Strategic Plan

Future Present

Past

In the year 2020-21 Texas A&M University-Texarkana will celebrate many significant milestones: » 10 Years as a Comprehensive University » 25 Years of Membership in The Texas A&M University System » 50 Years of Serving the Texarkana Region

Our Shared Vision for Texas A&M University-Texarkana »

As a first-choice institution known for Academic Excellence Student Success Community Leadership we will provide the best public undergraduate experience in Texas.

»

Through intentional outreach and partnerships, we will expand the number and diversity of our region’s university-educated citizens.

»

By further developing dynamic on-line learning opportunities and career oriented graduate degrees, we will serve the educational needs of our community beyond the traditional undergraduate experience.

»

Through enhanced collaboration and engagement of the larger community, A&M-Texarkana will attain the prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement classification. Our university will be renowned in our community for its service, sought for its expertise, and utilized as the catalyst for solutions to community issues.

»

Because of the exemplary reputation of our university and the efforts of all in leadership roles, we will receive abundant external funding for university initiatives.

»

Our membership in a world-class university system will provide the prestige of a Texas A&M University degree from a campus known as a ‘community’ of higher education.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Page 3

Sharing a Vision ›››››

A Look Into Our Future

Texas A&M-Texarkana will be a “first-choice” institution known for academic excellence, student success, and community leadership and a “cradle to career and citizenship” strategy that not only prepares students for their chosen careers but also develops their capacities for leadership.

Simply put, Texas A&M-Texarkana will provide the best public undergraduate experience in Texas from freshman year to graduation, one that maintains its commitment to the liberal arts and sciences tradition, while transforming that tradition for the 21st century and offering a broad array of professional programs.

Key characteristics include:

Page 4

»

A&M-Texarkana will be innovative and nimble, shaping its practices to match national best practices in undergraduate education and contributing itself to the national dialogue about how higher education can improve learning and retention.

»

The University will develop a freshman year program that intentionally addresses all the dimensions recognized as criteria for excellence in the first year.

»

A&M-Texarkana will be a leader statewide in the incorporation of high impact practices into undergraduate curricula (learning communities, undergraduate research, community service learning, etc.).

»

A&M-Texarkana will excel in problem-based learning, using the region as a living laboratory across the curriculum.

»

Our graduates will be aware of and highly achieving in each of The Texas A&M University System and LEAP learning outcomes (on which System outcomes are based).

»

Our student life program, guided by intentional learning goals, will provide a variety of experiences for students including Greek life and athletics.

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

STRATEGIC PLAN

»

Program expansion will be guided by the unique environment of the “four states region”—northeast Texas, northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, and southwest Arkansas-an area with rich resources in water and timber and well-established healthcare, transportation, and recreation industries.

»

We will expand our opportunities for global education, enabling a significant percentage of our students to study in other countries and increasing our own international student population to at least 10%.

»

Our faculty will embrace the teacher-scholar model and be innovative teachers, using, as appropriate, new technological tools to increase student learning, as well as active scholars/researchers with programs that provide opportunities for undergraduates to engage, alongside them, in the discovery and creation of knowledge.

»

There will be widespread use of sophisticated technological tools and analytics to help us address students’ learning and scheduling needs and keep them on track for graduation, while also making our administrative processes more efficient.

In order to serve the educational needs of the community beyond the traditional undergraduate experience, A&M-Texarkana will: »

Further develop on-line learning opportunities at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

»

Expand the number and diversity of career-oriented graduate degrees in keeping with analysis of our region’s needs.

»

Be THE site for the four states region and beyond for high-level career enhancing certificate and continuing professional education programs responsive to the needs of employees and employers in the region.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

NOVEMBER 2016 FRESHMAN STUDENT’S BLOG ABOUT LIFE AT TEXAS A&M-TEXARKANA “When I arrived at A&M-Texarkana just two months ago, I was excited about coming to a campus known for its supportive community and outstanding academics. But my experience, thus far, has exceeded my expectations. From Day One, people here have made sure that I felt like I belonged-making sure I knew who to go to if I ever needed help, had a group of interesting friends with diverse backgrounds and experiences (even some from other countries!), and was taking courses that really made me think!

