Provost & Executive Vice President's Message

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." – Ecclesiastes 4:12

Over the past year, I found myself returning to this passage from Ecclesiastes. And, as is my typical spiritual practice, when a verse or an idea continues to run through my head, I try to find space to pause and work to better understand what God might be speaking to me.

Certainly, the verse reminds us that strength is rarely found in isolation. It is built through relationships, shared purpose, and a willingness to bear one another's burdens. A single strand can fray under pressure, but strands woven together become remarkably resilient.

Yet, I cannot help but think, especially as we look to the work that lies before us, that this verse has particular resonance for our community.

There is no denying that Whitworth, like the rest of higher education, is facing significant financial challenges. Demographic shifts, increasing competition and continued pressures throughout the higher education marketplace require us to make thoughtful decisions about how we steward our resources and position the university for long-term sustainability. The work before us is substantial. It will require creativity, discipline and a willingness to imagine new possibilities for the future.

Yet even in this moment of uncertainty, I remain deeply hopeful.

My confidence is rooted not in wishful thinking, but in the remarkable community that God has assembled here. Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing faculty and staff who continue to invest wholeheartedly in students, colleagues who approach difficult conversations with grace, and a campus that remains steadfast in its commitment to educate both the mind and the heart.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that resilience is a quality of strong communities. At Whitworth, I believe that one of our strengths is the the diversity of students whom God has called to this place.

For generations, our residential undergraduate students have enlivened and shaped campus life. Their intellectual curiosity, spiritual growth, leadership and service shape the daily rhythms of our university. They fill our classrooms, residence halls, athletic fields, laboratories, studios and chapel. They remind us why the residential liberal arts experience continues to matter so deeply.

Alongside them, our graduate students bring a different but equally valuable perspective. They are educators, healthcare professionals, counselors, business leaders and working adults who enrich our academic community through their professional experiences and their commitment to lifelong learning. Their presence broadens our conversations and extends Whitworth's influence into communities across our region and beyond.

Increasingly, our Whitworth Online students also represent an essential part of Whitworth’s educational mission and identity. Our Whitworth Online students often balance careers, families, military service or other significant responsibilities while pursuing their education. Their determination and perseverance reflect the very qualities we have sought to cultivate in Whitworth graduates for over 130 years. Our Whitworth Online students remind us that our mission is not confined to a physical campus but extends wherever students seek an education grounded in academic excellence, Christian faith and purposeful service.

These three student populations are not separate missions competing for our attention.

Together they represent a single, resilient, Whitworth community.

Each group strengthens the others. Each contributes unique perspectives and experiences. Each expands the reach of our mission. And each will play a vital role in our future.

As we continue the work of building a resilient university, our success will not come from relying on a single enrollment strategy or serving only one type of student. Rather, it will come from embracing the full breadth of Whitworth's educational mission. Residential undergraduate programs, graduate education and Whitworth Online each contribute to the vitality, sustainability and long-term health of the institution. Together, they provide opportunities for students at different stages of life to participate in our enduring mission of a mind-and-heart education.

This new and dynamic reality invites all of us to think broadly about our work. Whether we teach first-year students in Robinson Teaching Theatre, mentor doctoral candidates conducting research, advise graduate students preparing for professional practice or develop innovative online learning experiences for working adults, we participate in the same calling. Every interaction advances a shared mission to honor God, follow Christ and serve humanity.

In the months ahead, there will undoubtedly be difficult decisions and challenging conversations. The work required to strengthen Whitworth for the future will demand wisdom, patience and courage from all of us. But I remain convinced that our greatest strength has never been found simply in budgets, buildings or enrollment numbers.

Our greatest strength has always been our people – and the mission that unites us.

When we remain grounded in that mission, when we recognize the indispensable value of every student we serve, and when we continue to weave together the gifts of our residential undergraduate, graduate and Whitworth Online communities, we become that cord of three strands described in Ecclesiastes: stronger together than any one strand could ever be alone.

Thank you for the extraordinary ways you continue to care for our students and for one another. Your faithfulness, creativity and unwavering commitment to Whitworth's mission are already shaping the university's next chapter. I have every confidence that, together, God will continue to guide us toward a future not merely of sustainability, but of renewed strength, purpose and flourishing. I look forward to seeing you all on campus in the coming weeks.

Peace and grace,

John
Provost & Executive Vice President