Called Together
2026-30 Strategic Plan
Our Purpose
At Wartburg College, we are Called Together for a purpose greater than ourselves. Our 2030 strategic plan will envision a community where every individual finds their calling while contributing to our collective mission of transformative education rooted in leadership, service, faith, and learning.
The path ahead requires courage, creativity, and commitment from every member of the Wartburg family. Together, we will build an institution that honors our past while boldly stepping into the future – a college embodied by values where the call to live, serve, learn, succeed, and thrive resonates in all we do.
We’d love to hear your ideas!
We welcome feedback on these strategic topics. Please click on each header title to access a survey form. Thank you for your input and insights!
This working group will explore the changing higher education landscape and consider the ways that our academic enterprise can embrace innovation while honoring our core values and commitment to student success. Flexible delivery models, workforce demands, program evaluation, institutional agility, and opportunities for programmatic accreditation will be aligned to create a model for excellence in preparing students for meaningful careers and lives of purpose.
- Comprehensive Academic Program Portfolio Review (Curricular Optimization)
- Flexible Learning Delivery Model Framework
- Programmatic Accreditation Expansion Plan
- Faculty Development and Support System
This working group will examine the thoughtful integration of physical and virtual experiences as capable of creating something greater than either approach alone. This work will focus on preserving what makes residential liberal arts education transformative while extending its reach and impact through digital innovation, including a comprehensive analysis of current and future student engagement opportunities.
- Residential Experience Enhancement Strategy
- Housing Portfolio Analysis and Recommendations
This working group will envision the future of the Vogel Library as the intellectual heart of Wartburg College, where students, faculty, and community members converge to learn, collaborate, and prepare for the future. Knowledge access, academic support, community engagement, and career development will be explored as foundational aspects of a comprehensive integrated learning ecosystem that seamlessly blends physical and digital resources.
- Knowledge Creation and Research Innovation Center
- Integrated Academic Support Services Model
- Career Development and Professional Preparation Hub
- Community Co-working Space
This working group will envision a technologically fluent community where all members possess the tools, skills, confidence, and ethical framework to leverage digital tools for enhanced teaching, learning, and administration. Exploration of the ways that AI and digital platforms can seamlessly integrate across the institution will empower campus-wide efficiency and enhance the student journey from first contact through lifelong alumni engagement.
- Digital Literacy and Technology Fluency Development Program
- AI Integration and Institutional Efficiency Framework
- Technology Planning and Continuous Improvement Process
This working group will envision the future of service-learning at Wartburg College, intentionally focused on the challenges of a rapidly changing world, engaging our alumni network of servant leaders, transforming the educational experience of our students, and contributing meaningfully to the common good.
- Service-Learning Leadership Development and Training Program
- Local and Regional Service Ecosystem Development Initiative
- Global Service-Learning and International Engagement Strategy
- Alumni Servant Leader Network and Mentorship System
This working group will ideate a cohesive framework that nurtures complete well-being and fosters a genuine sense of belonging for all members of our community through the integration of inclusive community, spiritual life, counseling services, and physical wellness through The W.
- Holistic Wellness Framework and Integration Plan
- Technology-Free Sanctuary Spaces Initiative
Strategic Planning Members
Co-Chairs
Sheila Kittleson
Executive Director
Ohle Wartburg-Waverly Sports and Wellness Center
Dr. Caryn Riswold
Professor of Religion
Mike and Marge McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage & Mission
Administrative Coordinator
Janeen Stewart
Executive Administrator for the President’s Office
Secretary to the Board of Regents
Working Group Co-Chairs
Empowering Academic Adaptation
Dr. Abbylynn Helgevold
Assistant Dean for Academic Innovation
Board of Regents Distinguished Professor in Ethics
Assistant Professor of Religion
Wartburg College
Gary Walljasper ’85
Partner/Leadership and Executive Coach
Your Leadership Group
Johnston, IA
Envisioning a Residential Campus Within a Virtual World
Tara Winter ’01, ’23 MA
Executive Director of Admissions
Wartburg College
Matt McNamara ’02
Self-employed/Farmer
Waukee, IA
Redesigning Campus for Student Success
Dr. Sarah Voels ’09
Director, Vogel Library, and College Librarian
