An Open Letter to Dr. W. Mark Tew, President of Judson College

Dr. Tew:

Judson College has been in financial difficulties with dwindling enrollment for several years. What precipitated the announcement to close on May 6, 2021? The college’s motto is “Lux et Veritas” (Light and Truth). Facts are brought into the light and questions are asked to find the truth. The answers to these questions are important to all stakeholders including students, faculty, the community and alumnae. So far, Judson’s public message is received and distributed by one stakeholder and donor, The Alabama Baptist Convention. We request more clarity.

Our questions for you:

1.     On December 15th, Judson announced its dire financial situation and made a public appeal for $1.5 Million in donations and pledges to remain open for on-campus teaching for the Spring Semester 2021. This announcement made recruitment of students impossible for Fall 2021. Private appeals could have been made to friends and alumnae to satisfy the needs and preserve the ability to attract new students. Why was the announcement made public?

2.     Local governmental officials requested a meeting shortly after the December 15th announcement to offer assistance, as well as facilitate Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s help. Why was this meeting refused?

3.     Leaders at other institutions who had successfully navigated financial crises had repeatedly offered their help. Specifically, General Charles Krulak, who successfully led Birmingham Southern College through their difficult circumstances, made multiple attempts to offer his aid. Select leadership from Sweet Briar College in Virginia did as well. Why were these offers refused?

4. Organized alumnae offered, both formally and informally, to help Judson with fundraising efforts, strategic planning, and communications. On January 29th, the Board of Directors with Always A Judson, Inc., a nonprofit organization incorporated by alumnae in late December ‘20 to ensure the long-term sustainability of the college, made a formal presentation to Judson’s Board of Trustees with a plan forward. In March, forty-one alumnae representing seven decades of graduates presented a Strategic Plan to the college’s leadership, which included curriculum changes that would offer programs unique to the Black Belt and appeal to a broader base of students. Countless alumnae have offered their professional expertise at no cost to the college1.     only to be told that their help wasn’t needed. Why have offers of help from the alumnae been repeatedly dismissed?

5.     The Paycheck Protection Program(PPP) loans were made available to nonprofit organizations. An alumna alerted the administration of this fact in early March ‘20 and offered to perform the necessary paperwork for the college. The administration’s decision to file for the loan was slow and Judson’s delayed production of the necessary financial documents almost rendered the school ineligible for the first round of payments. Why was there such reluctance and delay by Judson to obtain these funds?

Our alumnae are living testaments to the value of a Judson College education. We believe in the significance of a women’s college in a Christian environment located in the Black Belt of our beautiful state of Alabama. When did the administration stop believing in this 183 year old institution we know and respect as Judson College?