Puppy Patrol

Wittenberg’s Campus Safety and Police Division has welcomed a furry new member to its team – an adorable yellow Labrador puppy that will soon be ready to serve as the University’s first-ever crisis response therapy dog.

Opening Convocation 2026

Wittenberg’s annual Opening Convocation, the traditional beginning of the new academic year and the first event of the 2026-27 Wittenberg Series, will take place at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, in historic Weaver Chapel with Richard Phillips, 2026 recipient of the Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Teaching, providing the keynote address.

Welcoming the Class of 2030

Wittenberg’s newest Tigers will take another step forward in their academic journey during the University’s annual Welcome Week, Aug. 20-23, before classes begin on Monday, Aug. 24. The week will start with the all-campus move-in to the residence halls on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Representing Their Alma Mater

Committed to serving as a liaison for the University by engaging and connecting the alumni body in support of Wittenberg’s mission and goals, Wittenberg’s Alumni Association Board represents more than 26,000 alumni across the United States and internationally.

Wittenberg Names the Rev. Dr. Nathan Esala as Matevia University Pastor

Wittenberg President Christian M. M. Brady has announced that the Rev. Dr. Nathan Esala, longtime global missionary with Lutheran Bible Translators, coordinator of strategic alliances with Seed Company, and current pastor of Rockway Lutheran Church in Springfield, will serve as Wittenberg’s new Matevia University Pastor.

New Director of M.S. in Analytics Program Named

Wittenberg University has named Brian Heath, Ph.D., an analytics and AI executive who has taught in the program for nearly a decade, director of its graduate program in analytics, effective Aug. 1, 2026.

Investing in the Springfield Community

Now in its 18th year, the Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Civic and Urban Engagement again hosted its summer internship program. The 2026 civic interns included 13 students, all of whom were committed to giving back to the Springfield community.

2026 Distinguished Teacher

The Wittenberg Alumni Association has selected Associate Professor of Biology Richard Phillips as its 2026 Distinguished Teacher, the University’s top faculty prize.