MSU adopts new strategic plan emphasizing public affairs mission

Missouri State University today announced a new strategic plan, which officials describe as a forward-looking blueprint designed to strengthen academic excellence, expand community partnerships and reinforce the university’s statewide public affairs mission. 

Though the plan was announced today, it was approved by the MSU Board of Governors in June. The plan, titled “Igniting Opportunity” and available on MSU’s website, also includes updated mission, vision and values statements for the university.

The mission statement calls the university “a community of citizen scholars committed to public affairs. Our innovative teaching, research and service create transformative experiences that benefit individuals and society.” 

The vision statement outlines the aspirations of the university: “Missouri State will be the nation’s leading public affairs university, delivering on our mission by cultivating civic responsibility and igniting social and economic opportunity.” 

The strategic plan, to be introduced Sept. 22 during President Biff Williams’ State of the University address, sets up five goals, outlined as follows in the announcement:

• Academic opportunities and innovation – Advance academic excellence and innovation by embedding the public affairs mission across MSU’s curriculum, promoting experiential, interdisciplinary and relevant learning opportunities, and expanding access to high-quality educational programs. 
• Community partnerships and economic development – Advance a systematic, sustainable, universitywide culture that supports our public affairs mission through intentional collaboration among university, industry and community partners connecting students’ real-world learning with employers and organizations seeking talent and expertise. 
• Institution of choice for students and employees – Position MSU as the institution of choice for students and employees. 
• Student and alumni experience – Build a culture of enduring engagement by connecting students and alumni to the university through shared experiences and meaningful community. 
• Branding and identity – Energize every Bear to be MSU’s biggest fan with branding that grows affinity with and promotes recognition of the university. 

The strategic plan represents a year of work by stakeholders, including faculty, staff, administration and community members. In an interview today, Williams said more than 500 people participated in small-group sessions, workshops and surveys.

Moving forward, work groups will focus on ways to forward the plan’s goals, according to the president. He added that he and Brad Bodenhausen, vice president for community and global partnerships, intend to take a roadshow approach in reaching out to businesses about the plan and about ways the university can better serve them.

Williams said MSU already has a large number of community partnerships in place.

“We want to put it on steroids,” he said.

Springfield Business Journal is planning expanded coverage on MSU's new strategic plan.