Dear Friends,

We know that our students thrive when we put theory into practice and build a spirit of exploration on our campus community. Whether through internships, mentored research projects, study abroad experiences, or community-engaged learning, Juniata students are always engaged in experiential learning and seeking out new opportunities to engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. I am proud of how we rely on experiential education to live our mission and provide our students with an engaging personalized education.

Experiential learning requires a commitment by our Juniata faculty to create hands-on experiences that will connect valuable knowledge and skills to real-world career opportunities. The faculty also understand that experiential learning demands a commitment by our students to embrace the possibilities and open themselves to an education that goes beyond what they first imagined. The Juniata faculty have purposefully and intentionally designed a curriculum to ensure all students are given these opportunities; I hear alumni celebrate these moments in their Juniata experience and current students attest to their power.

I invite you to delve into the pages of this magazine and join us on this journey of discovery. Immerse yourself in the transformative power of experiential learning and how it shapes the lives of our students, faculty, and alumni. Together, let us celebrate the boundless curiosity and unwavering dedication that define the Juniata experience.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as acting president this semester during President Jim Troha’s sabbatical; it has been an immensely rewarding experience for me. I am also appreciative that President Troha has taken advantage of a sabbatical; this leave afforded him, among other things, the opportunity to visit several liberal arts colleges to learn from their best practices. His insights and experiences will define how we address the demands of a rapidly changing higher education environment. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for our shared mission of lifelong learning and growth.

All my best,
Lauren Bowen, Ph.D.
Acting President, Spring 2024
Provost