General University Discussion - The Valpo Fan Zone Forum

Bryce Drew, Commencement Speaker

valpopal — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:29:00 +0000

Maybe I missed it, but I hadn't seen this announcement posted: "Valparaiso University is thrilled to announce that Bryce Drew ’98 will serve as the Commencement speaker for the 2026 ceremony. An icon in the history of Valpo athletics, Drew stands as the most decorated basketball player in the University’s history, a successful coach for the men’s basketball team, and Valpo’s first first-round NBA draft pick."

Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 16 at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

VALPO DAY Wed April 8

David81 — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:43:31 +0000

Hey everyone, the annual VALPO DAY fundraising event is Wednesday, April 8.

I hope you'll consider making a gift, at any amount that works for you. And if you're excited and hopeful about President Konkol's presidency of the University, and recognizing the financial challenges facing VU, then I ask you to consider digging deep if you can.

FWIW, I sense that Rev. Konkol is energizing the VU community in ways reminiscent of how O.P. Kretzmann breathed life into a very struggling VU in 1940. If you wish to support Valpo, now is the time to step up, instead of holding back to see if somehow the ship will right itself. I think it's up to us to be part of the turnaround.

David

MERRY CHRISTMAS

VULB62 — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:27:02 +0000

🎄 ✨ Merry Christmas everyone ✨ 🎄

Two good things regarding Valpo that I recently saw

vu84v2 — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:39:11 +0000

1. The university has restarted a program where it enlists alumni to help with student recruiting. If you sign up for it, a representative from the university interviews you (for 30 minutes) regarding where and how you can contribute (based not lonly on your location, but also your interests, time, and connection to Valpo). Further, they have distinct processes for the ways you could contribute. I signed up and was interviewed last week...and was impressed. I did find that this was done prior to COVID, but never restarted after COVID. I was also impressed with the recent graduate who was hired to manage this.

2. Clothing available for purchase. I went online to see if there were some shirts or sweaters for my wife and I. It seems much improved. First, there was a much greater selection. Second, for many items you could choose the Valpo logo and its placement on your clothes. Ordered a few items and the service/delivery was good.

Rev. Brian Konkol, Ph.D., VU's Next President

David81 — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:46:06 +0000

https://giveto.valpo.edu/go?cmd=message&id=758737c7-6e1d-4dfe-9f8e-1a35b087ec53

Dear Valparaiso Alumni and Friends, Rev. Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D., has been selected as the 20th President of Valparaiso University, effective January 1, 2026. He brings exceptional leadership experience, deep Lutheran roots, and a compelling vision for Valpo’s future. This marks an important moment in our University’s history, and I hope you share our optimism for what lies ahead. As alumni and supporters, you know what makes Valpo extraordinary: academic excellence, a mission grounded in the Lutheran tradition, and a steadfast commitment to preparing students for lives of leadership and service. Rev. Konkol not only understands these defining strengths—he has lived them. Formed by a small but influential Lutheran congregation in rural Wisconsin and shaped through eight years of international ministry in Guyana and South Africa, he brings a global perspective anchored firmly in the values of faith, vocation, and service to the common good. Rev. Konkol joins Valpo after serving as Vice President, Dean, and Professor at Syracuse University, where he led a transformational five-year strategic plan at Hendricks Chapel and oversaw a 933% increase in student engagement, establishing one of the nation’s most dynamic models for spiritual, ethical, and community-centered growth in higher education. He also played a key leadership role in Syracuse’s successful $1.5 billion campaign, demonstrating his ability to inspire philanthropic support and cultivate strong alumni partnerships. He brings to Valpo:
More than two decades of higher education leadership, global experience, and mission-centered vision. A proven record of measurable achievement, including dramatic growth in student participation, innovative program development, and nationally recognized strategic leadership. A deep, authentic commitment to Valpo’s Lutheran identity and to preparing students for extraordinary lives in both church and society. Commitment to teaching and scholarship, with an established record of student-centered impact both domestically and internationally. A genuine enthusiasm for partnering with alumni and friends, listening to their hopes for Valpo, and engaging them fully in strengthening the University’s future.
Rev. Konkol has described the opportunity to lead Valpo as a “dream come true”—a calling shaped by years of admiration for the University’s mission and its impact on the world. We believe he will be an inspiring leader for our students and a meaningful partner to the alumni community. He holds a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary and both a Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Widely respected as an ordained Lutheran minister, global scholar, and higher education leader, he has been recognized for his impactful teaching, international service, and contributions to religious and interfaith life. During the search process, Rev. Dr. Konkol expressed a heartfelt desire to connect with Valpo alumni and strengthen the foundation of support that has sustained the University across generations. “Valpo’s alumni and friends are essential partners in our mission. I look forward to listening, learning, and building relationships that honor our shared values and expand the transformative impact of a Valpo education.” In the months ahead, we will host opportunities for alumni and friends to meet Rev. Konkol. More information will be shared soon. Thank you for your continued dedication to Valparaiso University. With Rev. Konkol’s leadership, we are poised for an exciting era of growth, renewal, and mission-driven impact. Together, we will write the next chapter of Valpo’s story. Warmly,
Robert D. Hansen '82 Chair, Board of Directors

Valpo SWOT Analysis offers hope for the future

whvalpo — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 20:25:42 +0000

Despite the naturally negative vibe surrounding declining enrollment, IMO Valpo still has numerous significant strengths and opportunities from which to build positive momentum going forward. Following is an AI-generated SWOT Analysis that depicts internal and external factors affecting the organization. Its purpose is to provide a clear, high-level overview of the current situation to inform strategic decision-making and build a competitive advantage.

