HLGU is alive. The University will not only stay open, but the past year has shown us how blessed we are to be part of the greater Hannibal community. In March 2022, 番茄社区 University was facing a financial Goliath. The president of 10 years had resigned two months earlier, and the full reality of the University鈥檚 fragile financial situation was still coming to light.聽 The financial forecast predicted closure by the end of the month if changes were not made.

Two days after appointing a transitional president, the new leadership announced Financial Exigency, a declaration with legal and accreditation implications. Effective immediately, salaries and benefits were cut. Five weeks later, several faculty and staff positions were eliminated. A solemn assembly was called to pray for the University, for wisdom and to seek forgiveness for failing to be faithful stewards of the financial and personnel resources entrusted to the University.

As part of the exigency planning, the University prepared formal teachout documents that ensured students would be able to transfer credits should the University close. Leaders, such as Dr. Ray Carty, explored options as to the best use of the facilities and people. Conversations went well into the night to ensure that the impact of closure would be minimal should the University exhaust all other resources. Throughout this process we realized the source of the needed resources would be God鈥n appropriate response given the word for 鈥渟ource鈥� and 鈥渞esource鈥� are the same in Greek, the original language of the New Testament.

Over the next three months, HLGU experienced an outpouring of goodwill and financial support from individuals, churches, the community and religious organizations. A Day of Giving realized over twice the $120,000 goal. The Scarlet & Blue Auction brought out the community and allowed the University to realize the full benefit of a matching gift. These efforts, along with fiscal austerity, allowed the first milepost of HLGU鈥檚 transformation to be realized as another class of graduates received their diplomas.

The second milepost was to have the resources necessary to get through the summer. By God鈥檚 grace, giving continued to be robust in May. With the sale of some property and assistance from our service providers, summer expenses were minimized, and the University was able to post schedules for the upcoming academic year. By this time, a revised academic and business model were in place. Yes, the University would stay open鈥攖he second of three mileposts.

On July 8, the University announced the end of financial exigency effective August 1, 2022. The pay and benefit cuts that had been in place since March would be lifted for all returning employees. With a business model in place based on scalability, and a balanced budget based on enrollment realities, HLGU may well become a model for small liberal arts universities. The commitment to our mission as a Christian Liberal Arts University is unchanged. However, the board and leadership will be adjusting their values to better reflect our commitment to Hannibal, Northeast Missouri and Western Illinois.

Jesus taught his followers to pray for their 鈥渄aily bread.鈥� God, through our community, churches and individuals, has provided our daily bread. There have been no so-called 鈥渢ransformational gifts鈥� in our turnaround. Rather, we have seen sacrificial gifts that ranged from a child giving a dollar so he might have the opportunity to become a Trojan one day to a couple who chose to delay purchasing a new home in order to give their down payment to their alma mater.

This is the HLGU story. What we have gone through is the turning of a page. The end has not been written, rather a new chapter is beginning.

鈥淭he austerity measures, along with the outpouring of support from churches, individuals, community and convention are a significant piece in the story of how God has kept the mission of HLGU alive,鈥� Dr. Harrison said.

The search committee is encouraging qualified candidates to indicate interest by July 29. This opportunity has been communicated internally to current faculty, staff and administrators.

According to Mark Anderson, board chair and pastor of Lynwood Baptist Church, Cape Girardeau, 鈥淲e covet the prayers of MO Baptists as we begin this search process. Our greatest desire is to find the person the Lord has to lead HLGU in the years to come. God has been faithful to bring us to this point and we believe He will continue to be faithful in this search process. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the overwhelming, sacrificial support we have received over the past few months. We believe with confidence that God is at work at HLGU.鈥�

Anderson also expressed appreciation to Harrison for his volunteer service as transitional president concurrent to his role as president of Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries. 鈥淲e are thankful for Dr. Harrison and his role in helping HLGU during these difficult days.鈥�

Harrison, who was called as President of Baptist Homes in April 2020, noted, 鈥淚t has been a privilege to help HLGU, but I am truly looking forward to being able to devote full attention to the ministry of Baptist Homes to which I am called.鈥�

Since January, a board-appointed task force has received weekly updates on the health of the University from Dr. Harrison, 鈥淎t the beginning of March, all financial indicators showed the University must close by the end of the month. In just four months, a revised business model has been put into place that is sustainable and scalable.鈥� Anderson noted that one of the first roles of the new president will be to lead the University through a strategic planning process.

