Frequently Asked Questions: General
Q: What is happening at Clarke University?
A: Clarke University is currently navigating a significant budget deficit due in large part to rising costs and declining enrollments and must take immediate steps reduce its annual operating costs and realign programs and employees to improve its financial position.
Q: Why is Clarke University making changes at this time?
A: Clarke University, like many colleges and universities in Iowa and across the country, has been facing financial challenges due to declining enrollment, student retention loss, and rising costs. Clarke began the 2025 academic year with a significant budget deficit. Leadership has been addressing these shortfalls while maintaining Clarke’s strong academics, welcoming community, robust co-curricular programs, competitive athletics, and BVM Core Values.
Q: How does the recent change in presidential leadership impact these decisions?
A: During his tenure as Clarke University’s President, Dr. Fletcher Lamkin laid a strong foundation for implementing strategic initiatives aimed at securing a sustainable future for the institution and its students. Every action taken thus far has been guided by a shared commitment to advancing student success. Acting President Dr. Yvonne Zimmerman, together with the entire leadership team, remains dedicated to building on this momentum and ensuring Clarke is well-positioned for long-term success.
Q: Which academic programs are affected?
A: At the end of the 2025-2026 academic year, 13 majors and minors will be phased out, including:
- Digital media studies, English, environmental studies, graphic design, health, wellness, and behavior sciences, music, music education, nutrition & food science, philosophy, religious studies, Spanish language & culture
- Master of Arts in Education and Doctor of Nursing Practice
Several programs will still be represented in general education, such as philosophy, religious studies, and first-year writing. We are also committed to creating and supporting new co-curricular offerings in music and the arts and are exploring opportunities for achieving this commitment. High-enrollment programs serving roughly 92% of Clarke students will continue.
Q: Will Clarke continue to offer a quality experience?
A: Yes. Clarke’s close-knit community, small class environment, and access to caring faculty and staff will remain central to its educational experience.
Q: How will this affect students?
A: All teaching, programs, and events will continue through the 2025-2026 academic year. Students in impacted programs who are not on track to graduate in 2026 will receive one-on-one support from their advisor to develop a transition plan and complete their degree with minimal disruption.
Q: How will this affect faculty and staff?
A: Faculty will teach the entire 2025-2026 academic year. Approximately 23 faculty positions and 12–14 staff positions may be eliminated through attrition, consolidation, or program closures. A staff matrix has also been implemented for our Athletics program that aligns coaching structure to roster sizes. Employee retirement match benefits will also be suspended starting in January as part of cost-containment measures.
Q: How will Clarke maintain stability during this transition?
A: Leadership is committed to:
- Fostering a safe inspiring learning environment for students
- Maintaining a positive and stable work environment
- Treating impacted faculty and staff with respect and empathy
- Providing regular updates and open channels for questions from all members of the Clarke community
- Preserving academic quality, student experience, and Clarke’s mission and BVM Core Values of freedom, education, charity, and justice
Q: What is the timeline for decisions regarding a potential alliance?
A: The timeline continues to evolve. Current steps that are being taken include a jointly-funded feasibility study to assess future academic and programmatic opportunities along with a campus building assessment study. These studies are expected to be completed in early 2026 and will help inform future decision making along with other due-diligence activities.
Q: What other steps are being taken to improve Clarke’s financial position?
A: Beyond seeking strategic partnerships and alliances, Clarke will be eliminating its total long-term debt using a transformational $5 million gift recently received from a Clarke alumna and her husband.
Q: How is Clarke communicating with the community?
A: Clarke is committed to sharing frequent updates, transparent communication, and responding to questions with clarity and compassion. All communications honor the University’s Core Values of freedom, education, charity, and justice.
Q: With the closure of the religious studies and philosophy programs, how will Clarke carry on sharing the BVM Core Values of Freedom, Education, Charity, and Justice with students?
A: The BVM Core Values remain at the heart of Clarke University, woven into our culture, classrooms, and community life. While the delivery of these values will evolve beyond specific academic programs, they continue to guide how we teach, serve, and support one another. Clarke will ensure these principles are reflected in our curriculum, service opportunities, and student experiences, sustaining the spirit of the BVM mission in every part of campus life.