Clayton State University marked its commitment to becoming a national model for community engagement and student enrichment in higher education with the launch of Strategic Plan 2022.
A kickoff celebration was held November 15th in the James M. Baker University Center with more than 100 people in attendance.
The five-year plan builds on University milestones over the past few years to advance its mission of providing students an experience-based learning environment supplemented with active community service learning opportunities to ensure students are prepared for success.
“For us, this strategic plan is not a mere exercise. It speaks to the heart and soul of our dynamic culture. It represents what we stand for and how we approach our work to promote learning and student success,” University President Dr. Tim Hynes says. “Through our plan, we remain committed to making the dreams of our University community real.”
Clayton State is focused on six strategic priorities:
Increase enrollment, retention and graduation rates.
Increase external funding.
Build brand through community engagement and program development focused on career preparation and success.
Promote the brand through an integrated marketing communication plan.
Advance innovation in experiential teaching styles, methods of delivery and research.
Continue investing in infrastructure improvements.
Investments in infrastructure improvements include the completion of the University’s $14.96 million Academic Core project, a three-phase, state-funded capital project for several campus buildings over the next three years.
In pursuit of the University’s vision of becoming a national model in higher education, Strategic Plan 2022 builds upon two key initiatives both current and emerging.
The Partnering Academics and Community Engagement program expands classroom learning to real-world experiences to foster an active learning environment. The EDGE Program will prioritize career development and will increase student participation in internships, job shadowing and mentoring to 95% before the time of graduation.
“We have already begun to position the University in the higher education environment,” says Dr. Hynes. “We will continue to do this without neglecting the reality that the pace of change in the global economy requires that we prepare students who can adapt to that change as a result of learning at Clayton State University.”
Strategic plan objectives expand upon the University’s previous work to emerge as a 21st century university to meet the needs of Georgia’s economy and advance Gov. Nathan Deal’s Complete College Georgia initiative.
In 2015, the University opened the $25.15 million Lakeview Science and Discovery Center to offer more laboratory and classroom space for STEM education.
Clayton State also supported Georgia’s $7 billion film industry with the launch of academic and certificate programs that include Georgia Film Academy certification, in addition to opening a 10,000 square foot film production studio in Jonesboro, GA.
View the complete Strategic Plan 2022 at www.clayton.edu/Strategic-Plan-2022.