Committed to a Transformative Experience

A Message from David L. Kaufman
17th President of Capital University

It’s an honor to be part of the leadership team of this special University as we strive to be a vibrant and innovative leader in a dynamically changing environment. I’m excited to share some key accomplishments and forward-looking plans as we continue to deliver a superior student experience and transform lives through engaging academic, co-curricular and professional experiences. 
 
Significant progress has been achieved in implementing our strategic plan with a focus on academic excellence and student success. Innovations include launching new graduate programs, expanding athletics, investing in international opportunities, implementing the Institute for Creative Leadership at Work, and monetizing selective real estate to better support our mission. Academic excellence was evidenced by the Law School, Seminar, and Conservatory, all of which achieved the highest outcomes from each accrediting body. We continue to achieve superior outcomes in our Signature Learning Program and increased student involvement in internships and experiential learning.
     
We have also taken important steps to position Capital for the future. Like many institutions, enrollment challenges persist, driven by demographic trends, lower participation rates, lack of preparedness, and lingering pandemic effects. Our plans include aligning our budgets with our priorities, investing in revenue generating opportunities, expanding student success resources, and pursuing partnerships with other institutions. All changes are designed to respond to the immediate challenges while continuing to enhance the student experience and academic outcomes.
 
Capital is blessed with a culture of servant leadership and superior teamwork steeped in traditional Lutheran values. Our success comes from our faculty and staff’s dedication and commitment to ensure each student achieves their academic and personal goals. Our faculty are scholars, mentors, and innovators who are deeply passionate about their fields of study and inspire the same passion in their students. Our staff provides students the tools and resources to support their learning experience. Students realize their full potential through the academic challenge, personal growth, and social engagement opportunities offered by our teams. The success of our students is measured by the growth in their character, commitments, and advocacy. 

The donations and support of alumni and foundations enable us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Capital students today and tomorrow. Our $30 million capital campaign, “In Radiant Splendor Shine,” has been a huge success, with the goal achieved over one year early. We are so thankful for the generous contributions made by alumni who have experienced and believe in the transformative power of a Capital education. Additional capital campaigns are necessary to keep a Capital education affordable, attract top faculty, and make the necessary campus and program investments to provide an unmatched student experience. We are blessed with a Capital community that gives back by paying it forward.

On behalf of the Capital Family, I am proud to share some of the highlights of the 2023-2024 academic year. I invite you, as valued members of the Capital Family, to join me in making a difference in the future of this University, its students, faculty, and staff.

In appreciation of your support and engagement,

THE GARDNER INSTITUTE AND STUDENT SUCCESS

Capital was selected as a participant in a new national initiative, Transforming the Foundational Postsecondary Experience. Led by the Gardner Institute, a leading national student success non-profit organization, this initiative has been made possible in part through the generous support of Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ECMC Foundation, and The Kresge Foundation. The Foundational Postsecondary Experience initiative aims to transform the critical first two years of college education, during which students create the foundation of ultimate success and degree completion. The effort will help institutions focus on inequitable performance gaps and take action to improve student learning and success. By participating in this initiative, Capital University will collaborate closely with the Gardner Institute and the 10 other institutions in the inaugural cohort over five years to develop innovative strategies, enhance teaching and learning practices, and promote student success and retention. The effort will help the institution move toward eliminating demographics, zip codes, and other variables as the best predictors of who does and does not succeed.

CAPITAL IN THE COMMUNITY

Capital’s location in Columbus, the 14th largest city in the country, benefits the University and the Central Ohio community. Our faculty and staff are called upon multiple times throughout the year to serve as expert sources for broadcast, print, and social media, giving the University local, regional, and national exposure. In addition, Capital hosts several special events that draw large numbers of community members to our Bexley campus, where they can see our students, faculty, and staff shine. Go to Capital in the News to see news releases, Capital Stories, media interviews, and a sampling of the scholarly and professional achievements of our faculty, staff, and students.