Challenges & Opportunities

The key challenges and opportunities for our next President are:

Developing Financial Resources:  In 2007, the Board of Trustees endorsed the Strategic Directions for the College. This vision of a bolder, stronger Gettysburg will require unprecedented contributions of financial support from throughout the extended College community. Promoting a culture of connection among constituents is a significant goal within that plan-and one upon which other ambitious goals rely. Establishing strong, deep relationships with potential donors will be critical to the College's future success.

Growing the College's endowment is essential. A larger endowment will reduce tuition dependency and improve the College's fiscal agility, while bolstering support in areas that are central to its goals. 

Our next President will work with the Board and senior staff to develop and articulate the goals of the upcoming campaign and work tirelessly to develop the relationships and resources that will provide the College with the financial resources to realize its vision. This will be our next President's highest priority. 

Building National Visibility: Our president must be able to articulate the College's distinctive characteristics, accomplishments and aspirations to all constituencies, ensuring the public perception of the College aligns with its ambitious goals to continue to attract the best and brightest students, faculty and staff and to produce graduates of the highest caliber. With an excellent foundation on which to build, the College is eager to continue to grow its reputation nationally and internationally.

Strengthening Sense of Community:  Gettysburg College, as a residential liberal arts institution in a small town, provides a unique opportunity for students, faculty and staff to work, learn and live in a stimulating and supportive environment. The student experience is enriched by close faculty interactions, engaged learning, and public service opportunities. Our next President must model these qualities in actively connecting with the many constituencies on the campus and in the larger community.

Addressing Space Requirements:  Over the past decade, the size of the faculty and student body have grown considerably, placing many strains on the College's physical plant. The College recently completed a long-term campus plan, extending through the next 20 years and beyond. The plan incorporates present space concerns, deferred maintenance areas, and the identification of future sites for growth on campus. Over the course of the next 10 years, the College anticipates investing approximately $100 million on new facilities, building renovations, and campus infrastructure, as identified in the master plan. Our next President will lead the implementation of the master plan, addressing immediate and long-term space needs and related financing.