Under President Bettison-Varga’s leadership, Scripps has solidified its position as a superior liberal arts college and a leader in educating women.
Her key accomplishments include:
- Increased admission applications by approximately 20 percent over the past six years alone, with higher yield and greater selectivity;
- Protected the fiscal stability of the College during the economic recession and launched the $175 million Campaign for Scripps with $114 million raised to date;
- Established the LASPA Center for women’s leadership;
- Raised $20 million toward scholarships and remained committed to average loan debt far below the national average;
- Significantly increased alumnae and parent participation and giving;
- Initiated three building projects to enhance the academic program and campus life, including a 110-bed residence hall currently under construction that will be the first campus building to meet LEED Gold standards for environmentally responsible construction;
- Increased the campus footprint through the purchase of additional property;
- Led development of a comprehensive sustainability initiative resulting in the reduction of water usage by more than 30 percent;
- Established campus-wide inclusion and diversity initiatives;
- Increased national and international visibility of the College; and
- Strengthened engagement with all Scripps constituencies through accessible, responsive, and results-oriented leadership.
Bettison-Varga leaves Scripps in a healthy academic, reputational, and fiscal position, poised to accelerate advancements in women’s and liberal arts education and to continue to cultivate the next generation of women leaders.