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With a bright dazzle of initiatives and accolades that bring new faces, leadership and activity to campus, the 2025-26 school year holds optimistic promise.
In July, BW's new president began his tenure.
"This is a university poised to redefine what's possible, and I'm honored to help lead that charge," said Lee Fisher about being named BW's 10th president.
Fisher is currently in his second month in the role. He is looking to new opportunities to build on the university's strong tradition of academic excellence, community engagement and career preparation through cocurricular involvement and experiential learning.
"This is a pivotal time for BW as we chart a course that honors our legacy and embraces a future full of promise," noted Fisher in an article that appeared on cleveland.com. "It's an exciting time to write the next chapter of our story, which will remain centered on student success."
In August, BW welcomed 585 first-year and transfer students to campus. This year's first-year class hails from 32 states and has impressive scholastic achievement (average high school GPA of 3.7), as well as leadership, service and co-curricular involvement.
Business was cited as the main area of interest by 22% of the students, followed by the Conservatory of Performing Arts at 21%, sciences at 19%, health & physical education at 13%, social sciences at 8% and education at 7%. Humanities, interdisciplinary programs and health sciences account for the remaining 5%, 3% and 2%, respectively.
Among notable statistics, 26% are students of color and nearly one-third are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree, a reflection of BW's ongoing commitment to first-generation college students.
There was no summer slack for BW faculty and staff who spent the break invigorating their programs with new material, expanding their networking base and connecting to new opportunities. A few examples include:
BW's ongoing list of national accolades continues to flourish. BW appeared in Money magazine's annual Best Colleges list, which showcases the country's top values as noted by graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more.
BW was also cited in a World Atlas article about the "9 Most Beautiful College Towns in Ohio" that captured the rich history, outdoor scenery, walkable downtown, and quaint shops and eateries of Berea.
With 2025 marking BW's 180th anniversary, October is a month of celebration and tradition as the community gathers for two major events.
The inauguration of BW President Lee Fisher is Thursday, Oct. 9, and Bold & Gold is Saturday, Oct. 25. Both events are open to the Baldwin Wallace community.
These events, together and individually, give a lauded nod to the important and endearing role BW has played in shaping people's lives and in being a place where past, present and future are united to carry forward a mission that began in 1845.
