Our Mission
We prepare students for lifelong success through transformational educational experiences.
Our Vision
At Buena Vista University every student will unlock their greatest potential to build better lives and stronger communities.
Our Values
- Community - We appreciate the connectedness of our community, where every member is respected, included, and valued, and each contributes to the community through service and stewardship of resources.
- Growth - We embrace curiosity, lifelong learning, continuous improvement, and innovation to achieve personal, professional, and institutional growth.
- Resilience - We accept the challenge of building on our institutional history of resilience, valuing the wisdom and inspiration gained by overcoming adversity with adaptability, creativity, and integrity.
BVU Signature Skills
At Buena Vista institution-level learning outcomes organize curricular activity in the general education program and tie each academic major to the project of liberal education. The three institutional learning goals - known as the BVU Signature Skills - are problem solving, integrative learning, and effective communication.
Buena Vista University History
Buena Vista College (which became Buena Vista University in 1995) was founded by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1891. The college was first granted accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in 1952. A graduate program in education received accreditation in 1995, initiating a transition from a college to a university.
Over time, the campus has grown from four buildings in a small area to nearly two dozen buildings which cover a handful of blocks along the shores of Storm Lake. The first college building, known as “Old Main,” was opened in 1892 and was the primary building on campus until it was destroyed by fire in 1956. Around that time, a major expansion program was initiated with construction of three residence halls, a science building, physical education complex, library, campus center, an auditorium, and a classroom-administration building during the 1950s and 1960s.
The college launched a new era in May 1980 when it received an anonymous $18 million gift. Five years later, the anonymous donor was revealed as the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business/Siebens Forum (HWSSOB/SF) was dedicated in the name of the benefactor. This gift started the creation of a competitive college endowment, which supported physical construction and renovation, as well as further development of regionally-recognized academic programs. It made possible such distinctive programs as the William W. Siebens American Heritage Lecture Series. In 2018, the HWSSOB/SF was extensively renovated to create a more student-focused space. The facility now features expanded student lounges, more modern classrooms, a bright and open dining hall, a state-of-the-art trading room for business majors, and a renovated bookstore.
An institutional self-study indicated the need to strengthen the college library and information resources, leading to construction of the Library and Information Technology Center in 1994-95. In 2001, the $9.5 million Lamberti Recreation Center opened, featuring three multipurpose courts and a six-lane, 200-meter indoor track. In 2004, BVU dedicated the state-of-the-art, 70,000-square foot Estelle Siebens Science Center. Four years later, renovations to the old science building were completed and the building was rededicated as the Social Sciences & Art Hall with an attached Center for Ceramics and Sculpture. In 2012, a major renovation of Pierce/White residence halls was completed, including new furniture, upgraded lighting, a multipurpose space, elevator, and a new entrance.
Throughout the years, BVU has recognized needs and trends and adapted to meet them. In the mid-70s, the institution opened its first satellite location to help serve the needs of non-traditional students who could not attend classes in Storm Lake. Today, there are locations across the state of Iowa, as well as an online program for expanded learning opportunities. Graduate students benefit from several online options as well. In 2000, BVU became the nation’s first “wireless community” by providing laptops to all full-time students and faculty on the Storm Lake campus with the ability to connect to the campus-wide wireless network. Since then, BVU has built on civic engagement opportunities to create a greater atmosphere for community and campus service and involvement. Students have learned what it means to be global citizens and travel the world through professor-led academic ventures. Students also benefit from marching and pep band programs, as well as the Institute for Agriculture, which began in 2019.
Campus Location
Buena Vista University’s main 60-acre campus is situated on the shores of beautiful Storm Lake, a 3,200-acre natural lake.
Storm Lake is an attractive, professional community of approximately 11,000, offering a variety of health care services, financial institutions, retail businesses, dining establishments, movie theatres, a municipal golf course, and a country club. Scenic parks and the Lake Trail line the lake, providing a picturesque setting for outdoor and water activities.
Online - Specific Programs
Buena Vista University serves online program students through offices in Council Bluffs, Creston, Denison, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Mason City, Newton, Ottumwa, Sioux City, Spencer, and West Burlington.
These programs are administered from Storm Lake but are staffed on-location to provide academic advising and student service. BVU Online uses Canvas (LMS) and web conferencing to provide powerful technological support to faculty, staff, and students.
Technology
Online and on-campus undergraduate students will need a computer with reliable internet access. Courses are delivered over multiple platforms including, but not limited to, video conferencing applications, learning management systems, collaboration systems, and email. Student access, whether at home or school, is essential to study at BVU. Students are responsible for their own computer and internet access that meets the minimum technical requirements for BVU classes.
Recommended Computer Hardware & Software Requirements:
- Computer running Windows 10 or macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or higher. ChromeBooks, iPads, and computers running Linux do not meet requirements because some coursework will not be compatible with these types of devices.
- High-Speed/Broadband internet. Some coursework may require downloading and uploading significant amounts of video so a large or unlimited data cap may be needed.
- Webcam, speakers, and microphone.
- Digital table for white boarding and collaboration.
- Google Chrome web browser (latest version), Zoom, and Microsoft Office. Office is available to BVU students for no additional cost by going to http://office.bvu.edu. Chrome and Zoom are free to download.
Academic Program Overview
Buena Vista University’s academic program blends a broad, liberal arts education with in-depth knowledge that prepares students for professional careers in their chosen fields. The faculty at BVU have identified three Signature Skills - effective communication, problem solving, and integrative learning - which are developed in both the general education and major programs.
BVU awards the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Science.
Undergraduate Students must earn 120 semester hours of credit, complete the general education program, and complete a major to graduate. Undergraduate students select from a variety of majors offered in four academic schools: the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Liberal Arts, and the School of Science.
Graduate programs include Organizational Leadership, Professional School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Educational Administration, Special Education, and Teacher Leadership - Curriculum and Instruction.
The Faculty
The student/full time faculty ratio on the main campus is 12:1. More than 80% of the 64 full-time professors hold doctorates or terminal degrees in their fields. Faculty members serve as academic advisors during the student’s undergraduate career and are committed to personalized instruction and academic excellence.
National Recognition
BVU was ranked 53rd Best Regional University in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
BVU was ranked 15th Best Value School among Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report (ranked 2nd among Iowa schools).
BVU was ranked 24th Best Social Mobility School among Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report (ranked 2nd among Iowa schools).
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