In sociology, we’re doing something called a ‘community service learning’ project with the city’s Housing Authority that helps us learn while we’re helping other people. And my biology class is spending lots of time across the street from campus at Bringle Lake Park, collecting specimens to use in experiments that my professor says we’ll write up as a research paper and present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium in the spring. How many freshmen get to do that? Have to run…the sorority I’m hoping to join has a mixer in the Student Engagement Center, and later on today, my freshman learning community is going to join the other learning communities in a park clean-up across town.”

Page 5

We will expand the number and diversity of the region’s universityeducated citizens by »

Developing partnerships with higher education institutions and community organizations to raise the region’s higher education attainment level.

»

Intentional outreach to underserved populations.

»

Developing agreements with our regional schools and community colleges to make the pathway from kindergarten to a university degree both visible and accessible.

»

Establishing a summer bridge program that helps capable, but under-prepared students gain the skills they need to be successful in their first year.

»

Expanding our honors program.

SEPTEMBER 2017 TEXAS A&M-TEXARKANA STAFF MEMBER TO A NEW COLLEAGUE “For me, working at A&M-Texarkana is much more than simply a job—it’s a calling. Because we truly care about our students and our colleagues, we’ve been able to retain the sense of family that sets us apart—even while growing at a rapid pace. As an Enrollment Management Professional, I have the opportunity to positively affect the lives of students each and every day. Often the students with whom I work are the first in their families to attend college— so making the enrollment process as easy as possible for them is what it’s all about. Knowing the students by name and keeping up with their progress toward their degrees makes coming to work on campus very fulfilling. And when I bring my kids to Eagles’ soccer games on the weekends, I’m not sure who is more excited—my ‘own’ kids or my ‘A&M’ kids. My work at A&M-Texarkana allows me to know that I am making a difference in the lives of the exceptional young people who have chosen to be our students.”

MAY 2018

TRANSFER STUDENT/SPEAKER AT 2018 GRADUATION “As I stand before you as the keynote speaker, I am proud—and a bit surprised—that I will soon hold my bachelor’s degree and be beginning my career. When I began my studies at Texarkana College in the fall after high school graduation, I wasn’t sure if college was for me—and I certainly wasn’t thinking of pursuing a four year degree at that point. I was amazed by how much I enjoyed my classes at TC and how quickly the time passed as I earned my Associate’s Degree. It really just seemed like a natural progression to continue my studies at A&M-Texarkana—and thanks to the folks in the Compass Center who assisted me, the transition from TC to A&M-Texarkana was seamless. My counselor clearly outlined the pathway in my chosen degree program. In my first semester at A&M-Texarkana, I took advantage of the opportunity for an internship. It was amazing to me how much more relevant the concepts from my classes were when applied in real-life situations. Because of the hands-on experiences and work in interdisciplinary teams I’ve had at A&MTexarkana, I am confident that I’m well-prepared to step into my new career. I wasn’t just earning my bachelor’s degree— I was acquiring the skills necessary to be a team player and a leader. Look out world, here I come!”

Page 6

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

STRATEGIC PLAN

By 2021, we will have achieved the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, an elective designation that indicates the depth of our collaboration and partnerships with the larger community that has invested in our success.

In order to achieve this classification, we will not only look to our community as a resource to enrich our curriculum, but we will also be recognized as a “first choice” resource for our region, providing guidance and expertise in addressing critical issues—economic, social, environmental, etc.—and partnering with businesses and agencies to solve those problems.

Our university advancement and community engagement operations will be so woven into the fabric of our organization that we will see: »

Active community advisory boards at multiple levels within the institution so that administration and faculty can get direct input about community needs and create opportunities for partnerships and collaboration.

