Baldwin Wallace University announced last week that it will lay off ten faculty members and cut 35 “lower-demand” academic programs. 

BW President Lee Fisher sent a letter to all staff and students explaining these cutbacks on May 13. Fisher noted that these changes are “grounded in [BW’s] commitment to ensuring that BW remains strong, sustainable, and able to deliver” on its promises to students.

Fisher described the decision as part of a larger effort to stabilize the university’s financial situation. It allows BW to adapt to changes in enrollment trends and student demand in order to maintain financial stability.

Fisher’s statement also referenced other colleges taking similar action and shifting resources to programs with greater demand. Enrollment has fallen at Baldwin Wallace and other universities across the country as birth rates have declined in the U.S.

“Across higher education, institutions are being called to align their academic offerings more closely with student demand, workforce needs, and long-term financial sustainability,” Fisher noted.

The 35 programs to be axed include nine undergraduate majors and 19 minors, as well as seven graduate programs. Students who currently major in these fields will be able to finish their degree, and the programs will be phased out with the students, Fisher said in his letter.

The following undergraduate majors will be discontinued:

• Community health education promotion
• Economics
• Human resources
• International business
• Mild/moderate educational needs
• Music theory
• Physics
• Sociology
• Sustainability

The university is also phasing out its Master of Education program, Fisher said.

In October 2024, dozens of faculty members were either laid off or took buyouts as a result of budget and program reductions by the university. The university had also cut 23 jobs in February 2024

Fisher noted the difficulty of making the decision, but maintained that it is “the foundation for a stronger, more focused, and more vibrant future,” which will lead to a “more focused, distinctive, and sustainable BW.” 

Just 2.5 percent of faculty and less than 5 percent of students at BW will be affected by these changes, according to Fisher. The President asked for the community to continue its support for students and the university’s future.