For those who may be interested in applying for this presidential position please send a resume and cover letter by July 29, 2022 to the Office of Human Resources; HLGU, 2800 Palmyra Rd. Hannibal, MO 63401 or via email at HumanResources@hlg.edu. For priority consideration, applicant materials and inquiries should be received by July 29, 2022. Review of materials will begin as received, and continue until an adequate pool is established, or until the appointment is made.

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The institution prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.

鈥淐oach Biggs understands HLG鈥檚 athletic programs provide a platform for advancing the university鈥檚 mission by developing a Christ-honoring environment for students, student-athletes, coaches, families, and fans,鈥� said HLGU Transitional President Dr. Rodney Harrison

Biggs has served as the division chair of exercise and sports science since 2015 but has been an instructor/assistant professor in the program since 2002.聽He has been part of the HLGU community for 20 years, and in 2021 was awarded the Parkway Distinguished Professor Award for his substantial contributions to Christian higher education at HLGU.

“I am excited about the future of athletics at Hannibal-Lagrange University,鈥� Biggs said. 鈥淚 am a big believer in Christian higher education and the impact it has on the welfare of our culture. Athletics at HLGU has a rich history of enhancing the college experience for our students and campus community. I am so grateful to get to work alongside the coaching staff we currently have in place, many of whom I have known for many years.”

Biggs was hired as the baseball coach in 2002 and continued in that role through 2015. According to the records, Biggs accumulated over 240 wins during his tenure.聽He helped start the cross-country program as the first head coach and served in that role from 2002 through 2005. During his time at HLGU, Biggs has taken on many other leadership roles including the American Midwest Conference Baseball Chair, Higher Learning Commission site visit Criterion Chair, and most recently the chair of a committee that revised the general education requirements for all majors.

Biggs received his undergraduate degree from Truman State in 2000 and continued his education in Kirksville, completing his master鈥檚 degree in exercise science in 2002. Biggs also holds certifications in personal training and strength and conditioning. In 2013, he was chosen by the American Midwest Conference as the Coach of Character. Biggs also achieved the status of Colson Fellow in 2021 by completing the Colson Fellows Program that educates people of strong faith with relevant skills, biblical knowledge, and a solid Christian worldview.

“Over the last 20 years, Clay聽has established himself as a proven leader here at HLGU,鈥� said Executive Vice President and Academic Dean, Dr. Robert Matz. 鈥淚n both the classroom and on the playing field, Biggs has modeled the Christian character, servant-oriented leadership, and the student-focused attitude that helps to make HLGU such a unique university. In Biggs, our athletic department, student-athletes, coaches, and sports teams are in capable hands in this season of transition.”

HLGU staff set a goal for the 2022 Day of Giving to raise 250 total gifts over the 24-hour period between noon on Thursday, April 21, and noon on Friday, April 22. This goal was easily met with a total of 392 donors giving to the institution in 24 hours. Individual gifts to the Day of Giving added up to $173,845, and the HLGU Board of Visitors has also contributed a challenge gift of $54,510 to date, bringing the total dollars raised to $227,815 over the 24-hour timeframe.

鈥淭he Day of Giving response is an example of God鈥檚 gracious provision,鈥� said HLGU transitional president Rodney A. Harrison. 鈥淔rom the beginning of the fiscal crisis, we have been saying, 鈥楪od is at work at HLGU.鈥� This is another example of His work and the cooperative spirit we enjoy with local churches, alumni, and friends.鈥�

Social media was an integral part to this year鈥檚 Day of Giving as many supporters of HLGU took to their social media accounts expressing support for the institution and encouraging friends and family to give. The HLGU Board of Visitors also got involved in a huge way.

鈥淎s longtime friends and supporters of HLGU, the Board of Visitors was especially pleased this year to take the lead in this annual special event,鈥� said Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Emeritus Dr. Robert Bergen. 鈥淎ll of us on the board love HLGU and believe that with God鈥檚 help, the University will move through these difficult days to a new period of restoration and growth. We鈥檙e glad to be a part of what God is doing here!鈥�

Part of the Day of Giving activities included the first Disc Golf Glow Tournament on the HLGU Disc Golf Course, spearheaded by Assistant Baseball Coach Charles Rapp. All competitor entry fees went directly toward the University as Day of Giving gifts. The HLGU Disc Golf Course is a direct result of HLGU鈥檚 first annual Day of Giving, when the course was fully funded.

