President's Blog

Offering my thanks to all the members of our Graceland community

Decoration Graphic

A Message of Gratitude

November 22, 2023

In this season of gratitude and reflection, I want to take a moment to express my deepest thanks to all Gracelanders, far and wide. Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate the warmth of our community and the blessings that surround...

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Transforming Tuition to Transform Lives

September 19, 2023

I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you about your home on “the Hill.” Today, I announced a significant transformation to the way Graceland approaches tuition and financial aid. Beginning in the 2024-25 academic year, Graceland’s published tuition...

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Statement on the Wildfires in Maui

August 14, 2023

Like many of you, I have watched as devastating images of the destruction on the island of Maui have been shared this week. Graceland has a long-standing cherished connection with Hawaii through generations of alumni and friends dating back to...

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The Women of Graceland

March 8, 2023

As we celebrate Women's History Month, I am honored to reflect on the many remarkable women who have helped shape Graceland University over the years. From Marietta Walker to Cleo Hanthorne Moon, the contributions of these extraordinary women have left...

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Happy Holidays

December 25, 2022

The following is a message I sent to students earlier this week. I hope your holidays are merry and bright. Dear students, As the holiday season approaches, I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very happy...

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Giving Thanks

November 21, 2022

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. This term at Graceland has flown by, and we’ve had an extremely exciting fall so far. As some students return home (and others stay on campus), I always...

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Homecoming was BOLD and BRIGHT

October 8, 2022

“You guided me all day long, Let all the strains of joy now mingle in my song, The joy that flows, the joy that sweeps, The joy that sits still and knows not any word...” – “You Guided Me” by...

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Better Together

July 23, 2022

Saturday, July 23, wrapped Community of Christ’s SPECTACULAR, a youth camp that Graceland hosts on our Lamoni campus. After a two-year hiatus, it was so wonderful to welcome these teenagers back to our campus for a week of sports, classes,...

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Court Decisions and Federal Legislation

June 26, 2022

Dear students, As I am sure many of you know, last week, the United States Supreme Court released a flurry of decisions at the end of its session, most significantly, to overturn the landmark ruling on Roe v. Wade and...

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Thank YOU for Making G4G Day of Giving a Success

March 28, 2022

#Grateful4Graceland Day of Giving is one of my favorite days of the year. Not only do we raise money for the Graceland Fund, which directly impacts students through three areas of focus – scholarships and student support, leadership and learning, innovation...

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Message to Students on Ukraine

February 28, 2022

The following message was sent to our students via email: Dear students, The news we have seen coming out of Ukraine is unsettling. As a university, we hold as one of our core values the wholeness of our students and...

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Homecoming is ON

September 23, 2021

Graceland sons and daughters all… With less than a month to go, we have decided to move forward with a modified IN PERSON Homecoming this year! We know that you are all anxious to gather together again in Lamoni and...

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The World Needs More Graceland Graduates

August 31, 2021

Over the years, Graceland has always prided itself on being able to change with a changing world. That was true early in the twentieth century, when Graceland transformed from a two-year college to a four-year college. It was true yet...

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The Power of Together – President’s Blog

March 12, 2018

Last Monday night, Graceland exemplified a university working together at its best, and the result was a Heart of America Men’s Basketball Conference Tournament Championship Title. The night was electric with standing room only in our athletic facility and a feeling...

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February Travels

February 22, 2018

One of the perks of being president is that I get to visit the Graceland family, and a trip to Arizona in February was a warm change from Iowa's ice. I went to the Arizona alumni gathering in Papago Park...

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Welcome to the President’s Blog

February 12, 2018

Graceland University has always been on the front row of innovation, stepping into new and relevant higher education pathways. I am excited to be able to communicate with the Graceland family and friends in this new format. I want to...

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John Sellars: The Last Interview

May 26, 2017

John Sellars, Graceland University President 2007-17: interview by Keondrea Richards ‘17 Richards: So, we’re gonna kinda lighten up the mood and start off with some fun. Sellars: Yeah, this is kind of like the three Christmas ghosts… and the one that...

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