Lindenwood Magazine - Spring 2024

4 5 SPRING 2024 EDITION THE LINDENWOOD THE LINDENWOOD SPRING 2024 EDITION COUNTING LEAVES DATA AND STATISTICS The Accessibility Program Manager supported 38 STUDENTS with emotional support animals for 2023–24 —18 cats, 21 dogs, and one hedgehog. 1,600+ TUTORING APPOINTMENTS since the Math Success Center opened in August. Compared to last year, this is about 1,200 more appointments. Success rates of students taking intermediate algebra increased by NEARLY 50% for students who used the Math Success Center. In the Fall 2023 semester, the Writing Center served 1,000+ STUDENTS . The Writing Center supported 28 WRITING INTENSIVE courses this spring through the embed program. A reference librarian and writing specialist work directly with students and professors to provide feedback, eliminating the need for students to make appointments. FOUR COURSES utilized the Writing Center staff for in-class guidance on citations, original work strategies, and academic integrity. WE PUT OUR STUDENTS FIRST PRESIDENT ACE Letter from the Dear friends, Providing the highest quality educational experience and connecting with our students through every interaction has been our top priority, and the University community has succeeded in many ways. Our values shape our culture and ground our decisions. The University continues to navigate an increasingly competitive market, and we are adapting our people, places, and processes to meet the needs of a new generation of learners. We are actively incorporating artificial intelligence into our practices—exploring the ways artificial intelligence will enhance our student experience and developing degrees to respond to the ever-changing needs of the workforce. At Lindenwood, we are not waiting to see what’s going to happen. We are proactively preparing our students and employees to utilize these advancements and be pioneers in the field. As we conclude the third year of our strategic plan, Lindenwood 2026, I am proud of the ways Lindenwood is distinguishing itself from competitors. Through innovation, strategic partnerships, and continual investment in our community, Lindenwood puts its students first and helps prepare them to make a difference in our world. Ever grateful for your friendship and support, JOHN R. PORTER, ED.D. President, Lindenwood University The Lindenwood is published by the Advancement and Community Engagement Division, with support from the campus community, for friends, employees, and alumni of Lindenwood University. Division Need to update your mailing address or contact information? Email advancement@lindenwood.edu . ORRIE COVERT | Vice President, Advancement and Community Engagement ADVANCEMENT Brian Brunner | Assistant Vice President, Advancement Josh Bell | Director, Advancement Brittany Howard | Director, Leadership Annual Giving Ken Meyer | Director, Advancement Anna Oliver ’24 | Manager, Database and Stewardship Jen Wunder ’18 | Director, Athletics Advancement ALUMNI RELATIONS, SPECIAL EVENTS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Dr. Jen Edler ’17, ’20 | Director, Alumni Relations Sarah Englert | Coordinator, Special Events Dan Lauer | Chief Entrepreneurship Officer Don Rothermich ’04, ’06 | Director, Destination Lindenwood Emily J. Sebourn | Manager, Special Events COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS Julee Mitsler | Assistant Vice President, Communications Tyler Poslosky | Manager, Communications Content Caroline Vogl ’24 | Coordinator, Advancement Budget and Research J. SCHEIDEGGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS Jason Hood | Production Assistant Maggie Hunter | Assistant Manager, Theater Operations Shane Phenicie | Manager, Theater Operations Alexis Wesling ’24 | Manager, Campus Box Office MAGAZINE DESIGN Brad Hansen, Creative Director PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS Lyle Schmitz, Photographer/Videogapher Don Adams, Jr., Phoebe Pinkner ADVANCEMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Putting “students first” is more than a value. It’s the pulse that animates our university community. It’s rooted in the commitment to prioritize the needs, aspirations, and well-being of each student, serving as the bedrock of our institution’s identity. Aligned with this core value is our strategic imperative to become “The Next Great Learner-Centric University.” This transformative journey seeks to redefine our university and potentially have a larger impact on the landscape of higher education. At its core is the recognition that true educational excellence is achieved when students take center stage in every decision and action. Our strategic vision offers a dynamic roadmap guiding us toward a future where anticipating and meeting student needs is standard practice. It’s about nurturing an ecosystem where students are not just supported but empowered to flourish intellectually, personally, and professionally. By anchoring our initiatives in the ethos of “students first,” we’re not merely creating a conducive learning environment; we’re cultivating a thriving community where every student’s path is honored and supported. Together, we’re forging a future where student success isn’t merely a target, but a shared commitment embraced by every facet of our university community. ROB WESTERVELT Vice President, Strategy and Innovation WELCOME LETTER OURROOTS Nourishing