By Suzy Alstrin
As Reinhardt University welcomed one of the largest incoming classes in a decade, President Mark A. Roberts delivered the annual State of the University Address. Speaking to faculty and staff in Flint Hall, Dr. Roberts highlighted some of the past year’s achievements and shared new initiatives to propel the institution’s continued success.
Dr. Roberts highlighted increased enrollment, noting that 578 new students began their higher education journey at Reinhardt on August 14th. The University launched the 2024-25 school year with 1250 undergraduate and graduate students as it continues its mission to educate the whole person with challenge and care.
Dr. Roberts encouraged faculty and staff to challenge students to be the best they can be both intellectually and socially while emphasizing Reinhardt’s vision to be an institution where diverse talents grow together. “At Reinhardt, we connect with our students, we connect with each other, and we support each other. And when we connect, we strengthen our bonds and relations, and we strengthen the quality of the institution. If we ground and guide, cultivate and shape, it is inevitable that we will create and grow. These are the pillars of our success.”
The many accomplishments noted include renovations to student housing, upgraded classrooms, athletic championships, and continued campus maintenance to sustain an enriched learning environment. He also noted that the annual fund contributions grew more than 30% over last year. With continued vigilance, fundraising could make an even greater impact.
Looking forward, Dr. Roberts explained the University’s efforts to recruit more online students, adult learners, and international students. Plans include the introduction of new workforce development certificates and other new programs to engage and interest potential students.
Dr. Roberts believes in the value of college and working together to create a thriving Reinhardt community by leaning in and making a deep commitment to success. Ending with the quote by Joan Didion, ‘You have to pick the places you don’t walk away from,’ he reflected, “I’ve chosen this place to not walk away from, and because of that commitment, we are going to build a university that our peers are going to look at and say with awe and admiration, ‘How do we do what Reinhardt did?’”
