President Richard Davenport welcomed 60 faculty, staff, and students on August 12, to a
fall retreat for strategic planning. "I want to hear your views regarding the future of MSU," Davenport told the group, which included representatives from
MSU's bargaining units and the Student Senate, as well as deans, directors, and vice presidents.
Seven weeks after taking office, Davenport kicked off the day-long session with an overview of his personal philosophy on strategic planning. A clear sense of direction is essential, he said, and he praised past administrations for sound leadership. "We also want to be inclusive," Davenport said, encouraging group members to listen to each other's views and ideas during the session and even later, when the larger campus and community become involved in the planning process.
Davenport said goals must be "achievable and realistic," and must be linked to human and financial resources. Some goals should help us "stretch ourselves as an institution," he said, and people need to be energized about the process. "We need a sense of hope and to share a sense of direction." Presentations and breakout groups explored the concept of the "modern university," the new look at www.mnsu.edu, recent research on the University's image, student profile information, and campus values and goals.
Davenport closed the event by pledging to continue engaging in open, active communication
across campus and the community as he leads the University in developing MSU's 2002-03 work plan. He also asked attendees to keep the planning process dynamic
by talking freely with colleagues about the day's discussions. "Talk about the questions and issues that were raised here. I want to communicate as much as possible."
President Davenport wants every person involved with the MSU community to have an opportunity for input in helping to establish the University's future direction. Summary notes from the retreat are also available. Davenport welcomes your input and participation by providing your ideas at this same site.
