For the past two years, Dr. Doug Davenport has been encouraging the campus and community to dream about the future of Missouri Western, as the University created a new strategic plan.<\/p>\n
Dr. Davenport, interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, formed a steering committee that started its efforts with a University environmental scan \u2013 \u201cit was an honest assessment of who we are, and what were our opportunities and challenges.\u201d Then, the steering committee and work committee, numbering almost 60, listened to groups across the campus and community, studied the results of an online survey for all constituents, set priorities and shaped a plan. Pathways to Excellence 2018-2022 was the result.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was important to hear from a lot of people,\u201d Dr. Davenport said. \u201cYou may miss some really good insights if you don\u2019t listen. We needed to ensure that we had the broadest perspective possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
The most valuable elements of the plan, Dr. Davenport says, are the new mission and vision statements. He likened the statements to an elevator speech, with those two being the key points that tell people who Missouri Western is.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe mission and vision statements are our anchor points,\u201d he said. Once Pathways to Excellence was approved by the Board of Governors, Dr. Davenport said work began on two immediate priorities: one, develop a Center for Teaching and Learning, and two, make sure Missouri Western is engaging in best practices to recruit and maintain a diverse, qualified work force.<\/p>\n Dr. Davenport also said he wants to make sure another aspect of the strategic plan, E3, becomes ingrained in the University\u2019s culture. \u201cEvery Employee is an Educator\u201d is an important\u00a0 component of achieving student success, he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is my hope that every employee identifies how their role supports the mission and vision of Missouri Western. I am passionate about E3. Student success is the responsibility of every employee, and each of us plays a vital role in the student experience.\u201d<\/p>\n In light of several years of tight budgets and diminishing state allocations, he said another objective of the strategic plan is to be an excellent steward of resources, achieve long-term financial stability and increase affordability. The plan also contains a focus on investing in infrastructure.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is a lot of positive energy out there and the plan has a lot of support,\u201d Dr. Davenport said. \u201cPeople are excited about the future of Missouri Western.\u201d<\/p>\n Pathways to Excellence 2018-2022: missouriwestern.edu\/strategicplan<\/p>\n Mission Statement Vision Statement Our Culture Creativity and collaboration PEOPLE PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAMS
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\nThe plan\u2019s overarching goal is Student Success, and measurable indicators are part of the document. Five themes to advance student success include student experience, people, partnerships, programs and stewardship.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Missouri Western will be the premier open access regional university, known for transforming the lives of our students and the communities we serve.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>To achieve our vision for student success, we embody a culture that demonstrates our values of service, quality, enthusiasm, freedom, respect and courage.
\nWe achieve this culture by fostering:<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Evidence-based decision-making
\n<\/strong>Agile innovation
\n<\/strong>Accountability
\n<\/strong>Diversity and Inclusion
\n<\/strong>Pathways to Excellence Themes
\n<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>STUDENT EXPERIENCE
\n<\/a><\/u>Eliminate barriers to student access and student success.<\/p>\n
\n<\/a><\/u>Every employee plays a vital part in the student experience.<\/p>\n
\n<\/a><\/u>Community, regional and state partnerships are vital for success.<\/p>\n
\n<\/a><\/u>Quality programs are the hallmark of great institutions.<\/p>\n