MARION, Ala. – Citing financial difficulties resulting from declining enrollment, the recession of 2008 and this year’s COVID-19 pandemic, Judson College President W. Mark Tew made an appeal to the college’s community of supporters this week, saying the state’s only women’s college needs $500,000 by Dec. 31 to remain open.
In a letter to friends of the College, Tew outlined the college’s financial condition, saying, “In order to begin the spring semester, the college must, by December 31, receive unrestricted cash donations of $500,000 and unrestricted commitments for an additional $1,000,000 in cash donations to be contributed to the college between January 1 and May 31, 2021. Without these extraordinary gifts, the college will not have sufficient cash to meet its operational responsibilities and will be unable to begin the spring semester. If this happens, all students will be informed of transfer options to complete their degrees.”
On its website, the college posted: The Judson College Board of Trustees met in early December to discuss the college’s financial position and to form an ad hoc committee to determine the path forward for the college. On Dec. 14 the Board determined to proceed with securing the necessary funding, as well as engaging the services of Fuller Higher Ed Solutions to research the college’s changing markets and to explore potential avenues forward.
“With her 182-year history, Judson has weathered many storms and become stronger and more determined to provide a quality Christian education, said Joan Newman ‘73, chair of the Judson College Board of Trustees. “We welcome the financial and prayerful support of all concerned as we navigate through these challenges.”
Judson has, and will always be, committed to her students, who have been a large part of Judson’s “weathering” of so many past storms. Tew said that this process will be no different: “Should the college be unable to secure sufficient resources by Dec. 31, we are making plans to assist our students with teach-out and transfer options. However, should the generosity of the college’s dedicated family of donors reach specified goals by Dec. 31, your College will proceed with the spring semester and look forward to celebrating commencement on April 30, 2021.”
In an email to current students, Tew commended their perseverance throughout 2020 “under exceedingly strenuous and ever-changing circumstances.” “We thank you for exemplifying the steadfast Judson Spirit,” Tew said, “which has kept this institution afloat through multiple wars, two fires, the Great Depression, several recessions and now, a pandemic.”
“Please know,” said Tew, “that the Trustees and the administration of Judson College are seeking God’s leadership for Judson’s future in order to ensure that all things are done ‘decently and in order’ (1 Corinthians 14:40).”
Tew said that both unrestricted gifts before Dec. 31 and pledges for January–May 2021 are needed. Donors may contribute one-time gifts by Dec. 31 here ( http://bit.ly/38ilul3) or make a pledge to give from January-May of 2021 here (http://bit.ly/2WmMoT4).
Since 1838, Judson College has been committed to preparing young women for lives of purpose through the transmission of knowledge, the refinement of intellect, the nurturing of faith, the promotion of service, and the development of character. A private, four-year, Christian college with degree programs in liberal arts and the sciences, Judson College helps each student reach her full potential by providing her with opportunities to engage her mind, practice her faith, and live her purpose. www.judson.edu