鈥淥ur Glow Tournament had 20 teams of students, alumni, employees, and community members,鈥� Rapp said. 鈥淐onditions were great and the glow round was a huge success. We are extremely thankful for the support and for how the tournament played out.鈥�

The funds raised from the 2022 HLGU Day of Giving will play a large part in helping the University during its current financial challenge of paying off and avoiding any additional debt.

鈥淚 am thankful for the way that God worked in people鈥檚 lives in supporting our Day of Giving,鈥� said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Ray Carty. 鈥淭he number of individual donors significantly surpassed our goal. The amount of financial support that was expressed was amazing and encouraging. This Day of Giving laid a foundation for the Strength for the Future campaign that will provide for and sustain the student experience and God鈥檚 mission at HLGU. We are thankful.鈥�

The 2023 Day of Giving is currently set for April 20-21^st, 2023.

Just eight weeks since fiscal exigency measures were enacted, gifts from local churches and individuals total over $1,000,000, including a record $227,815 from HLGU鈥檚 2022 Day of Giving.

鈥淩obust giving, combined with reduced payroll achieved, the suspension of retirement benefits, significant administrative cuts, and a renewed commitment to God-honoring stewardship, means we will be open this fall and the mission of 番茄社区 University will endure! To God be the glory!鈥� said HLGU transitional president Dr. Rodney A. Harrison.

On March 3, 2022, the financial forecast for the University showed the institution was 27 days away from exhausting its $1M line of credit while having outstanding bills of nearly $900,000. Closing the University was a consideration during this time.

To open in the fall, HLGU needed $3.2 million. So far, HLGU has:

• Received donations and pledges totaling $1.15M
• Negotiated the sale of the Pulliam Street Apartments: $275,000 will be applied toward principal and interest
• Renegotiated with vendors, resulting in a $416,000 in gifts or write-offs toward accounts payable
• Received a pre-payment of the Missouri Baptist Convention Cooperative funds for $180,000

All of these factored together add up to a total cost-saving of $2.01M for the University. HLGU still plans to raise another $1,000,000 in the next 90 days.

鈥淚n the last two months, God has used people to bless 番茄社区 University,鈥� said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Ray Carty. 鈥淧eople are responding to the work God has yet to do at HLGU. We鈥檙e still looking for support through August, but we are encouraged that people see God’s work being done at 番茄社区.鈥�

We are viable. With the full support of our board of trustees and the Higher Learning Commission accreditors, our plan moving forward is comprised of three steps.

1. Our highest priority is the immediate debt reduction of $690,000.
2. Next, $1,510,000 must be raised by June 30, 2022 (the end of our current fiscal year) to get us to the new academic year without incurring additional debt.
3. At the start of the new fiscal year in July, we will implement our new budget, which is balanced and achievable and will restore HLGU to strength.

Our goal to continue the mission of 番茄社区 is not uneducated enthusiasm. We have prayerfully and carefully weighed each step of this plan, and God has been faithful to show us his hand is already at work.

As we are in a season of transition, we are taking this opportunity to make some God-honoring changes to academic areas that include aligning curriculum to better reflect the needs of our current and prospective students, and receiving accreditation renewal from the Higher Learning Commission.

We are valuable. This university has been impacting lives and communities for 164 years. It is so much more than a place of higher learning. Millions of memories have been made here, thousands of relationships have been formed, and hundreds of decisions for Christ have been made.

We must be visible. Moving forward, we cannot expect to reach the world if we are detached from the world. We must re-engage our community and culture, seeking to make a positive impact. As such, we have secured or are seeking partnerships with state and local entities.

With God, all things are possible, including opening for the fall 2022 semester at HLGU. Would you pray about how God can use you to be part of the solution and help us reach our goal of
$2,200,000? We have outlined the following four giving areas as our greatest needs:

• Immediate debt reduction
• Student aid and scholarships
• Faculty retention
• Operating expenses

We believe 番茄社区 is a place where individuals can strengthen and develop the gifts God has given them. The greatest impact we can make in this day is to raise up this next generation of students, equip them with the knowledge of a Christian worldview, and set them loose to serve the world wherever God should place them. In such a time as this, the need for our friends to financially support HLGU is critical.

