President Ron Cole, ’87, gave the State of the College address to faculty and staff in the Schultz Banquet Hall on Thursday, Feb. 12. The address, which serves as an annual update from the administration to the faculty community, celebrated the work of staff and highlighted the ways that Allegheny continues to work toward the goals outlined in its Strategic Pathway.
Cole began his address by telling the crowd that there were no “big news drops, rest assured,” only updates and information of the happenings on campus. To start off, Cole welcomed newly hired Provost Celia Cook-Huffman and thanked Jennifer Dearden for serving as interim provost. Throughout the address, Cole established the ways the college was working towards the five goals of the Strategic Pathway: academic excellence and strong outcomes, vibrant and inclusive community, broad academic offerings, community and economic development and operational and financial stability.
Cole expressed his deep appreciation for Allegheny’s lifelong commitment to learning, which he said is demonstrated by job placement and the fulfillment of alumni’s success and careers. Cole stated that while the college may have lost ground over the pandemic, it is now starting to rebuild and is “seeing a change in momentum.”
The Fall 2025 semester saw a 10% increase in enrollment from the previous two fall semesters, and student retention is “gradually increasing,” according to Cole, as the administration takes a deliberate and systematic approach to growing enrollment.
Cole stressed the importance of “playing both games,” as the college adapts to the changing environment while staying true to liberal arts values.
Cole also gave a shoutout to multiple programs broadening the reach and impact of Allegheny, such as the CREATE (Center for Research and Teaching Excellence) Center, the newly offered microcredentials, ALIC @ Bessemer, the Community Impact Hub and more.
Overall, the main goal is for the college to be a first-choice school for students, Cole said, and the way to achieve that is through the implementation of the goals of the Strategic Pathway and a focus on building enrollment and financial stability.
During the address, Cole also updated faculty and staff on the Board Retreat that took place on Feb. 9. Participants such as alumni, staff and student leaders offered input on the “Allegheny reality” as well as students’ wants and needs.
Chief Information Officer Katrina Yeung also gave an update on Oracle, the new enterprise system for the college’s finance, human resources and grant management operations. Both Cole and Yeung applauded for the team involved in getting Oracle functioning for the College, with Cole stating that it was “no small task.”
Vice President for Enrollment Management Jenn Winge, ’96, gave the update on Fall 2025 recruitment, with a 3% to 5% increase in applications and 7% increase for campus visitors among admitted visitors. Winge credits the success, in part, to the Blue & Gold Ambassador program, in which alumni and faculty write personal messages to send to prospective students.
Vice President for Institutional Advancement Matt Stinson gave an update on the $250 million campaign for the Strategic Pathway, such as the invite initiative and the role that alumni play in that campaign. Stinson referenced his update in last year’s address, when 25% of the incoming class had alumni referrals as part of the program; this year, the number of alumni participating has increased. Stinson added that nearly 200 alumni have indicated that they would help with college fairs.
Stinson explained that the college’s yield percentage is 8% for a normal admitted student, but jumps to 33% when they come to campus for a visit. Stinson, in addition to Winge, stressed the encouragement of the Blue & Gold Ambassador program in seeing this result.
Over 1,100 students, alumni and parents have participated in the invite initiative since the launch of the campaign, Stinson said.
Stinson also gave the “CliffsNotes” update on the college’s investment funding, which currently stands at over $180 million with the goal of reaching $200 million by June 20. Stinson expressed excitement that Gator Give Day is coming up, which allows members of the Allegheny community to engage in the fundraising campaign for the college.
In addition to the institutional and financial updates, Cole also gave an update on several capital projects taking place on campus:
Brooks Hall
The renovation of Brooks Hall, courtesy of a donation from Patricia Bush Tippie, ’56, is underway with current work focusing on updating the electrical system, installation of an elevator and accessible entrances. Cole hopes that with updates to the electrics, the building will one day be ready for air-conditioning.
Reis Hall
Phase one of the Reis Hall renovation was completed in October 2025, and phase two has now begun with work focusing on the interior of the building. The project is on course to be finished by December 2026.
Robertson Athletic Complex
Plans to redesign athletes’ locker room spaces are in the works for Robertson, with the goal of creating lockers specific to the football team and the hope of getting other varsity teams locker space in the outdoor facility.
Quigley Hall
Renovation for Quigley Hall is in the beginning stages with plans being developed for funds, phases and designs. Cole stated that the college is not “getting at it right away” because while he would love to do everything at once, it is not feasible.
Outdoor Classroom
As part of the Allegheny Student Government-funded project, construction of the outdoor classroom has begun next to the Lawrence Lee Pelletier Library.
