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Stewarding Houghton’s Future

October 23, 2026

Since August, Houghton faculty and academic leaders have been engaged in a systematic review of Houghton’s undergraduate and graduate academic programs. This review by the Academic Portfolio Review Task Force (APTF) has been informed by admissions, enrollment, financial, and market data. Their work resulted in a set of recommendations to the Provost and to me. Informed by their recommendations, the counsel of the Provost and Executive Leadership Cabinet (ELC), and my independent review of data, I developed and finalized a plan for refining Houghton’s academic offerings. Over the last few weeks, I have shared and discussed that plan with the Houghton Board of Trustees. The Board ratified my plan this Thursday at its fall meeting. Today, I share that plan with the broader University community.

Currently, demand across Houghton’s academic programs is uneven. Some programs continue to attract, enroll, and graduate healthy numbers of students. Other programs, in recent years, have attracted few students annually. To steward Houghton’s resources wisely and position the University for continued enrollment growth, persistently low-enrollment programs will be sunsetted. The University will continue to invest in healthy programs and strategically add or expand mission-aligned undergraduate and graduate academic programs with growth potential.

This plan includes a set of undergraduate and graduate academic programs to be phased out over the next four to five years, as well as a set of programs to be adjusted. All students enrolled in affected academic programs will be able to complete their programs of study at Houghton without interruption. While new students will not be enrolled in programs being phased out, all currently enrolled students will have the opportunity to complete their academic programs at Houghton. Because all discontinued programs will be taught-out at Houghton over the next four to five years, this plan requires no immediate personnel action.

It is important to distinguish between phasing out a major or degree program and eliminating coursework in an area. While this plan includes the elimination of some degree programs, coursework in several of those areas will continue to be taught, even after those degree programs have been taught out. This is not new for Houghton. We currently offer coursework in disciplines where the University discontinued academic majors in years past.

Every academic program at Houghton, including those being phased out, continues to provide an academically rigorous educational experience for students that prepares them exceptionally well for their careers and callings. Without exception, Houghton’s faculty are experts and leaders in their disciplines and fields. They are a blessing to the institution and to Houghton students. Still, difficult decisions are necessary to ensure Houghton’s portfolio of academic offerings aligns with current student interest, industry demand and expectations, and technological advancement. Continuing to offer programs for which few students enroll consumes resources that could be used in ways that are more beneficial to the institution’s growth and impact.

Shared governance is a hallmark of higher education and has long been a defining value at Houghton. This program review process reflects Houghton’s commitment and my commitment to shared governance. I have now spent the majority of my career in higher education, beginning as an assistant professor and working my way through faculty tenure and promotion  before moving to administrative, executive, and board roles. As a faculty member, I participated meaningfully in faculty governance, both as an individual faculty member as an elected representative of my colleagues. Those experiences have shaped my belief that meaningful faculty involvement, particularly in curricular matters, is essential to healthy university decision making. Faculty and staff perspectives are critically important to me.

Student voices are also incredibly important to me. Engaging with the Houghton student body is my greatest joy as President, Throughout my tenure at Houghton, I have enjoyed transparent dialogue with Student Council presidents. While direct participation is not always possible or appropriate in every decision, I have consistently sought student input and will continue to do so. The Board of Trustees shares this commitment to hearing from students, faculty, and staff. While participation does not always carry primary decision-making authority, it strengthens both the process and the outcomes by ensuring a broader range of perspectives is considered.

These discussions and decisions are never easy. Large and small institutions across the U.S. are engaged in similar evaluations of their academic offerings. Because Houghton is such a close-knit community, and so many of its programs are longstanding and beloved by graduates, these decisions are especially difficult. I assure you that I have not made these decisions lightly. While difficult, these decisions are necessary for the growth and long-term sustainability of the institution. As we move forward, academic programs will be continuously assessed through this lens, with the University phasing out persistently low-enrollment programs regularly to make room for program expansion and new programs in growth areas.

I will be engaging directly with students, families, employees, and alumni in the weeks and months ahead. I am grateful for the partnership of Houghton’s Board of Trustees, executive leaders, faculty, staff, and student leaders. Houghton’s momentum is undeniable. We will support each other through this season of change, and together, continue our relentless pursuit of excellence, for the benefit of our students and for the glory of God.

 

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ÓûÂþɬ President Wayne Lewis sitting at his desk.

About the Author

A noted teacher, scholar and leader in higher education, government and P12 schools, Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. serves as the 6th President of ÓûÂþɬ. He is recognized as being a champion for students and families. He writes, speaks and teaches on Christian leadership, organizational leadership and federal and state education policy.

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