the academy journal
Bryn Athyn College
President’s Report
Brian Blair
T
he 2016-17 academic year was highlighted by
many positive developments, changes and ini-
tiatives that have strengthened the college. The
administration addressed challenges with enroll-
ment, changing sources of operating revenues,
infrastructure and academic support for our stu-
dents. In addition, we have challenged ourselves
to grow and extend our mission with programs
and partners that draw wider attention to Sweden-
borgian studies and the exploration of the Heav-
enly Doctrines.
teaching as an assistant professor of psychology
at Bryn Athyn College. Dr. Suzanne Nelson has
joined the administration and has taken on this
new role while continuing to teach nutrition.
Dean of Admissions and Enrollment Manage-
ment: This position was created to pull together
the very important duties of recruiting new stu-
dents while also overlooking the effectiveness of
retaining students through sound retention prac-
tices. Dr. Roberta Nolan who was serving as Di-
rector of Admissions was elevated to this position.
Vice President of Business Development and
Athletics: Matt Kennedy who served as Athletic
Director was promoted to this new position. Mr.
Kennedy performed an outstanding job in pro-
ducing a new revenue stream associated with rent-
als of the General Ronald K. Nelson turf field and
college dormitories. These new revenue sources
have contributed to improving the financial health
of the operating budget and will also provide in-
troductions to high school students who may be
prospective recruits for the enrollment.
Changes in Senior Administration
Over the past year, many key administration
positions went through transitions which are as
follows:
Dean of Academics/Chief Academic Officer:
Dr. Allen Bedford stepped down from this role to
pursue a sabbatical sponsored by Council of In-
dependent Colleges on observing senior manage-
ment best practices at other colleges and universi-
ties. Dr. Bedford was replaced by Rev. Dr. Thane
Glenn who served in a multitude of academic and
religious duties at Bryn Athyn College.
Dean of Students: Kiri Rogers made the deci-
sion to step down from this role to pursue full time
Infrastructure
New facilities were added to the campus while
two buildings received major renovations.
8