Thursday, April 23rd, 2015
As Dixie State University progresses work toward finalizing a new strategic plan, the institution will host its fourth and final public open forum on Wednesday, April 29, in the DSU Gardner Center Ballroom from 2-4 p.m. The forum will provide an update for all university stakeholders on the progress made since the last meeting in early March, and to solicit comments and feedback. Wednesday's meeting will also serve as the final public meeting before DSU begins the implementation phase of the new plan.
Dixie State has also provided a way for individuals who are unable to attend any of the public sessions the ability to participate in the process and provide comments or ideas online. All stakeholders are invited to visit www.utahtech.edu/strategicplanning for more information and to provide feedback.
Dixie State held previous public forum meetings in December, January and March, which included several internal campus meetings and a community town hall event. After receiving input from many stakeholder groups, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, business and community leaders, the institution's strategic planning committees have been working to sort and categorize all the information gathered from those meetings.
Campus strategic planning subcommittees completed work on drafts of mission, vision and value statements, as well as lists of short and long-term goals and broad objectives, based on the information provided. Since the last meeting, the committees have drawn on specific strategies and plans (see website for details). Wednesday's forum is the last open meeting and signals the end of the planning phase and the beginning of the final phase of prioritization and implementation.
DSU President Dr. Richard B. Williams announced plans for the creation of a new strategic plan during his Inauguration address this past Oct. 23, noting that the plan would serve as the future foundation of the university. During his address, Williams invited all university stakeholders to help create a "plan that will put Dixie State University on the map."
DSU has partnered with Penson Associates, Inc., a research and consultation firm with experience in higher education strategic planning, to assist the institution throughout this process. President Williams noted late last year that the planning process would be very collaborative and transparent.
The process is anticipated to be completed and ready for implementation by July 1, 2015.
