“Where do you see yourself in five years?” is a common question for job interviews, but it is also an important topic for higher education institutions. The Meredith College community has been working to lay the groundwork to answer that question.

 

“We are at an important time in Meredith’s history and future,” said Vice President for College Programs Jean Jackson, who is co-chair of the committee. “We have the opportunity to present Meredith’s new president with our best thoughts on who we are and where we believe we should go in the next five years. It is our opportunity as a community to present a view of ourselves and our values, our strengths and our needs.”  

 

The Strategic Planning Committee, which includes representatives of all College constituencies, began meeting in Fall 2010. The committee researched colleges and universities to identify innovations in programs and pedagogy; developed questions related to Meredith’s future to explore and answer during the strategic planning process; and facilitated discussions with the New Academic Programs Committee, the Academic Vision Committee, Faculty Council, Student Government Association and class officers.

 

The committee also sought input from a variety of campus departments, including hearing in-depth reports from Associate Vice President for Business and Finance Steve Walters about the master plan and facilities condition assessment; from Chief Information Officer Jeff Howlett on technology infrastructure needs, and Executive Director of Marketing Kristi Eaves-McLennan on marketing issues and opportunities.

 

An initial draft was shared with the campus community during an April 26 town hall session and during round table conversations in Belk Dining Hall on April 27. Faculty, staff and students were able to comment on and ask questions about the preliminary ideas presented. (Visit Blackboard to view the plan overview. Click on strategic plan graphic.)

 

Next Steps
President Maureen Hartford said the committee will spend the next several weeks processing the input gathered on April 26-27.

 

“We look forward to using the thoughtful comments shared by faculty, staff and students to refine the broad ideas included in the strategic plan’s initial draft,” Hartford said.

 

Another iteration of the draft plan will be shared with the Board of Trustees for input during their June meeting. President Jo Allen and the strategic planning committee will continue to seek input on the plan throughout the summer and early in the Fall 2011 semester. A final draft of the five year plan will be taken to the Board for endorsement in Fall 2011.

 

Faculty and staff are encouraged to visit the strategic planning site on Blackboard to learn more, and to share thoughts about the plan.

In this Issue:

Strategic Planning Update
Commencement Weekend 2011 Schedule
Meredith Faculty Member Helps Discover New Barrier Islands
Internal Communication Survey
Meredith Alumna Beth Leavel Earns Tony Nomination
Faculty/Staff Accomplishments
Upcoming Events
News Briefs

 

Have you presented research or attended a professional meeting recently? Has your department earned an award? Share news of these accomplishments and more with the Meredith community. Faculty and staff are invited to email items to Melyssa Allen, “Campus Connections” editor, at allenme@meredith.edu.