Wartburg College
Dr. Nathan Frederick ’93
Medical Director, Emergency Room
Unity Point Health
Peoria, IL
Creating Technological Infrastructure and Possibility
Andrew Brockway
Technical Operations Manager
Wartburg College
Jeff Beck ’01
Financial Advisor & Benefits Consultant
Assured Partners
Waverly, IA
Transforming Service
Dr. Tammy Faux
Tomson Family Distinguished Chair in Social Work
Professor of Social Work
Wartburg College
The Rev. Emily Harkins ’08
Founder, Lead Pastor, and Mission Developer
The Dwelling
Winston-Salem, NC
Integrating Wellness, Well-Being, and Belonging
Chaplain Maggie Falenschek
Herbert and Cora Moehlmann Chaplaincy Chair
Dean of Spiritual Life
Wartburg College
Dr. Carla Schulz ’82
Retired Medical Director and Physician
Marion, IA
Working Group Members
Dr. Michael Bechtel ’94
Associate Professor of Science Education
Wartburg College
Transforming Service
Dr. Jennifer Beck
Associate Dean of Institutional Research & Effectiveness
Wartburg College
Creating Technological Infrastructure and Possibility
Dr. Joy Becker ’97
Chair, Department of Mathematics Computer Science, and Physics
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Wartburg College
Envisioning a Residential Campus Within a Virtual World
Dr. Kerri Blobaum ’94
Board of Regents
Materials Scientist
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Livermore, CA
Empowering Academic Adaptation
Felecia Boone ’93, ’23 MA
Board of Regents
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant
Hennepin County, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Transforming Service
Dr. Ann Adams Bullock
Board of Regents
Dean, Dr. Jo Watts School of Education
Professor of Education
Elon University
Elon, NC
Redesigning Campus for Student Success
Ryan Callahan
Head Athletic Trainer
Associate Athletic Director
Wartburg College
Empowering Academic Adaptation
Jen Bye Christy ’95
Strategic Portfolio/Program Manager
Principal Financial Group
Johnston, IA
Envisioning a Residential Campus Within a Virtual World
MaTina Clark
Registrar
Director of Transfer Initiatives and Academic Partnerships
Wartburg College
Empowering Academic Adaptation
Dr. Sean Coleman
Professor of Biology
Associate Faculty Development Coordinator
Wartburg College
Empowering Academic Adaptation
Zack Crawford ’27
Sociology and Business Administration majors
Sycamore, IL
Creating Technological Infrastructure and Possibility
Jami Dare
Executive Chef
Wartburg College
Transforming Service
Dr. Cole Davidson
Assistant Professor of Biology
Wartburg College
Redesigning Campus for Student Success
Eleigh Davis ’27
Social Work major
Monroe, IA
Transforming Service
Jennifer Dickey
Visiting Professor of Education
Wartburg College
Empowering Academic Adaptation
Dr. Molly Doran
Assistant Professor of Music
Integrating Wellness, Well-Being, and Belonging
Dr. Robert Firth
Entrepreneur
Business & Education
Collinsville, OK
Empowering Academic Adaptation
Kelly Flege
Vice President for Financial Innovation
Wartburg College
Transforming Service
Kyle Fleming
Assistant Professor of Music Therapy
Wartburg College
Transforming Service
Jeff Frost ’90
Retired Executive Director of Professional Education
Waterloo Community Schools
Gilbertville, IA
Empowering Academic Adaptation
Emily Garden ’24 MA
Public Relations and Employee Engagement Supervisor
Soifer Family McDonald’s
Charles City, IA
Creating Technological Infrastructure and Possibility
Jerod Gayer, DPT, ATC
Owner/Manager
Taylor Physical Therapy Associates LLC
Waverly, IA
Integrating Wellness, Well-Being, and Belonging
Dr. Michael Gleason
Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
Irving R. Burling Distinguished Professor in Leadership
Director, Institute for Leadership Education
Creating Technological Infrastructure and Possibility
Beth Havlovic ’91
Chief Financial Officer
Waverly Health Center
Waverly, IA
Integrating Wellness, Well-Being, and Belonging
Olivia Janss ’27
Biology major
Van Horne, IA
Integrating Wellness, Well-Being, and Belonging
Dr. Debora Johnson-Ross
Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of the Faculty
Wartburg College
Empowering Academic Adaptation
Chris Knudson ’01
Chief Marketing Officer/Director, Strategic Marketing & Communication
Wartburg College
Transforming Service
Jill Krall
Executive Director
Waverly-Shell Rock Area United Way
Readlyn, IA
Transforming Service
Scott Leisinger ’87
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Wartburg College
Integrating Wellness, Well-Being, and Belonging
Lindsey Leonard
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students
Wartburg College
Redesigning Campus for Student Success
Krystal Madlock
Associate Dean for Inclusive Community
Wartburg College
Integrating Wellness, Well-Being, and Belonging
John Mallen ’11
Construction Project Manager
Woodruff Construction
Janesville, IA
Envisioning a Residential Campus Within a Virtual World
JP May
Zesty Orange Supervisor
Wartburg College
Redesigning Campus for Student Success
Sarah Meyer
Director
Waverly Public Library
Waverly, IA
Redesigning Campus for Student Success
Steve Miehe ’75
Retired Chief Technology Officer
AEGON USA, Inc.
