The Board of Trustees at Mary Baldwin University has voted to discontinue more than 15 academic minors at the end of the current academic year.
A statement from MBU sent to AFP said the decision was made due to low enrollment and follows recommendations made by a faculty-led academic portfolio review completed nearly two years ago.
“Mary Baldwin University confirms that, following a vote by its Board of Trustees, several academic minors will be discontinued as part of a broader academic realignment.”
In total, 17 minors are on the list, including African American studies, sexuality and gender studies, peacebuilding and conflict resolution, Spanish language and Hispanic culture and religious studies.
“It also aligns with MBU’s strategic direction to focus on career-focused, workforce-aligned programs that are partnership-driven and professional by design.”
Faculty members affected by the changes have been personally notified, and handled with care and respect, according to an email sent to students from Dr. Todd Telemeco, president of MBU.
“The university deeply values the contributions of these faculty members and recognizes the impact they have made on generations of students,” the statement continued.
“This academic realignment builds on MBU’s existing areas of strength — particularly in health sciences, human services, business, education and technology — while continuing to emphasize the liberal arts principles that have always defined a Mary Baldwin education: communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and ethical judgment.”
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Former President Jeff Stein announced his resignation at MBU in late August, approximately two weeks into the academic year. He was quickly replaced by Telemeco, who previously served as MBU’s vice president and dean of its Fishersville campus.
Community concerned about future of Staunton campus
Students, parents and alumni expressed disappointment online saying the changes appear to be aimed at removing diversity, equity and inclusion minors and complying with the President Donald Trump’s MAGA agenda.
The news was met with many adjectives from the community: “heartbreaking,” “disturbing” and “nauseating” among them.
A campus protest is being organized.
Online, some people speculated that they fear the BOV will eventually close the main Staunton campus. The second campus, the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, is located in Augusta County, near the Augusta Health hospital.
Liesel Nowak, MBU’s vice president of integrated communication, would not comment on the rampant speculation.
“At this time, the statement I provided reflects all information the university is sharing publicly regarding the board’s recent action and the academic realignment,” said Nowak. “I don’t have additional details to offer beyond what’s included there.”
Nowak failed to address questions about the current financial situation at MBU, the status of both campuses after this academic year, a possible push to move some majors online and how many staff members were impacted by the recent decision.
List of discontinued minors
- African American studies
- Anthropology and sociology
- Peacebuilding and conflict resolution
- Professional writing
- Sexuality and gender studies
- Spanish language and Hispanic cultures
- Exercise science – Nutrition, coaching, communication (exercise science retained as a major)
- Religious studies
- Physics
- Art history
- Film with an emphasis in film production
- Film with an emphasis in film studies
- Music
- Studio art
- Dance
- Science communication
- Creative writing
Financial challenges uncovered last year
Last October, MBU admitted it was facing significant financial challenges that led to cost-cutting measures including selling property, eliminating staff, reducing employee benefits and offering fewer academic majors to incoming students.
“Mary Baldwin University is not alone in facing external headwinds in higher education, including many colleges and universities, some in Virginia, that have recently made deep cuts to academic programming and staffing,” Nowak said in a statement provided to AFP.
ICYMI
“Instead of exclusively cutting, we have strategically built a new undergraduate experience, including creating a brand-new common curriculum that combines the best of liberal arts learning with professional preparation.
“At MBU we are known as an institution that evolves to serve students and the community and, with that ethos at our core, are making these strides to stay ahead of those headwinds. We have made some strategic financial decisions, including selling property that was no longer needed, reducing some faculty and staff positions, and other cost-cutting measures.
“As opposed to merely cutting, we have significant plans and initiatives underway that will transform and grow the institution in terms of the revenues it can produce. This proactive approach demonstrates how our 183-year-old institution faces and conquers external challenges.
“We have been and will continue to remain transparent with our community about these challenges and the university’s significant strategic initiatives and plans in place at our university that will build a strong and stable future that supports students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro community.”
A former employee said last year they’d be surprised if Mary Baldwin survived the financial crisis it is in.
“It’s a hot mess over there. If they stay open another five years, it will be a miracle,” they said.
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Crystal Graham
