New initiatives introduced at this year’s Faculty and Staff Institute
Innovative tactics geared toward more recruiting, better student/advisor interaction and fundraising were introduced at Alcorn State University’s 2016 Faculty and Staff Institute.
Faculty and staff convened in the James L. Bolden Campus Union Ballroom Monday, August 15 to listen to their fellow Alcornites discuss initiatives that would continue to push the University forward. This year’s theme was “Student Success: Recruitment, Retention, Career Placement and Beyond.
Assistant professor of accounting, Zulfiquar Dogar and associate professor of biological sciences, Dr. Keith McGee, introduced the go.alcorn.edu platform, which gives students an outlook of what progress they’ve made on their path to graduation. McGee said that the process provides a better way for students and their advisors to communicate.
Dogar agreed and said, “This initiative lets the student know exactly where he or she is, where they need to be and what to expect as they work toward degree completion. Imagine eliminating the challenges that occur between students and advisors leading up to the student’s graduation. All of those troubles are gone thanks to Dr. Donzell Lee, Dr. John Igwebuike and everyone working on this platform.”
Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director for the Alcorn State University Foundation, Marcus Ward presented the All For One Faculty and Staff Campaign, a cause that would garner financial support for the University’s students. Ward applauded Alcorn employees for being the lifeline that keeps the University going strong. He said that in order to keep up the success, employees must contribute to the educational progress of the students.
“Alcorn is strong because of all of the people who work here,” said Ward. “Alcorn faculty and staff is the most generous staff in Mississippi and perhaps, the nation. Everyone plays a role in the University’s success. This is our opportunity to help our students succeed.”
Director of Admissions and Recruiting, Kantangelia Tenner introduced Hobsons Connect, a comprehensive, integrated software solution that departments can use to manage their recruitment plan. Tenner said that Hobsons Connect would allow deans to identify quality students for their program.
“Connect is your recruitment tool to find and communicate with students,” said Tenner. “I’ve learned that deans and professors look for particular types of students. With Hobsons Connect, you will be able to view prospective students’ profiles and help the University recruit them. This is very important to the growth of Alcorn.”
President Alfred Rankins Jr. acknowledged everyone’s exceptional contributions to the University’s success.
“These are some good times at Alcorn. We are poised to have our first significant increase in enrollment since 2011. That would not be possible had it not been for you all. We’re in a good place because we are growing.”
