Students, alumni, parents and friends,

Since 1932, Clarks Summit University has prepared Christ-centered, career-ready graduates. Committed to biblical truth, the university was founded during the Great Depression and has weathered many significant challenges in its nine decades of serving students, the community, and God. Many times, the Lord has provided for this university in remarkable ways.

We are in the midst of another challenge. This one is financial. Many have responded to our fundraising campaign in the last few weeks. Friends who share our Christ-centered mission have given generously toward our fiscal year-end fundraising need. While progress is being made, a significant financial gap remains.

To cover the gap, we’re following legal advice to put us in the best place moving forward. We have a trusted partner to lead us through the process. However, this recommended action mandates furlough for CSU employees while the process takes place.

The full administration—president and cabinet members—has already committed to volunteer at CSU without pay during this temporary furlough. Other employees have been joining the commitment to volunteer. I am not surprised. The faculty and staff members of CSU are deeply committed to serving students well, and this challenging time won’t be an exception.

With excellent counsel, a committed administration and dedicated faculty and staff, we are moving forward with plans for an excellent 2024-25 school year. Like many colleges, in the last two years we suffered an enrollment decline, but future enrollment is growing, especially for our online graduate and seminary students. Key indicators point to a larger class of residential students for this fall and beyond. This motivates me to confidently say there is a growing need for biblical higher education here at Clarks Summit University.

Students, you’re likely asking: how does this affect me? In most ways, it does not. Residential students, we’re looking forward to welcoming you on campus this August. Online students, your modules and eight-week courses are scheduled to continue. If you have questions and needs during this time, please reach out. One thing that might affect you is response time, since summer volunteer schedules may differ from typical office hours. As we work together, your needs and goals are at the top of our minds. We remain committed to ensuring every single one of you is taken care of and loved well as you work to become a Christ-centered, career-ready CSU graduate.

I believe this plan is one way God will continue to provide for our long-standing, biblical university. If anything changes in regard to this plan, we will be sure to communicate that. As always, please partner with us in prayer as we serve our students and continue our mission of preparing Christ-centered, career-ready graduates.

Sincerely,

James Lytle, D.Min.
CSU’s 10th President