The LearningWell Coalition is proud to announce that the University of Dubuque (UD) has joined the network through its Wendt Center for Character and Leadership, a 21-year anchor of the university’s mission to cultivate good character and prepare students for lives of purpose and service.

Rooted in the university’s Presbyterian heritage, the Wendt Center has long embodied UD’s commitment to character. Its initiatives, ranging from the Wendt Character Scholars program and faculty grants to the Michael Lester Wendt Character Lecture Series, have established the Wendt Center as a defining influence on the campus culture. Under the leadership of Liza Johnson, , the center is now broadening its reach, ensuring that every student—not just a select few—has the opportunity to engage deeply with questions of meaning, purpose, and moral leadership.

“The Mission of the University of Dubuque aligns directly with the LearningWell Coalition values. As an institution we are deeply invested in cultivating inclusive, high-impact learning environments that support wellbeing and meet the evolving needs of our students and communities. This represents an excellent opportunity to join forces to continue to support holistic student education and formation,” said Adam Hoffman, PhD, vice president for academic affairs at the University of Dubuque.

Two new initiatives exemplify this expanded vision. The Pathways to Purpose program, now in pre-launch, will extend character development opportunities to all students, not just those in the Wendt Character Scholars program. Through collaboration with campus partners such as the Department of Student Life; the Office of Vocation, Career Services, and Community Engagement; Office of Residence Life; Department of Athletics; Department of Fine and Performing Arts; and the greater Dubuque community, Pathways to Purpose will integrate character, wellbeing, and identity into students’ daily experiences. The program debuted this fall and is designed for scalability across the institution, allowing every student to engage meaningfully with the principles of purpose and flourishing.

At the same time, the Character Learning Outcome Faculty Development Initiative will support faculty in developing and assessing meaningful character learning outcomes across disciplines. Beginning with pilot departments in Summer 2026, the effort will help academic programs embed character, wellbeing, and purpose within their curricula, ensuring students connect classroom learning with the values and virtues that prepare them for life beyond UD.

Keith Buffinton, Executive Director of the LearningWell Coalition, welcomed the partnership, saying, “The University of Dubuque brings a rich tradition of purpose and character to the Coalition. Through the Wendt Center’s innovative programs and commitment to whole-person education, UD is modeling how institutions can integrate student formation into every dimension of student life. We are thrilled to have them as partners in advancing this work nationally.”

By joining the LearningWell Coalition, the University of Dubuque becomes part of a growing network of colleges and universities committed to transforming higher education so that every student is prepared to flourish in work and in life.