The Otterbein College Board of Trustees unanimously voted at its Feb. 6 meeting to change the name of Otterbein College to Otterbein University effective fall 2010, according to a press release from the school.

The name reflects the increasing array of graduate and undergraduate programs offered at Otterbein and its future direction for growth through its strategic planning initiatives.

"The alignment plan was first discussed in our strategic planning process in 2007," says Chairman of the Board Tom C. Morrison. "We realized that by all classifications, we were a university by offering undergraduate, liberal arts, professional studies and graduate programs, including a pending doctoral program. Over the past few years, we’ve gathered input and feedback on making the transition and embracing our future growth."

Otterbein, founded in 1847 as Otterbein University of Ohio by the United Brethren Church, transitioned from university to college in 1917 as its leaders wanted "to call the school by its right name." At the time its programs were focused exclusively on undergraduate liberal arts. The cornerstone of Otterbein University still remains embedded in the front of Towers Hall, built in 1872 on Grove Street.

"Otterbein has the diversity of academic programs that define a university and has made enhancements to the academic structure by adding three schools, including the Graduate School," says school President Kathy A. Krendl. "The alignment of our name and our mission communicates to national and international audiences that we are a comprehensive institution. Our integrative studies curriculum, award-winning community service opportunities and study abroad programs are identifiers that distinguish Otterbein."

According to Janet Tressler-Davis - a member of the Otterbein Alumni Council and Strategic Planning Council and president and CEO of the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce - now is a good time to make the alignment.

"Otterbein is committed to growth by transitioning to semesters in 2011 and starting hybrid classes through new technology, among many other initiatives," she says. "At the same time, they want to stay connected to their roots and remain true to their mission. We’re a close-knit community, and that’s what makes us successful and desirable to parents and students."

Otterbein has more than 3,100 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs on its 140-acre campus. There are currently 56 undergraduate majors, four graduate programs and additional graduate programs under development.

"As a Continuing Studies student, I can tell you that Otterbein is a place that has an educational quality that of many universities in Central Ohio," says Columbus resident Geoff Burch. "They can meet my needs as a working adult and understand how difficult that process can be while juggling other commitments. The faculty understands the working adults’ desire to obtain his or her degree and go the extra mile to meet the needed requirements."

The class of 2010 will graduate from Otterbein College this June. The class of 2011 will graduate from Otterbein University.

"I wish it were me this year," says Anna Haller, a senior student trustee and sociology major from Yellow Springs. "During my four years at Otterbein there has been a lot of transition and change, with new buildings, a new president and now a new name. They are all signs of growth and progress. I will be proud looking back at these days and the initiatives we worked on to plan for future generations."

For more information, visit www.otterbein.edu.