 2007 is nearing 4,100 applications. This represents a 24% increase over last year and it is an all time high pool of interested students. We have built the budget on 970 first-time students and 105 transfer students.

These numbers contain an estimated 22% increase in students of color applications, an enhanced ACT mean score and more students ranked in the top 10% of their high school class. These numbers also suggest greater competition for these successful students.

Another factor that I am especially pleased with is the geographic diversity of this application pool. We are up significantly in applications from the west and southwest and the greater Midwest. Given the shrinking demographics of our immediate five-state area, this is an important and positive trend. Again, thanks to our Enrollment Management and Admissions team for this pending success.

Enrollment targets across all other professional and graduate programs are expected to meet budget and then some.

CONSTRUCTION

• Cold though it may be, progress on the Harper Center is on schedule and budget.

• Phase II of the St. John’s Church renovation will begin shortly.  The interior of the church will be enhanced by floor repairs, lighting and sound upgrades, new paint and sanctuary furnishings.  The church will be closed in early March through the first week of July.  Services will be conducted in lower St. John’s.  A more specific and detailed timetable will be available shortly.  Your understanding during this renovation period is greatly appreciated. 

Again, thanks to all of you who made Founders Week such as a success in spite of the frigid weather. Congratulations to all of you who were honored at Convocation and many other gatherings during the week.

John P. Schlegel, S.J.
President