“From day one, she demonstrated that she is open to and
outcomes:
concerned
about the students.” _______ s e ni o r c o rn e lius ric h ar d s o n
Durham Herald-Sun newspaper on June 3, “It is absolutely wonderful that she is making history. I’m thrilled and proud that she’s here.” “Who else has a chancellor that says ‘Turn Up’? NCCU does! Excited to have a Chancellor who is willing to relate to us.” — NCCU Senior Jalen Baker, via Twitter Students took to social media to embrace Saunders-White and have used her Twitter (@DSaundersWhite) and Instagram (DSaun dersWhite) accounts to connect with her, as have campus organizations such as the Student Government Association (SGA) and National Pan-Hellenic Council groups. She set forth her expectations with the SGA Executive Board at their annual retreat and with first-year students during New Student Orientation sessions and Week of Welcome. “I have a promise I will make to you,” she said. “Bring us your dreams of being entrepreneurs, educators, lawyers, social workers,
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an effort to increase the university’s freshmanto-sophomore retention and four- and six-year graduation rates. Starla Tanner, director of government and community relations, commented, “Whether she’s having a dialogue with community stakeholders about her commitment to help NCCU be an engaged campus, advocating the needs of education at the Legislature or providing leadership to faculty and staff, Chancellor Saunders-White has a powerful way of igniting support that exemplifies our motto of Truth and Service.”
Student
musicians and scientists, to name a few, and it is our obligation to make sure your dreams are realized. In return, I ask that you stay intently focused on your studies, seek help when you need it and soar like the great Eagles I know you are.” Senior Cornelius Richardson, Mr. NCCU 2013-14, said, “From day one, she demonstrated that she is open to and concerned about the students. She wants to hear our opinions and feedback, which shows she truly cares about us and what’s happening on campus.” Eagle Excellence: Defined
Before arriving on campus, Saunders-White asked members of each division to prepare a comprehensive transition report. The report included data elements that best describe the units and their respective brand definitions, as well as opportunities to enhance NCCU’s distinctiveness, relationships that needed to be
(Above) Saunders-White is welcomed by students during her first week on the job. (Far right) U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield (B.A. 1972, J.D. 1974) helped welcome the new chancellor to NCCU. nurtured and suggestions that would enhance NCCU’s presence in the region. Along with division meetings and focus groups that were held with key internal constituent groups, the report provided much of the background information she needed to develop and plan to execute “Eagle Excellence.” At the 2013 University Conference, an event that starts the academic year for faculty and staff, Saunders-White outlined her vision for “Moving Forward and Embracing Eagle Excellence, or E-squared.” This vision included some changes in the university’s organizational structure and realignments of units such as Enrollment Management with Academic Affairs and moving Information Technology, Human Resources and Athletics under the Office of the Chancellor. Realistic about the budget challenges the university faces due to shrinking state and federal funding, growing competition for students especially from online providers, and national conversations about access and affordability in higher education, Saunders-White established the following goals:
1. 100 percent acceptance that student have choices and they have chosen NCCU 2. 100 percent engagement of all NCCU employees (faculty and staff) in students’ success 3. 53 percent six-year graduation rate 4. 80 percent retention rate (freshman to sophomore) 5. 100 percent of graduates prepared for gainful employment or professional and graduate school 6. 90 percent NCLEX pass rate in nursing 7. 100 percent PRAXIS pass rate O p e r at i o n a l success:
1. Make the NCCU brand distinctive nationally 2. Ensure 100 percent acceptance that each employee defines outstanding customer service 3. Invest in technology enhancements Financial
“I have a promise I will make to you,
bring us your dreams
of being entrepreneurs, educators, lawyers, social workers, musicians and scientists, to name a few, and it is our obligation to make sure your dreams are realized.” _______ c h anc e ll o r d e bra saun d e rs - w h it e
success:
1. 100 percent compliance with fiscal policies 2. $7 million in private philanthropy 3. $30 million in sponsored research “North Carolina Central University is a first choice, premier global institution,” she said. “Eagle Excellence is the collective investment of our entire university community — students, faculty and staff — to make student success a priority by providing and delivering a highquality educational experience.” During the University Conference, she stressed the need to recruit and accept academically gifted students who are prepared for the rigors of a competitive and challenging collegiate environment in
Photo by Tiffany Adams
Fall 2013 NCCU NOW
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