On Monday September 19, President Mullen addressed the student body with a summary of her annual State of the College address at the Student Government Association (SGA) all-campus meeting. Mullen covered topics varying from the celebrations to the challenges the college has and will be facing in the coming year.
Traditionally, the State of the College address is given a week before the scholastic year begins. However, Mullen felt it was important to share this information with the student body, and thus provided a space on Monday night to address the students in a summarized and comprehendible fashion.
“I am overwhelmed by gladness of the ability to be in this place,” she stated. Mullen further exclaimed how this year marked the largest incoming student class the school has seen in awhile. Houghton, as Mullen stated, is unlike any other college institution. “To have an academic environment that cares deeply about both faith and academia, and is intentionally about their fusions, is often unheard of in higher education… Sometimes we’re so inside this place, that we often forget how special it is,” she said.
Mullen also addressed some of the challenges for the college, the first being the continuation of Houghton’s foundational economic model. Houghton was founded on the principle of affordability for all. However, this generosity comes at the expense of the budget. Mullen said, “It costs about $7,000 more dollars to educate the average Houghton student than what they actually pay.” Though a huge risk, Mullen explained the deep desire the administration has to preserve these foundational values as best they can.
Cayleigh Pracht ‘17, Executive Officer of Communications, responded to the address by saying she “appreciated the time that President Mullen took out of her schedule to be with the students.” Mullen, as Pracht explained, “bridges the gap from administration to students in a tact and sincere way.”
Student body president, Joanna Friesen ‘17, also emphasized the importance of having the president involved in student activities. She commented, “It’s important to have and maintain a relationship with the president of the college…It allows the opportunity for both students and administration to be aware of the wider part of the college.”
In closing, President Mullen encouraged the student body to take advantage of their time at Houghton, and to “carry out the tasks that God has called each of us to.”
Though that does not guarantee an avoidance of storms, it guarantees a life of molding and growth in both students spiritual and academic walk.