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Northwest Missouri State University launches strategic planning process
Northwest Missouri State University is embarking on a strategic planning process which will guide university strategy, development, and projects for the coming years. President Lance Tatum, in his third year in the position, announced the plan at a meeting of staff and faculty on Nov. 6. The university's current strategy is outlined in the 'Adventure 2030' plan, which was developed during President John Jasinski's tenure.
The new plan, to replace "Adventure 2030," is titled, "Excellence: The Northwest Way. " In announcing the effort, President Tatum said that changes to the world of higher education are requiring the university to update its strategy. At a committee meeting of the Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents on Oct. 21, President Tatum said those changes mean this plan will also be short-lived.
"I doubt it will be a ten-year plan," he said at the time. "Things are moving so rapidly in higher education. There is so much unpredictability as it relates to student enrollment, funding, federal intervention, and so on, that we will probably make a recommendation to have a plan that does not extend to a full ten years."
It appears that prediction has played out, as "Excellence" will take the university only through the next five years, expiring in 2030. Public colleges and universities in Missouri are anticipating a forthcoming reduction in state funding as general revenues are predicted to drop.
Despite the challenges, while speaking at the plan's launch Tatum said Northwest is well-positioned. It boasts athletic accomplishments, excellent facilities, and strong fundraising campaigns.
The planning process will be guided by broad input from faculty and staff, as well as an advisory group. Once drafted, it will be sent to the University's Board of Regents for adoption.