»

Coordinated university communications so that our key messages and initiatives are well known and understood on campus and beyond.

»

Coordinated development and fundraising with members of the leadership and management team involved in identifying opportunities and raising external funds for university initiatives.

AUGUST 2019

2019 NEWS RELEASE ABOUT TEXAS A&M-TEXARKANA FACULTY “In response to continued enrollment growth, Texas A&M University-Texarkana today welcomed 12 new faculty to the academic community. The group, representing disciplines from the arts and sciences to professional areas such as business and healthcare, is presently engaged in a comprehensive orientation program, organized by the university’s Faculty Support Center. This program introduces these new academics to the resources available on campus and within the A&M system. They are learning from some of the University’s accomplished professors about teaching methods that really engage students in the learning process, representatives from Academic Technology Services are introducing them to the array of instructional tools available at A&M-Texarkana, and the Office of Graduate Studies and Research is providing information about research funding and ways they can incorporate students into their research agendas.

As one new faculty member noted, “I had several job offers, but I chose A&M-Texarkana because it is committed to seeing that faculty have the tools they need to be successful teacher-scholars.”

STRATEGIC PLAN

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Page 7

SPRING 2020 AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE FROM A COMMUNITY MEMBER

Our membership in a world-class university system will provide:

“I never dreamed that a visit to the A&M-Texarkana campus would lead to my going back to school to get my master’s degree. Joe and I rarely miss the opportunity to attend an arts event or hear one of the phenomenal speakers that the university brings to our community.

We often meet a group of friends at the campus coffee shop afterward to hash over the lecture topic. I’ve enjoyed working side-by-side with TAMU-T students on volunteer projects like Race for the Cure, and my company regularly brings in groups of students to research marketing and logistics issues we face. But I sure didn’t see myself as a student until I picked up a brochure as we were leaving a recent event that told us about all of the new degree programs A&M-Texarkana is offering. With the array of classes available on-line, I have the ability to continue to work full-time and pursue my dream of earning my MBA. A&M-Texarkana is now my university—and the path to my future in management.”

»

For our students—additional learning opportunities beyond a relatively small university’s capacity. Examples include language programs, study abroad, specializations in technical fields.

»

For our faculty and staff—professional development opportunities. For faculty, in particular, affinity groups, developed around key research themes, will enable faculty to develop an organized network of colleagues and put together research groups that put them in a better competitive position for external funding.

»

For our community—partnerships that enhance and complement what our individual institution can provide.

For example, working with the agencies, we have access to expertise that we will tap into to provide continuing professional education and training.

»

Shared administrative resources, as appropriate, that will help us develop economies of scale not possible at a single campus.

»

The prestige of a Texas A&M University degree from a campus known as a ‘community’ of higher education.

Page 8

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

STRATEGIC PLAN

Navigating the Path ›››››

Our Guiding Beliefs

›› Passion for Excellence ›› Culture of Learning and Success ›› Community Engagement and Leadership ›› Stewardship of Valuable Resources ›› Integrity, Honesty, and Visibility

Excellence Passion for

Excellence is the goal of every member of the Texas A&M-Texarkana Community.

Whatever our individual roles, we strive to meet the highest standards of performance and to deliver our personal best to establish A&M-Texarkana as a leader in higher education.

As a university community, academic excellence is the cornerstone of our work, and we share a passion for providing our students with the highest quality education.

Not content with the status quo, we continually evaluate ourselves in relation to national standards and practices and innovate and adapt in order to improve our performance.

Page 10

2014-2015 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES »

Establish enrollment management practices, from recruitment through enrollment to graduation, that meet or exceed current higher education standards.

»

Make measurable progress in achieving program accreditations.

»

Establish baseline metrics to measure our growth in excellence and develop a mechanism for tracking and reporting our progress.

»

Develop comprehensive strategies to prepare for requirements of upcoming SACS accreditation process.