Mesa, AZ
Creating Technological Infrastructure and Possibility
Dr. Sarah Montgomery
Professor of Education
Wartburg College
Integrating Wellness, Well-Being, and Belonging
Dr. Zak Montgomery
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Wartburg College
Redesigning Campus for Student Success
James Mossman ’23
Director of Production Operations
Wartburg College
Creating Technological Infrastructure and Possibility
Jamie Mueller
Head Softball Coach
Wartburg College
Integrating Wellness, Well-Being, and Belonging
Paul Mugan ’91
Retired Biology Teacher
Waverly-Shell Rock High School
Waverly, IA
Redesigning Campus for Student Success
Molly Mundt
Academic Success Coordinator
Wartburg College
Redesigning Campus for Student Success
Dr. Shannon Neale ’87
Family Physician
Park Nicollet Clinic
Edina, MN
Empowering Academic Adaptation
Stephanie Newsom
Director of Counseling Services
Integrating Wellness, Well-Being, and Belonging
Adrian Norris
Associate Director of Admissions
Assistant Softball Coach
Envisioning a Residential Campus Within a Virtual World
Bert Nuehring ’85
CPA-Partner
Crowe Horwath, LLP
Waverly, IA
Transforming Service
Judy Nuehring ’85
Homemaker
Waverly, IA
Transforming Service
Dr. Amy Pilcher
Associate Professor of Business Administration
Wartburg College
Creating Technological Infrastructure and Possibility
Dr. Amanda Rector ’11
Assistant Professor of Spanish
Co-Director, Honors Community
Wartburg College
Redesigning Campus for Student Success
Aurion Redding ’21
Business owner
Graduate Student, University of Northern Iowa
Integrating Wellness, Well-Being, and Belonging
Casey Reints
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Wartburg College
Creating Technological Infrastructure and Possibility
Stephanie Sacia ’91
Homemaker
Eldridge, IA
Redesigning Campus for Student Success
Brianne Schoonover ’02
CPA/Senior Manager of Tax Services
Ernst & Young LLP
New York, NY
Integrating Wellness, Well-Being, and Belonging
Barb Schultz
Instructional Designer/Contract Administrator
Wartburg College
Creating Technological Infrastructure and Possibility
Derek Solheim ’93
Associate Dean of Students for Careers & Vocation
Wartburg College
Redesigning Campus for Student Success
Patrick Smith ’03
Senior Vice President
First Bank
Dike, IA
Envisioning a Residential Campus Within a Virtual World
Carson Stetter ’26
Psychology major
Kirkville, IA
Envisioning a Residential Campus Within a Virtual World
Amy Stevenson
Information Literacy and Community Engagement Librarian
Wartburg College
Empowering Academic Adaptation
Tim Stockman ’97
President/Consultant
Blue Dog Video/Stockman Consulting
Ormond Beach, FL
Creating Technological Infrastructure and Possibility
Gordon Sween ’89
Board of Regents
President/COO
Dorsata, Inc.
Founder/Principal
GTS Consulting LLC
Minneapolis, MN
Creating Technological Infrastructure and Possibility
Courtney Tripp-Stuck
Director of Residential Life
Wartburg College
Envisioning a Residential Campus Within a Virtual World
Dr. Susan Vallem ’66
Professor Emeritus of Social Work
Wartburg College
Waverly, IA
Transforming Service
Andrea Westmeyer ’89
Board of Regents
CEO Measurement Mojo
CEO Epiphany Project
Executive Producer and Host
Fantastic Humans
Urbandale, IA
Integrating Wellness, Well-Being, and Belonging
Rick Willis
Vice President for Strategic Recruitment
Wartburg College
Envisioning a Residential Campus Within a Virtual World
Jack Willrett ’27
Religion major
Mason City, IA
Empowering Academic Adaptation