Reflecting on a Semester of Progress, Possibility, and Purpose 12.19.24

Dear CBU Community,

With this year coming to a close, I want to celebrate the incredible progress we’ve made this fall. Every step reminds us of who we are and what we stand for.

Proverbs 4:25-26 tells us, “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.”

From welcoming new students to the achievements of our faculty, staff, and alumni, this semester has been one of innovation, resilience, and collaboration. Guided by faith and determination, we are building a lasting impact at Christian Brothers University.

Pursuing Excellence
What have we accomplished this semester? More than can fit in a single email.
Here are just a few highlights:

  • Our undergraduate entering class this fall grew by 2.4% compared to last year, demonstrating the continued evolution of our enrollment efforts.
  • Our campus represents 40 countries, inspiring new ideas and creativity. Our academic reputation remains strong, with renowned faculty and staff encouraging bold thinking in every student.
  • We unveiled our new Innovation Lab, equipping students with industry-relevant tools to create physical prototypes and gain valuable hands-on experience.
  • We were honored as a legacy institution by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for over a century of contributions to Memphis and the state. 
  • Faculty, students, and alumni earned national recognition for research, service, and innovation.
  • Once again, CBU was ranked among the Best Regional Universities in the South, reaffirming our commitment to fostering opportunities for student success.

Balancing Growth & Responsibility
This semester, we made significant strides to strengthen our financial position and adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education, ensuring sustainability while fulfilling our mission. By right-sizing our operating budget, we are projected to realize a surplus for the first time in years. Additionally, adjustments to our employer-sponsored 403(b) plan shifted contributions to an annual, performance-based model, improving budget efficiency while offering the potential for increased employee benefits.

At the end of November, we reached nearly 80% of our annual fundraising goal, with $9.5 million raised toward a $12.2 million target. One of the year’s most impactful contributions is a generous grant from a local foundation, enabling us to recruit 10 students from local high schools annually with full-tuition scholarships. Over the next four years, this grant will support 40 exceptional students.

Thanks to targeted investments and the continued support of our alumni and community partners, CBU is well-positioned to achieve financial stability.

Expanding Our Community 
We deliver programs that empower students to excel in arts, business, engineering, and sciences, with faculty and staff fostering academic excellence to prepare them for tomorrow’s challenges with confidence.

Looking ahead, commitments are significantly up for both first-year and transfer students. Fall 2025 is equally promising, with first-year student applications up 46.6% and transfer interest expected to grow into late spring.

Driving Excellence
The Operational Success Plan (OSP) committees have made considerable progress in a short time, identifying key objectives that are already driving meaningful impact for CBU. Engaging all members of our community, the OSP has entered its tactical phase, focusing on high-touch recruiting efforts, non-tuition revenues, and enhanced operational efficiencies. 

The committees play an instrumental role in connecting with prospective students and families as we approach the crucial decision period in April and May. 

Thank you for your unwavering support and for embodying the values that define CBU—faith, service and community. It is because of you that we are poised for continued success.

I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with peace, rest, and cherished moments. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025, ready to continue our journey together.

Happy Holidays, and see you in the New Year!

Brother Chris
Interm President, Christian Brothers University