Drake to cut programs, including religious ones, in effort to balance budget

Drake University in Iowa has announced plans to eliminate three programs in an effort to address budget deficits. University President Marty Martin shared in a message to the campus community that the religion major, East Asian studies minor, and evidence-based health care graduate certificate will be discontinued.

With declining enrollment and financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Drake University is taking steps to position itself for future growth and sustainability. President Martin emphasized the need for the institution to evolve in response to changes in the higher education landscape while remaining committed to its mission of transforming lives and strengthening communities.

The university aims to balance its budget by July 2025, with a deadline for program cuts set for June 30, 2026. Provost Sue Mattison highlighted the university-wide efforts to reduce costs and address budget shortfalls, including the discontinuation of 13 majors, minors, and certificates.

Faculty members had the opportunity to advocate for programs they believed should be retained, leading to the Faculty Senate’s decision to oppose recommendations to eliminate certain programs. However, the Board of Trustees ultimately approved the discontinuation of the three identified programs, which is expected to result in significant cost savings for the university.

Despite the challenges faced by the institution, President Martin expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts to strengthen programs and align academic offerings with student demand and workforce needs. The decision to eliminate these programs reflects the university’s commitment to financial sustainability and academic excellence.