Bluefield University faculty and staff celebrated the institution’s recent achievements and ongoing progress at an employee forum on Wednesday, July 8. University leaders outlined plans to build on this momentum as Bluefield continues a period of growth marked by new academic programs, accreditation achievements, and financial growth.
President Dr. Steve Peterson began the forum by commending the faculty and staff who formed the proposal for the university’s level change with its accreditor, designed its upcoming doctoral programs, and recruited students for the inaugural cohorts of those programs. Because of their efforts, Bluefield has achieved Level V status with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and will launch its Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Education programs this fall.
The forum continued with the introduction of BU’s new Provost, Dr. Jason Craig. In his first address to the faculty, he shared his priorities of being accessible, maintaining open communication, and embracing the university’s community feel. He also emphasized personability and engaging with students.
“Inside each of our students, I think there are particular gifts and abilities that they have,” Dr. Craig shared, “and part of our responsibility as faculty is not to treat them all the same but to try to draw those gifts out.”
Additional reports highlighted the achievements of the online and traditional admissions staff, which allowed the university to serve more than 1,600 unique students in its most recent academic year. Travis Roberts, Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing, spoke on the expansion of the traditional admissions staff and the success of the Direct Admit campaign. Additionally, Harrison Rice, Associate Vice President for Online Enrollment, reported that online enrollment in the 2025-26 academic year had grown 30% compared to 2024-25 and 44% compared to 2023-24.
Corey Mullins, Vice President for Student Development & Athletics, shared updates on the renovation of the Dome Gymnasium, the remodels of the Rish Hall and Cruise Hall dormitories, and refreshes to Bluestone Commons apartments. Additionally, he announced the recruitment of a new campus ministry assistant, as well as changes to the residence life staffing structure to improve leadership development opportunities for students. Mullins also discussed upcoming athletic fundraisers like the golf outing and the relaunch of the Rams Club.
Bryan Worrall, Vice President for Advancement, announced that the university’s endowment had grown 7 percent in the past six months, a number that is expected to climb to at least 24 percent as estate gifts are delivered over the next year. This growth immediately unlocked $30,000 in scholarship funding, an amount that will continue to compound.
Dr. Peterson closed the presentations, exhorting everyone to build trust through every interaction and pursue excellence.