Strategic Plan Kickoff to detail the future of Dixie State University

Strategic Plan Kickoff to detail the future of Dixie State University

Thursday, September 17th, 2015 After nearly a yearlong process of collecting ideas, setting goals and formulating strategies, Dixie State University is officially launching its strategic plan, Dixie 2020: Status to Stature. To formally kickoff the implementation of Dixie 2020, Dixie State University President Richard B. Williams will present the strategic plan to the community at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the M.K. Cox Performing Arts Center. Admission is free and everyone is encouraged to attend. After the presentation, a free barbecue lunch will be served under the tent just outside of the auditorium. Outlining the university's goals as well as strategies to accomplish them, Dixie 2020 will guide the university's growth for the next five years as Dixie State secures university stature now that it has enjoyed university status since February 2013. The strategic plan was created based on the input students, faculty, staff and community members offered at town hall meetings. "I am so proud of the plan we produced — not only does it lay out a bright future for Dixie State University, but it also is a great example of what can be achieved when the entire community works together," Williams said. "Dixie 2020 is not my strategic plan; it is the entire community's vision for the future of our university." The plan consists of six goals that target specific areas of growth the institution will work on through 2020. Williams' presentation will detail each goal and the specific strategies and desired outcomes the Strategic Planning Committee, made up of representatives from across campus, identified. The first goal of Dixie 2020: Status to Stature is to promote student success and increase retention and completion rates at all degree levels. The second goal also focuses on academics, as it aims to broaden and enhance academic programs to facilitate growth. To accomplish its third goal, Dixie State will invest in faculty and staff recruitment, retention, and development. The fourth goal is to promote the success of underrepresented faculty, staff, and students by enhancing support for inclusion and equity. For the fifth goal, the university will reach out to the community as it works to engage with the southern Utah region to strengthen civic, cultural, and economic life. The sixth and final goal will help Dixie State establish a strong brand and identity for the university. "We have big dreams for Dixie State University, and that is reflected in the strategic plan," Williams said. "Our goals are aggressive, but not unrealistically so. All of us on campus are excited to start implementing Dixie 2020: Status to Stature and be part of the future of Dixie State University."