Alcorn State launches its strategic plan — “The Path Forward: Forging Ahead”
Alcorn State University launches its new Strategic Plan — The Path Forward: Forging Ahead — to serve the 21st-century needs of the community, the state, the nation, and the world and guide the University through 2026.
"Our commitment to excellence in teaching and engaging in research, discovery, and innovation to deliver a high-quality, globally relevant, and affordable education for the people of our state and beyond—remains resolute," said Dr. Felecia M. Nave, president of Alcorn.
Alcorn partnered with the SmithGroup to conduct a rigorous, multi-layered approach to developing the strategic plan. The process was co-chaired by Dr. Ontario Wooden, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Ms. Roslyn White, assistant vice president for enrollment management.
"Working on the strategic plan was truly a team effort," Wooden said. "We appreciate our partners from across the University, alumni, and community for their efforts to bring this plan to fruition. We look forward to the many developments resulting from this plan that will advance the mission of Alcorn and position it as one of the premier higher education institutions in the country."
To provide broad representation across the University and regionally, a 32-member strategic plan Advisory Committee of internal and external stakeholders was appointed by Dr. Nave. Alongside 363 stakeholders (that included students, faculty, and alumni) and more than 1,300 responses to the SWOT analysis, the University's community was pivotal to the findings and recommendations that resulted from the various phases of the process.
Given the changing landscape of higher education and Alcorn's unique position as the nation's first public, historically Black, land-grant University, Forging Ahead ensures Alcorn connects to its rich history while forging a new and innovative path into the future.
Alcorn plays a key role in helping students increase their employability and achieve their potential. The University draws students from other states to the region, generating new dollars and opportunities for the Southwest Mississippi River Region. Alcorn's faculty and staff are actively engaged in providing research-based instruction and information to improve the lives of Mississippians in all 82 counties and beyond. Alcorn provides students with the education, training, and skills they need to have fulfilling and prosperous careers.
"We have a long legacy of developing leaders, and that will not stop or slow down," said Dr. Nave.
The Path Forward: Forging Ahead focuses on five key areas:
- Developing a student-centered approach to success;
- Building an inclusive and engaged community;
- Transforming through innovation;
- Creating meaningful community engagement and partnerships; and
- Building a reliable and sustainable enterprise.
Understanding emerging trends outside of the University through environmental scanning and an internal review of key institutional metrics and self-reflection, Alcorn embraces goals and strategies that will move the institution towards excellence over the next five years.
