Anderson University is Here to Stay and Thrive

By President Scott Moats

At Anderson University, this verse captures our season perfectly. We are not standing still. We are strengthening our hands for the good work ahead.

This fall, we launched the Faithful CAMPUS framework—a guiding vision that positions AU as faith-forward and focuses us on institutional stewardship. “Faithful” means being grounded in who we are, while “CAMPUS” represents six commitments shaping our future:

• Communication, 
• Aligned programming, 
• Mission-driven stewardship, 
• Partnerships and collaboration, 
• Updated facilities, and 
• Student recruitment and retention.

These aren’t slogans. They’re measurable actions that are already taking shape.

Building with Faith and Focus

I would like to highlight the positive steps we are taking and address misperceptions. We are re-centering AU on the mission that has defined us for nearly 110 years: to educate students for a life of faith and service in the church and society. That mission is not changing—it’s being renewed, and our resources are shifting.

Elili is a senior, double-majoring in public history and political science with a minor in public relations. This is her fourth year at AU, and she has firsthand experience with the changes.

This fall, the university announced a tuition freeze for the 2026–27 academic year to help families manage costs while pursuing a Christ-centered education. We are redesigning our academic portfolio to ensure programs align with today’s marketplace and tomorrow’s ministry opportunities. We are investing in technology, career readiness, and facilities that serve students well.

Because stewardship must always be mission-driven, we are committed to balancing financial realities with long-term sustainability and achieving a balanced budget. Our leadership team is taking a disciplined approach to managing expenses, using data to guide decisions, and investing in what matters most—students, faculty, and the student experience.

Strengthening the Foundation

We are encouraged by early signs of progress. As Nehemiah reminds us, rebuilding requires both courage and collaboration. At AU, we witness both of these every day.

This summer, we updated our campus police and security model to a reservist approach—a decision guided by both stewardship and safety, without compromising the strength of our security coverage. Our reserve police officers are fully trained and sworn through the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board, equipped with full police powers, and serve alongside traditional AU officers. The first cohort includes professionals from fields such as emergency management, education, and business; these individuals bring extensive life and leadership experience to the department. The officers train monthly, complete hundreds of hours of service, and work in partnership with the Anderson City Police Department.

We have also introduced a chaplaincy program to the campus police and security model, led by AU alum Rev. Rick Kohl, to provide spiritual and emotional support for officers. This reflects the best of who we are—faithful, resourceful, and deeply committed to safety and care for our students and employees.

At the same time, we’ve evaluated how to optimize the use of campus space better. Between March and July, 45 employees relocated their offices as part of a strategic restructuring effort to maximize space utilization. This project produced three tangible outcomes:

• Increased density in campus buildings provides a sense of community vibrancy and togetherness
• Utility savings projected at $200,000 for the current year
• Upgrades to 13 classrooms, improving the learning environment for students and faculty

We know that thriving institutions are built on strong partnerships. That’s why AU continues to deepen collaborations across the Church of God (Anderson, IN) movement, local schools, employers, and civic leaders. Together, we are building pathways for students to stay, serve, and lead in our community.

Addressing Concerns

Lately, there have been questions and rumors about Anderson University’s future. Let me address them clearly and briefly: there is no merger underway between Anderson University and Indiana Wesleyan University. There are no plans to close or merge with any institution. Any suggestion otherwise is simply false. 

A Cornerstone for the Community

No one understands AU’s role in this community better than Jay Ricker, chair of our Board of Trustees. He shares:

“As someone who has lived, built a successful business, and invested in this community for decades, I care deeply about the people and institutions that help shape Anderson’s future. Few have done more to anchor the east side of our city—or inspire generations of students—than Anderson University.

Rising Together

Anderson University is not going anywhere. We’re rising—academically, spiritually, and strategically. Like the builders in Nehemiah’s day, we’re keeping our eyes on the vision and using our resources wisely. We invite you to join us—pray with us daily at 2:18 p.m., a reminder from the key verse Nehemiah, and celebrate what God is doing on our campus.

Anderson University is here to stay—and thrive.

Faithful CAMPUS Framework GRAPHIC

About Anderson University

Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, social work, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.