The process to develop Meredith College’s next strategic plan is now underway. Much like Meredith’s most recent strategic plan, Vision 2010, the next plan will provide a framework for the College’s future, including priorities, goals and specific action steps needed to reach those goals. Strategic planning shapes the College’s budget planning and helps determine the best use of College resources.
The Strategic Planning Committee appointed by President Maureen Hartford has begun meeting to begin drafting a strategic plan. Hartford and Vice President for College Programs Jean Jackson are co-chairs of the committee, which includes representatives of all College constituencies. Alumna representative Elizabeth Dove and student representative Mary Rawls have been named the committee since the faculty and staff members were first announced in October. (See full list.)
The committee has met twice and is scheduled to meet a third time prior to the holiday break. Their initial work has included reviewing progress toward Vision 2010, Meredith’s current strategic plan, and identifying resources to help guide the development of the next plan. One of the resources the committee will use is “Strategic Planning in Higher Education: A Guide for Leaders” by Sherrie Tromp and Brent Ruben, a book published by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO).
The Strategic Planning Committee will spend the spring semester developing the initial draft plan. This draft will be provided to Meredith’s next president, who will review it and add input before the plan is submitted to the Board of Trustees for final endorsement in Fall 2011.
This fall, the Board of Trustees’ Ad Hoc Committee on Mission, Vision, Values developed new mission, vision and values statements to provide a foundation for the strategic planning process. These statements were approved at the board’s October meeting. Visit http://meredith.edu/about/mission.htm for more information.
To help inform the strategic planning process, a discussion about Meredith’s academic vision began at the October 29 faculty meeting, and an Academic Vision Working Group is being formed. The working group is a subcommittee of Faculty Council, with a charge “to discover and/or try to create consensus in the academic division about the strengths of our current academic experience and about future directions for academics at Meredith College.” Their initial report is expected by mid-semester in Spring 2011.
The campus community will have a variety of opportunities to offer input on the strategic plan. Faculty and staff can email thoughts about Meredith’s next strategic plan to strategicplan@meredith.edu. A Blackboard course will be set up through which information will be shared with the community. Look for more information in future issues of Campus Connections.
- Lennie Barton, SMT
- Elizabeth Dove, alumna
- Lori Duke, staff
- Kristi Eaves McLennan, SMT
- Candace Fisher, staff
- Ellen Graden, faculty
- Maureen Hartford (co-chair)
- Tim Hendrix, faculty
- Jeff Howlett, staff
- Jean Jackson (co-chair)
- Ying Liao, faculty
- Kassy Mies, faculty
- Mary Rawls, student
- Denise Rotondo, SMT
- Pam Steinke, staff
- Bill Wade, SMT
- Barbara True-Weber, faculty
- Liz Wolfinger, SMT
In this Issue:
Strategic Planning Process Begins
Two with Meredith Ties Inducted into YWCA Academy of Women
Facilities Efforts Support Sustainability at Meredith
Cornhuskin’ Raises Funds for Good Causes
From the President’s Desk
Sponsors Support Meredith Phonathon
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.