Shreveport's Centenary College reduces staff, cuts programs, boosts tuition - Mary Nash-Wood, The Town Talk

After several difficult years financially, Centenary College in Shreveport says it is regaining its financial footing. The private liberal arts college affiliated the United Methodist Church has reduced the size of its staff, cut degree programs by half and increased tuition significantly. Under the leadership of President David Rowe, Centenary College is emerging from the financial turmoil of the past five years leaner but stronger, school officials said. After layoffs, loss of programs, an athletic division move and a 29 percent hike in tuition expenses, the liberal arts college of just fewer than 900 students is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Internal Revenue Service forms show the school’s endowment — which was down 20 percent between 2007 and 2009 — now stands at more than $125 million, a five-year high. “It’s been a struggle and a long, hard road, but we’re coming out the other side with a stronger understanding of who we are and what our purpose is,” said Michael Hemphill, provist of the school affiliated with the United Methodist Church. http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20130506/NEWS01/305060013/Centenary-overcoming-financial-struggles?nclick_check=1