What comes to mind when you think of a "university?" A sprawling campus where students are packed into lecture halls manned by teaching assistants? Where professors are accessible 'by appointment only'? A place where students meander through the masses hoping to find classroom 1001 and their life's calling?

Judson has never been one to adhere to stereotypes.

So, when you think of Judson University, think of Judson College, but to a higher degree.

Professors will remain at the front of our classrooms. Students will still be known by their name, not their social security number. The integration of faith and learning will continue to be the foundation of our curriculum.

So, why make the change, anyway?

Perception is Paramount

The term "college" just doesn't mean what it used to. In the past decade, many four-year colleges across the country have either made the change or contemplated a change to "university" to better communicate what they offer their constituents.

Traditionally, colleges and universities have been distinguished by graduate programs universities had them, colleges did not. Today, however, you will find colleges that offer graduate programs and universities that do not.

Further, many community colleges are dropping the "community" from their names, making it difficult for prospective students to distinguish between four-year and two-year schools, especially those whose first encounter with a school is via the internet, not the campus.

For international students, getting a visa to study at a "college" in the U.S. is increasingly difficult. Overseas, "college" is the preparatory school one attends before going to "university."

So, for Judson, which recruits locally, nationally and internationally, removing an obstacle that might keep students from applying would seem to be a "no-brainer." However, administrators gave the name change a lot of thought and solicited much input from its constituents before bringing it to the institution's Board of Trustees for a vote.

Survey Says

Though gusts had come and gone over the years, the winds of a name change really began blowing on Judson's campus about three years ago. More than half of the institutions in the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities were operating under the title of "university," regardless of whether or not they offered graduate programs. At that time, Judson offered two graduate programs with two more in the works and had greatly expanded its undergraduate programming since coming to Elgin in 1963.

When administrators stepped back and surveyed the situation, they saw that Judson was already a university in practice, just not in name. But, they decided to survey their constituents before ordering new business cards.

In April 2005, Judson conducted an online survey of more than 5,000 alumni, students, staff, faculty and friends about the potential name change. The results indicated that a majority of people were for the change; however, they didn't want Judson to lose that close, personal feel that they said you don't often find at most institutions called "university."

In October 2006, the Administration presented the Board of Trustees with these and additional survey results, as well as list of six things that would not change if Judson were to change its name to Judson University:

1. The high academic standards of the college will not be diminished.
2. Our fervent Christian commitment will remain firm and central.
3. Healthy, interpersonal relationships between students, faculty and staff will continue to be enhanced.
4. Our behavioral standards will not be diminished.
5. Curricular flexibility and creativity will be nurtured and encouraged.
6. Service toward the public and the Church will remain strong.

When it came time for the Board to vote, there wasn't a "nay" in the room.

The Secret is Out

Judson has often been called one of the Fox Valley's "best-kept secrets," partly due to its secluded location nestled along the Fox River among the trees off state route 31. But, looking back at how much Judson has grown in size and stature during its past 44 years in Elgin, it's no secret that this small riverside university is destined for greatness.

Imagine a professor with a Ph.D. standing in front of a class of 20 students, calling each by name as she challenges them to think about how the principles they are learning today will impact their world; how the choices they make today will impact their eternity.

That's a university of change. That's Judson University.