Inspiring flexible, confident thinkers since 1894
Cultivating a passion for life-long learning
and a dedication to ethical leadership and civic responsibility.
These are the vision and mission statements of our United Methodist-related Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. A few days ago, I had the privilege of participating in the Board of Directors meeting at Morningside. I also addressed the graduating students at their Commencement and received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.
Because of the Pandemic, traveling and meeting in groups has been highly restricted over the past fifteen months. However, Morningside College has continued to flourish due to President John Reynders’ unwavering commitment to excellence in higher education, the strategic way he has led the college through COVID-19, and the fact that 90% of Morningside graduates find meaningful employment within a year. Most amazing, in the midst of the Pandemic, Morningside College had the fourth largest incoming class in its history and is transforming itself into a university as of June 1, 2021.