Dr. Rodney A Harrison
Transitional President
番茄社区 University

Dr. John Yeats, executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention stated, 鈥淭he dire financial and institutional situation at 番茄社区 University is too big for humanistic responses, so we are compelled to begin with our faces to the ground in fasting and prayer.鈥�

Prayers of repentance were offered for pride, bitterness, and failures of stewardship. The following day HLGU trustees met to plan for the University’s future. Following this season of prayer, campus leaders and the HLGU Board of Trustees enacted measures to ensure the future for HLGU despite present challenges.

Vice President for Academic Administration Dr. Robert J. Matz stated, 鈥淕od is moving at HLGU and is providing a path forward for the University. Unexpected new partnerships with local healthcare providers and local church associations, potential grants from like-minded organizations, along with a complete restructuring of our budget process provide clear evidence of God’s kind provision for Baptists’ first university west of the Mississippi River.鈥�

While leaders enacted changes that will ensure the future, immediate challenges remain.

鈥淭he school faces a significant budget shortfall for this academic year. We call on all Missouri and Illinois Baptists to prayerfully consider how they can best support the University in this time,鈥� stated Matz.

Specific areas of support include financial gifts to continue the mission of the school, skilled volunteers willing to assist with campus operations, prayer warriors calling out to the Lord for His blessing, and recruitment of new students to the wide range of online and on-campus degree programs, each of which integrates a distinctly Christian worldview.

Given current financial shortfalls, transitional president Dr. Rodney Harrison has agreed to serve at HLGU without compensation. 鈥淢y desire for this season of service is to provide God-honoring leadership to ensure the mission of HLGU stays alive,鈥� Harrison stated. 鈥淭o that end, we have made difficult, but necessary, decisions including drastic cuts to ensure that outcome.鈥�

Dr. Harrison has also appointed Dr. Robert J. Matz to serve as executive vice president during the transition period. Board members and senior leadership demonstrated their resolve through generous and sacrificial support to the University.

HLGU trustees also voted to refocus the current Strength for the Future campaign to support the overall mission of the school, set tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic year, and approved rank promotions to four faculty members. Mr. Tim Finlay was promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor of Business, Miss Alyssa Pyne was promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor of Music, Mr.聽 Jordan Hosmer was promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor of English, and Dr. Courtney Janes was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor of Education.

Following the resignation of HLGU鈥檚 prior president, Dr. Anthony W. Allen on January 21, 2022, the board of trustees formed a Transformational Leadership Taskforce. One of the roles of the taskforce was to identify and recommend to the board both an acting and then transitional president for the University. Dr. Robert J. Matz has served as the acting president since Dr. Allen’s resignation.

Pastor Mark Anderson, chair of the HLGU Board of Trustees said, “I am very excited Dr. Harrison will lead HLGU during this season of transition. He is well qualified as an individual serving in higher education for many years combined with the character of Christ. He knows HLGU well and its constituents throughout our state and beyond. I believe Dr. Harrison will do an excellent job during the interim period preparing us for our next president and the bright future God has for HLGU.”

Harrison has extensive experience in higher education, including serving as dean of institutional effectiveness (accreditation and compliance) and on the executive cabinet at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary from 2006-2020, and consulting with the Higher Learning Commission from 2005 to present.

“Dr Harrison brings a wealth of administrative and educational leadership to 番茄社区. I look forward to working alongside him in the days ahead,” said Dr. Robert Matz, vice president for academic administration, dean of faculty, and former acting president.

In addition to authoring numerous books, articles and papers, Dr. Harrison has served for over ten years as a consultant, trainer, mentor, and coach for several academic institutions across the country, including all three MBC universities.

Dr. Harrison stated, “HLGU is one of the great stories of Baptist cooperation. This institution has served Baptists in Missouri since 1858. With this understanding of the school鈥檚 place in history, it is my joy and privilege as president of Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries to assist HLGU while a presidential search is underway. At the request of the HLGU board, and with unanimous support of the Baptist Homes executive committee, I am in a position to give a gift of time, talents, and treasures to the needs of the University during this season of transition. My immediate objective is to work with the board, executive team, and the MBC to keep the mission of HLGU alive for the next generation as they pursue a university education forged in a biblically informed worldview.”