Calvin Troup, President, Geneva College
In an interview with Invest:, Calvin Troup, president of Geneva College, highlighted the institution’s pivotal role in driving economic growth, fostering community partnerships, and innovating academic programs to meet regional needs. “We must articulate why a university education is more vital than ever, not just for institutional gain but for the benefit of communities, culture, and society,” he emphasized.
How would you describe the college’s impact on the wider community, both economically and culturally?
The college significantly impacts Beaver Falls as the largest employer, fostering community development through partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce and city government. We view Beaver Falls, a growing small town, as a key partner. Established in 1880, the college is deeply vested in Beaver County, having endured historical challenges like the steel industry’s departure in the late 20th century. We support the community by producing graduates in critical fields like engineering, cybersecurity, and education, addressing regional needs. Our nursing program, in collaboration with CCBC, allows students to earn an RN after two years at each institution and a BSN in their final year at Geneva, meeting immediate workforce demands. Through academic programs and community engagement, the college remains resilient, serving and strengthening Beaver County and the surrounding region.
Over the past year, what major changes or developments have most shaped Geneva College’s direction?
Geneva College is advancing its 2021–2031 strategic vision, consistently implementing key initiatives. In recent years, we accredited a nursing program and introduced a 3+1 cybersecurity program, enabling students to earn a master’s degree in four years, alongside a similar MBA program. A transformative $9.3 million property gift adjacent to the campus was approved by the Board of Trustees for a new engineering center and a sports and recreation center, enhancing both the college and the community. We’re also launching a capital campaign for a new welcome center. Most significantly, the Geneva College Tuition Promise, introduced last year, offers tuition-free education to Pennsylvania students from households earning $70,000 or less annually. This initiative has driven two consecutive years of strong enrollment, despite broader higher education challenges, by providing access to mission-fit students, solidifying Geneva’s position as Western Pennsylvania’s most affordable Christian college.
How has enrollment trended over the past 12 months, and what do you see as the main factors driving those changes?
Last year, Geneva College recorded its largest enrollment in years, with 376 new freshmen compared to 261 the previous year. This year, we’re on track to enroll approximately 335 freshmen, slightly below last year’s peak but aligned with our adjusted targets. We’ve refined our enrollment requirements to ensure students are academically prepared, prioritizing completion rates and sustainability. This strategic adjustment supports predictability and stability in our traditional undergraduate enrollment. A key factor in this success was a branding process initiated three years ago, which is now yielding significant impact. By focusing on academic readiness and long-term student success, Geneva is strengthening its position while maintaining a sustainable enrollment model.
Which academic programs are seeing the greatest interest and demand from students?
Geneva College’s strongest programs are business and engineering, with high enrollments in cybersecurity, education, psychology, and nursing. Our nursing program, in collaboration with CCBC, added slots this year due to strong demand, aligning well with our mission. While rooted in a liberal arts core, most majors focus on workforce-relevant fields. Accounting majors receive multiple job offers, and most engineers are employed before graduation. In 2024, 96% of graduates were placed within six months, based on a 95% reporting rate. Employers consistently seek more Geneva graduates due to their quality and preparedness.
What challenges do you foresee for Geneva College over the next few years?
The biggest challenge in higher education, including at Geneva College, is navigating the ongoing turbulence post-COVID. Public confidence in institutions, including universities, has waned, with higher education no longer exempt from skepticism previously directed at government or politics. We now operate within tighter financial constraints and must clearly demonstrate our direct value to culture and society. Unlike before, when the benefits of a college education were assumed, we now face increased scrutiny. We must articulate why a university education is more vital than ever, not just for institutional gain but for the benefit of communities, culture, and society. This shift requires us to address public doubts head-on, as the assumption of college’s inherent value may not hold for years to come.
How do you expect the broader higher education sector to evolve in the second half of this decade?
Higher education is grappling with dramatic changes tied to the new administration, creating widespread uncertainty. Honest institutions must stay steady, avoiding overreactions to fleeting media moments and focusing on long-term stability. By mid-presidential term, as court decisions and policies settle, clarity will emerge, aiding strategic planning. The most critical questions aren’t political but about preparing students for an unpredictable future. In a recent address, I told students that every election in my lifetime has been called the most critical, which is nonsense. Society’s toughest challenges, like those facing our country, culture, and world, often lack political solutions but demand educational ones. Strong schools like Geneva must remain resolute, equipping students to tackle complex, non-political problems through education.
