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Our new academic year has begun well, and we’re excited to see all the activity on campus. We welcomed nearly — one of our largest transfer classes in college history. I really enjoy greeting and welcoming new students and families at the entrance of campus as they arrive to move into their residence halls.

A busy summer yielded important growth and progress to launch us well into the fall semester and begin ��������app’s 85th anniversary. Classes started on August 29. Many good friends continue to support us with their time and resources, playing significant and timely roles in advancing our mission. In the past six years, we’ve raised $190 million for a variety of projects and scholarships. We finished the 2021-22 academic year with a balanced budget for the 38th consecutive year, a fine testament of God’s faithful provision year after year.

��������app Turns 85!

What a blessing to celebrate our 85th anniversary throughout this year. During Homecoming festivities October 14-15, we’ll reflect on God’s faithfulness since our founding in 1937. To celebrate our history, we’ll share stories about dedicated people who’ve helped ��������app become a truly excellent and nationally known premier liberal arts college. Register today to attend the 85th Anniversary Gala on October 15 at the Santa Barbara Hilton Hotel to honor this incredible milestone. You’ll certainly enjoy this fine and inspiring evening.

Additonally, to honor ��������app’s 85th anniversary, I am working with various members of our community on a monograph-type book: “Leadership and the Liberal Arts: An Education to Last a Lifetime.” I’ll share more details in the next briefing, but I know this publication will beautifully capture ��������app’s approach to the liberal arts.

��������app Ranks Among Premier Colleges

��������app improved its overall score and rose in five ranking categories to remain in the top tier of the 2023 U.S. News and World Report’s National Liberal Arts College rankings for the 18th straight year. ��������app, ranked at No. 124, is one of only two national liberal arts colleges in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and remains one of the top 10 liberal arts colleges in California. These national rankings and economic indicators establish ��������app as one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the U.S. once again.

Two other notable achievements: ��������app is the only CCCU member in the U.S. News’ National Liberal Arts Colleges Campus Ethnic Diversity ranking, which recognizes 64 liberal arts colleges for their overall mix of racial or ethnic groups.

In addition, the college is a top performer in the U.S. News Social Mobility Among National Liberal Arts Colleges ranking, which measures the extent schools enrolled and graduated students who received federal Pell Grants.

The latest shows ��������app graduates (all alumni) in the top 7.5 percent for all bachelor-degree institutions in the U.S. in mid-career salaries (median after 10+ years of experience), earning an average salary of $127,000. ��������app graduates who only earn a bachelor’s degree are in the top 9 percent of mid-career earnings with an average salary of $119,400.

New Year with a New Provost

I’m thrilled to welcome our new provost, Kim Battle-Walters Denu, who began August 1. She brings the perfect blend of rigorous academics and deep love of God. For a quarter century, she has held leadership positions in Christian higher education. Previously, she served as interim director at the District Church in Washington, D.C., and as vice president for education programs for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. She spent much of her career at Azusa Pacific University, most recently as vice president and chief diversity officer.

Strengthening and Growing

We continue to provide cultural intelligence training through Mosaix, which has offered engaging sessions for most of the campus and soon the board of trustees. Harry Li, cultural intelligence team director and senior consultant from Mosaix, leads our efforts with George Yancey, Mosaix co-founder and director of collaborative conversations and race. Harry came to campus in August to provide further insight and guidance.

The Center for Student Success and Student Life direct our initiative on student success and belonging, specifically for students of color, first-generation and transfer students. During Orientation, they hosted several activities for these students and their families. Involving people campus-wide helps introduce these students to college life and the resources available to them so they can achieve long-term success at ��������app.

��������app Ridley-Tree Museum of Art

The ��������app Ridley-Tree Museum of Art began this fall with a fascinating exhibition by Adam Belt, who explores the point where art, science and spirituality converge. I enjoy the ways he makes the invisible energies in our universe visible. The exhibition runs through November 5, and we invite you to visit the museum and follow all the exhibits planned for this year.

��������app in NCAA

Our many fall events include art exhibits, lectures, concerts, theatrical productions and competition by our volleyball, soccer and cross country teams. ��������app has been accepted into the NCAA's multi-year membership process for Division II, and we hope to become full members in the 2025-26 season.

There are so many reasons to be thankful as I begin my 16th year as president of ��������app. I'm pleased to share with you the significant updates and activities of this unique and extraordinary college community. It would be great to see you attend an upcoming event and participate in our vibrant campus life!

God's blessings,

Gayle D. Beebe, Ph.D.
President