Dr. Lauren Schellenberger President of Culver-Stockton College

Dr. Lauren Schellenberger is serving the College as the 28th President and is committed to preparing students to become leaders in a dynamic world. Committed to equipping students with broader proficiencies of intellectual curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and intercultural competence, Dr. Schellenberger is leading the way to mold a new generation of outstanding Wildcats. The experience on the Hill shapes Culver-Stockton students for a lifetime. Interactions in and out of the classroom lead to successful alumni in the workplace and the community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As the College President, Dr. Schellenberger’s responsibility is to lead the campus community and develop the culture to direct the College’s mission and vision. She supervises and organizes senior level affairs, coordinates the strategic plan, and provides guidance for the future of C-SC.

EXPERIENCE

Schellenberger began her career at C-SC as an Assistant Professor of Biology while completing her Ph.D. in Biology Education at Purdue University; she has extensive experience in research, teaching, and industry. A natural leader, Schellenberger has served on and chaired countless committees since joining C-SC. Administratively, Schellenberger has served the College in executive leadership roles since 2018 and was named the College's first Provost in 2021 before transitioning to her first presidential role at C-SC.

Education

Schellenberger received her bachelor’s degree in crop science-plant protection from the University of Illinois in 2001. She obtained her master’s degree in botany and plant pathology in 2003 and completed her doctorate in biology education in 2009, both from Purdue University.

Culver-Stockton College is a place where students experience transformational growth through a distinctive curriculum and outstanding opportunities for student leadership and engagement. This institution has changed students’ lives for the better for the past 170 years, and it is my honor to lead the College as we further our mission.

– Dr. Lauren Schellenberger

 

 

Culver-Stockton College Boldy Strategic: Advancing Purpose with Progress

It is with great pride that we unveil a bold, strategic plan for Culver-Stockton College. This new strategic plan is unapologetically ambitious, deeply rooted in our values, and built for transformational impact. It's a declaration that we will lead with courage, and that our best work is still ahead of us. It reflects who we are, what we believe, and where we are determined to go, together.

We believe colleges like ours have an important and inspiring role to play in shaping the future of higher education, and this plan is how we intend to stand apart in and lead in ways that meaningfully serve our students, faculty, staff, communities, and region. In doing so, we also recognize our place within a broader national and global landscape--and our responsibility to prepare graduates who can contribute thoughtfully and boldly to a rapidly changing world.

As part of this work, we have reimagined our mission into a powerful purpose statement that reflects our identity and aspirations: Culver-Stockton College prepares students to be bold, think big, and create change through experiential learning, innovation, and community engagement.

This purpose is the foundation for every goal in our strategic plan and serves as a guiding force as we look to the future. These pages explore the plan's three bold pillars — Connect. Innovate. Invest. — and the goals that will drive Culver-Stockton College forward over the next five years and beyond. — President Lauren Schellenberger

Connect

We believe that strong communities are built through meaningful relationships. This pillar reflects our commitment to bringing people together, on campus and beyond. We will create opportunities for connections, encourage collaboration, and foster a sense of belonging through shared experiences, service, and engagement. Whether through student life, alumni ties, or local partnerships, we are strengthening the bonds that make us Culver-Stockton.

Innovate

We believe meaningful progress begins with curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to adjust to shifting needs. This pillar reflects our commitment to thoughtful change and purposeful improvement. We embrace new ideas and challenge ourselves to think differently, applying fresh approaches to our environment, resources, and programs. In doing so, we stay relevant, responsive, and prepared for what comes next.

Invest

We believe that our future requires intentional investment, in people, in programs, and in the future we are building together. We are committed to growing the financial, physical, and human resources that will carry the College forward and deepen our influence in the region. Every investment we make is driven by the needs of our students, faculty, staff, and the potential of our region. We will shape the future of our College by channeling resources into the people, programs, and partnerships that move us forward.