Spring Hill College is committed to providing a high-quality educational experience to its students. Like many colleges and universities, Spring Hill has experienced challenges related to shifting student enrollment patterns. To address these challenges and align the academic offerings with current student demand, Spring Hill undertook a process of academic program adjustments. This process began in January when President Mary H. Van Brunt charged a committee made up of Provost Rebecca Cantor, Associate Provost Mike Ferry, a Board member, and four faculty to develop a plan to rightsize Spring Hill’s offerings.
This process of rightsizing involves closing some under-enrolled academic programs and developing new programs that align with evolving student needs. The decision to close a program is never taken lightly; it is based on a comprehensive review of factors including enrollment trends, program costs, student outcomes, and alignment with the College’s mission and strategic priorities.
| Listed below are the programs being sunset with the number of students in those majors listed parenthetically: | Related programs being retained: |
| Chemistry (8) & Biochemistry (5) | Chemistry minor, Health Science major, Science Core requirements, electives |
| History major (6) | History minor, Politics major, History Core requirements, electives |
| Philosophy major (3) | Philosophy minor, PPE (Phil, Poli, & Econ) major, Philosophy Core, and electives |
| Secondary Ed major (7) | Elementary Education major |
| Studio Art major (4) & minor | Core requirements, electives, Media & Performing Arts major, Graphic Design major |
Of the 33 students in these majors, nine will be graduating in May, and their courses will not be affected. Spring Hill’s primary focus is on ensuring a smooth transition for the 24 students who will not be graduating in May. Faculty and staff are working closely with each student currently enrolled in an impacted program to develop a personalized academic plan that outlines their remaining requirements and available course options. All students will have the opportunity to complete their current major, if they so choose, or transition to one of the many other excellent academic programs offered on The Hill. The sunsetted majors will not be available for new students in the Fall.
These program adjustments will, unfortunately, result in the reduction of faculty positions beginning in Fall 2025. All faculty affected by these changes have already been personally notified, and Spring Hill is committed to supporting them through this transition. As stated by President Van Brunt, “We deeply value the contributions of these faculty members and appreciate their dedication to our students and the College.”
While this is a challenging time for the Spring Hill College community, these adjustments are necessary to position the College for a stronger and more sustainable future.