Goshen College Reappoints President Stoltzfus, Signals Strategic Continuity
The Goshen College Board of Directors unanimously reappointed President Rebecca Stoltzfus to a third five year term, effective July 1, 2026, extending leadership continuity at a time of broad change in higher education. For Orange County residents, the move has implications for regional student recruitment, health workforce development, and access to federal resources tied to Hispanic Serving Institution status.
Goshen College on November 10 announced that its Board of Directors unanimously reappointed Rebecca Stoltzfus to a third five year term as president, with the new term beginning on July 1, 2026. Stoltzfus, an alumna from the class of 1983 who became the college's 18th president in 2017, will lead the institution through the next phase of its Strategic Plan 2021 to 2026 and into subsequent planning.
The board highlighted accomplishments under Stoltzfus that shaped the reappointment decision. The college cited record fundraising through the Connected Cause campaign, completion of a major renovation to Westlawn Hall which now houses the Center for Nursing and Public Health, and the college's federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution in 2023. Board Chair Joy Sutter praised Stoltzfus for leadership during a period described by the college as challenging for higher education more broadly.
The reappointment carries several policy and institutional implications. The Hispanic Serving Institution designation can make Goshen College eligible for federal grant programs that target institutions serving substantial Hispanic student populations, including Title V type funding. Such resources can support scholarships, program development, and student services that could benefit prospective students from outside the immediate region, including Orange County. The expansion of nursing and public health facilities also strengthens the college's capacity to train clinicians and public health professionals, a potential pipeline for employers in regions with healthcare workforce needs.
For Orange County families and community college students considering four year transfer options, Goshen College's priorities on experiential learning and global engagement may influence recruitment and articulation strategies. The college's emphasis on mission driven work and hands on learning could appeal to students seeking programs with practical training in nursing and public health, though prospective applicants should evaluate transfer credit, program capacity, and financial aid availability on a case by case basis.
Institutionally, the unanimous vote signals continuity in governance and strategy at a time when many small private colleges are reassessing enrollment models, budgets, and program mixes. Continued fundraising success and capital investment provide stability, but the college will still face sector wide pressures including demographic shifts and competition for students. How Stoltzfus and the board translate the Strategic Plan into sustained enrollment and programmatic outcomes will shape Goshen College's role in regional higher education markets.
Stoltzfus's new term runs from July 2026 through mid 2031, barring any changes announced by the board. The college's public release noted the administration's aims to deepen experiential learning, expand global engagement, and pursue mission driven initiatives, items local community leaders and prospective students may watch as the institution executes its next five year agenda.