AI Overview

Drawing on Valparaiso University's strategic plan and recent news, here is a SWOT analysis highlighting the university's internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats.

Strengths

Strong professional programs: Valparaiso University (VU) has well-regarded and nationally ranked programs in business, engineering, computer science, and nursing.
Faculty investment and small class sizes: The institution prides itself on having a low student-to-faculty ratio (12:1) and small average class sizes (19), with all courses taught by professors instead of graduate assistants. This indicates a high level of academic investment in students.
High financial aid rate: With 98% of undergraduates receiving financial aid, the university is highly successful at attracting and funding students despite its tuition costs.
Emphasis on mission and values: The strategic plan, "Uplift Valpo," is built around a mission of integrating liberal arts with professional study and preparing students for lives of leadership and service. Its Lutheran identity also provides a clear philosophical framework.
Strong alumni network: With over 64,000 alumni worldwide, the university has a significant network to engage for career development and financial support.

Weaknesses

Declining enrollment: VU has experienced a steady decline in enrollment since 2014, with a significant drop from 4,520 students in 2014 to 2,598 students in the fall of 2024. This has created a heavy reliance on tuition revenue and financial strain.
Financial instability: The decline in enrollment has resulted in a multi-million dollar annual operating deficit. The university's short-term liquidity is weak, with significant outstanding line-of-credit debt.
Low retention and graduation rates: VU's retention and graduation rates are lower than the average for its peer institutions, indicating struggles with student success and persistence.
High administrative turnover: Key leadership positions, such as the Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, have seen frequent turnover. This disrupts long-term strategy and consistent messaging, negatively impacting student recruitment.
Controversial decisions: The administration has recently made controversial and highly criticized decisions to address financial issues, including selling artwork from the Brauer Museum to fund dorm renovations and eliminating the museum and its staff. This has caused internal dissent and negative publicity.
Staff and faculty retention issues: Declining enrollment and financial cuts have led to concerns about staff retention and high turnover, which could impact the quality of student services and academic programs.

Opportunities

New program development: Initiatives like "Valpo Connect," which encourages interdisciplinary studies, and partnerships with industries through "The Collaboratory" can attract new student demographics.
Expand student pathways: VU is actively exploring new pathways to enrollment, including dual-credit programs with local high schools and strengthening transfer agreements with community colleges like Ivy Tech. This expands the potential student pool.
Target specific markets: By leveraging alumni networks and re-engaging with areas that were once strong recruitment hubs (like St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Denver), VU can boost enrollment.
Grow the graduate student population: Focusing on graduate programs, particularly in growing fields like Information Technology and Physician Assistant studies, provides an alternative revenue stream to offset undergraduate enrollment declines.
Achieve Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) status: The university is making progress toward qualifying for HSI status, which would unlock access to additional federal funding and resources.
Introduce new extracurriculars: Launching new club sports like triathlon, rugby, and flag football could attract new students and enhance campus life.

Threats

Higher education demographic shifts: The "enrollment cliff" is a national trend impacting higher education, particularly in the Midwest. This creates a smaller pool of traditional-age students and intensifies competition.
Intense competition: VU competes with regional institutions that may have lower tuition or larger endowments. Analysis shows VU underperforms its peers in areas like median earnings and graduation rates, placing it at a competitive disadvantage.
Negative publicity: The public backlash over decisions like the sale of museum art has damaged the university's public image and could affect donor relations and prospective student perceptions.
Student debt concerns: As a tuition-dependent institution with a high acceptance rate, VU risks being perceived as a less exclusive "safety" school. This, combined with higher-than-average student debt levels compared to its peers, could deter cost-conscious students.
Economic factors: Broader economic issues can affect family's ability to afford tuition, and the university's reliance on tuition revenue makes it vulnerable to such fluctuations.
Impact of program cuts: While intended to boost financial stability, the closure of numerous academic programs could negatively impact the university's overall academic reputation and attractiveness to a broad range of students.

Valpo salary data

KreitzerSTL — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:05:42 +0000

Valpo’s latest 990s are out. I’m not an accountant, but some of the salary data is … illustrative.
https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/350868125/202511349349304821/full

Highest salary went to … Matt Lottich. His $850k+ buyout was nearly double the president’s, and about double Roger Powell’s salary. Those guys are the three highest paid employees. Provost and finance VP round out the top five.
Highest paid academic was the dean of business. Dean of nursing was close behind.
Related - of the 13 reported salaries, only two are academics.
And of the 13, six no longer work at Valpo.

Maybe of note, ProPublica overhypes the “Reported conflict of interest transactions.” There is only one — the director of the Career & Alumni Network is the sister of a board member. (Both are Valpo grads, so I’m not too worried about that one.)

Other colleges' business models

Realist77 — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:19:48 +0000

Siena Heights "University, a small 3rd or 4th tier school in SE Michigan will close up after 2025-2026.

Lutheran Summer Music Academy

vu72 — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:38:31 +0000

For those of you in or near Valpo, The LSM is now underway! For those unfamiliar with this, LSM comes to Valpo, from all over the country, every summer for an entire month. There are about 200 students plus 100 staff and teachers. They stay on campus, eat the food as well as many parents coming to town for the conclusion, thus helping local hotels and restaurants.

From Valpo's perspective, these students are all deeply interested in music and in particular, church music. As a result, they are custom made for potential Valpo students. Facebook carries nightly performances. Some really great stuff. All free admission as well!

Town Hall Meeting at VU: May 21

Realist77 — Wed, 21 May 2025 21:59:43 +0000

Was anything notable presented or asked?