As I think about my retirement, my heart is filled with gratitude as I reflect on my time at Capital University and prepare for the next step in my life journey. I was initially asked to lead the institution for one to two years, help us through COVID, and stabilize the institution. That one year has turned into five, and it’s been an honor to have the opportunity to lead this special institution. I am grateful for how the entire Capital family accepted me as a nontraditional president and successfully achieved our mission through very challenging times. Thank you.
My leadership framework was to build a foundation of trust through integrity and transparent communications, and to achieve our mission through improved clarity, accountability, and support. You made my job easy. I simply had to establish direction, coach as needed, and let our faculty and staff deliver the superior student experience that is the hallmark of a Capital University education. Looking back and peeking into the future, there are some key accomplishments our community achieved that we can all celebrate and build upon.
Overcame Challenges to Achieve Mission. My five years in leadership have been marked by circumstances never encountered before. The first two years were COVID-tainted, followed by the FAFSA debacle, then federal mandates regarding DEI, and now onerous state legislative actions. Despite the unprecedented conditions, our community persisted, stayed true to our mission, and delivered a safe and superior student experience.
Improved Access and Affordability.
The Capital community used the pandemic to make us better. Our response to pandemic conditions included Project Indigo- issuing all undergrads free iPads and migrating students, faculty, and staff to the same technology platform. We introduced the MainStreet and Capital Gateway scholarships to make a Capital education more affordable for all students who meet our academic standards. The virtual capabilities we developed continue to transform our classrooms, student services, and work environment.
Impacted the Community.
Capital University is a gem and pillar in the Central Ohio community. Our programs and traditions, like the Christmas Festival, MLK Day of Learning, Homecoming events, Trinity Days, and hosting community events, continue to enrich local life. Economically, Capital generates more than $150 million for the local economy and is one of the largest employers in the city of Bexley. As we continue to extend our services and programs to the community, our partnership with Bexley and greater Columbus has never been stronger.
Expanded and Innovated Academics.
Expanded and Innovated Academics. Our faculty and academic units continue to grow and innovate our educational offerings. We introduced undergraduate programs in Data Science, Finance, Chemical Dependency, and Sport Business. Graduate degrees are now available in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Social Work. Innovations include POGIL (Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) instruction, the Capital City Teacher Residency Program, the Preferred Pathway Program for transfer students, the Creative Leadership Institute, a Name, Image and Likeness Marketplace for athletes, and student success initiatives with the Gardner Institute. Capital will benefit from these efforts well into the future.
Improved Enrollment Trends.
Given more normal recruiting conditions, the incoming fall class deposits are up significantly across all programs. The fall undergraduate FTIC class looks to be our largest in five years and results from superior campus-wide teamwork. Enhanced marketing support, new recruitment and yield tactics, market-based financial aid optimization, and a stable and focused admissions team grounded this effort. The COSMO chatbot has already added value to the student experience, and an AI-powered virtual tour is under development to support the next recruitment cycle. Strategies focused on athletics, international students, and new academic offerings further diversify the recruiting effort for our next academic cycle.
Increased Endowment.
The Advancement staff successfully led our first comprehensive capital campaign. The entire Capital Community responded to exceed our $30 million goal by contributing more than $47 million. Our overall endowment has increased from roughly $100 million when I joined Capital, to more than $160 million at year-end 2024. This significant increase reflects the efforts of our advancement team, the generosity of our alumni, and astute investment management by our financial team.
Enhanced Shared Governance.
We implemented many changes in partnership with the board of trustees, and our shared governance is now a best practice. The University Bylaws were revised based on faculty recommendations; two faculty leaders are now part of the president’s cabinet; all cabinet members attend board committee meetings; a community Town Hall takes place within a month of each board meeting; and a Trustee Fellows program now keeps former board leadership engaged. These significant changes have improved the effectiveness and trust throughout our governance framework.
As Capital moves forward, I encourage you to remain true to our mission and grounded in our values. Rooted in its traditional Lutheran faith, Capital must remain open and respectful of all faiths and cultures, appreciating the differences and embracing all the things shared in common. I part by offering the scripture verse that I think best captures what a Capital Education is all about:
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God TRANSFORM you by changing the way you think.” (Rom 12:2)
Capital’s distinctive competency is undoubtedly our faculty and staff who create and deliver the Capital Experience. Students leave here transformed into the best version of themselves through a unique combination of academic excellence, personal growth, and social engagement. They are empowered to make an impact in their chosen field of study and a lasting difference in their local communities. Thank you for letting me be a part of that.
I’m confident Capital is well-positioned to build on our rich traditions, extend our reach, and further our impact. I feel blessed to be part of Capital’s storied history and forever a member of the Capital Family. Thank you for your support and the lasting difference you’ve made in the lives of the students entrusted to our care. I am forever grateful and appreciative.
After the magazine went to press, Jared R. Tice, Ed.D., was announced as Capital's 18th president. Learn more about him at: www.capital.edu/newpresident.