President’s Letter
Posted: March 1, 2010
Friends,
Since the last issue of the magazine, ATSU has continued to move forward on the journey to becoming the nation’s pre-eminent health sciences university. As expected, we received the final report from the Higher Learning Commission accrediting us for 10 full years, through 2018-19, the longest period that the Commission awards. There will be a focused visit in October of 2011, however, to follow up on a few concerns, such as governance, assessment, and planning. ASHS Dean Randy Danielsen and Tracey Lantz, my assistant and Secretary to the Board, will oversee preparations for the HLC focused visit, and we will be ready to demonstrate our progress with the following (and other) efforts:
• University-wide Assessment Committee: Under the leadership of Dr. David Wayne, Associate Dean of ASHS, and Dr. Michael A. McManis, Vice President for Planning and Assessment, the committee has already developed a set of Guiding Principles that clearly communicate to all ATSU constituents the purpose of the assessment program, as well as how the data will be used. The committee has also developed a draft list of student learning outcomes that would apply to all ATSU graduates across all programs.
• Campus Master Plan Task Force: Existing programs at Mesa lack adequate space, and many of the structures in Kirksville are in need of major renovation. Accordingly, I have asked Dr. Michael A. McManis to chair a committee to identify architectural consultants with experience in developing master plans. This project will result in campus plans for Mesa and Kirksville to meet current and future needs, including likely new program development. Dr. McManis will be assisted by Dr. Ted Wendel, Associate Provost for the Mesa Campus; Dr. Randy Danielsen, Dean of ASHS; Dr. Jim Bell, Associate Dean at ASDOH; Dr. Phil Slocum, Dean of KCOM; Lori Haxton, Associate Vice President for Student and Alumni Services; and Robert Ehrlich, Director of Facilities and Plant Operation.
• University Strategic Planning Committee: The USPC is also making excellent progress, led by co-chairs Dr. Douglas Wood, Dean of SOMA, and Dr. Michael A. McManis. The USPC has already drafted and refined mission, vision, and values statements based upon its review of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and the Board’s vision for ATSU. The committee has also begun to identify strategic issues that must be addressed in order for ATSU to fulfill its mission and attain its vision for the future. I am confident that we will have a new strategic plan in place for the 2010-11 academic year.
A. T. Still University is very strong financially and academically. We have valuable, creative people and excellent programs, and we are highly focused to become even better. As the newest members, Ronald Winkler and Kenneth Burdick, join the Board of Trustees, I continue to be pleased to work with the Board, and I am gratified by the support they have given me and this great institution as a whole. I am proud to be associated with ATSU as we move together toward becoming a truly pre-eminent university.
Peace,
Jack Magruder, President