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

STRATEGIC PLAN

Culture of

Learning Success and

Texas A&M-Texarkana is a success-oriented university.

We believe that with the required tools, encouragement, and personal determination, each individual is capable of achieving success and that it is our community’s responsibility to provide the necessary support.

We are especially committed to our students’ success and believe that an integrated academic and social experience, one that engages students in the learning process both inside the classroom and out, fosters persistence, graduation, and lifelong learning.

Our faculty, staff, and administration work together to ensure that learning and success are woven into the cultural fabric of the university and that a defining characteristic of Texas A&MTexarkana is its commitment to being a true learning community.

STRATEGIC PLAN

2014-2015 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES »

Develop and publish a comprehensive academic master plan.

»

Re-establish Texas A&M-Texarkana’s First Year Experience program and align it with criteria established by the Foundations of Excellence in the First-Year.

»

Assess and refine student advisement process.

»

Establish support programming for international students and opportunities for global learning for all students and faculty.

»

Strategically develop student life programming to align with university learning goals.

»

Identify and develop spaces for formal and informal student gathering and collaboration.

»

Initiate an intercollegiate athletics program with an emphasis on the student-athlete and leadership development.

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Page 11

Community Engagement and Leadership

Among the greatest gifts we offer the community that established us are the graduates who will be its economic, cultural, and civic leaders.

At A&M-Texarkana we look to the larger community as a partner that enriches our curriculum, teaching, and learning; enhances opportunities for scholarship, research, and creative activity; and helps prepare our students for their careers and to assume active roles as citizens.

In short, we see our region as an extension of our classrooms and laboratories.

This relationship is reciprocal and demands that we, in turn, be a resource to our community, providing expertise to address local issues as well as opportunities for cultural and intellectual enrichment and professional development.

Page 12

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

2014-2015 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES Âť

Establish an Office of Professional Development to enhance and develop extended learning opportunities.

Âť

Initiate an intentional community engagement program through the Office of the President.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Stewardship of Valuable Resources

Resources are valued, conserved, and utilized to the greatest benefit for our students and our future.

2014-2015 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Fundamental to our ability to provide a high quality education to students now and in the future is our commitment to the wise and effective use of our resources.

We possess a deep appreciation for the resources with which our university has been entrusted—financial, natural, and humanand recognize our responsibility to carefully steward their use.

We consistently employ sustainable practices and operations, and the good of our greatest resource—the people who make up the A&M-Texarkana family—is at the heart of our decision making.

STRATEGIC PLAN

»

Refine budget processes and align with strategic plan.

»

Develop a data-informed enrollment plan that ensures our physical and financial resources are fully used and sustainable.

»

Hold student-led campus “Unplugged” event to encourage sustainable practices.

»

Establish a new faculty orientation program.

»

Align university fund raising initiatives with strategic objectives.

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Page 13

Integrity Honesty and

Visibility

Each and every decision and action of our university must be grounded in the principles of integrity, honesty, and visibility.

The business of our university is conducted in such a way that we welcome the scrutiny of any stakeholder, and our values are clearly communicated in writing and reflected in our deeds.

We are honest. We are accountable. We are committed to the constant work required to earn and remain worthy of trust.

Page 14

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

2014-2015 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES »

Develop and distribute Codes of Conduct for faculty, staff, and administration and an Honor Code for students.

»

Identify areas where written procedures and processes are needed and develop them.

»

Create and follow a strategic communication plan.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Strategic Planning Board Dr. Emily F. Cutrer, Chair Dr. Rosanne Stripling Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs James Scogin Vice President for Finance and Administration LeAnne Wright Associate Vice President for University Advancement Vicki Huckabee Chief of Staff Dr. Peter Racheotes Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Doug Julien Academic Affairs Advisory Council Chair Dr. Glenda Ballard Provost’s Leadership Group Representative Liz Patterson Provost’s Leadership Group Representative Dr. Patricia Humphrey Faculty Representative Dr. Ugar Tanriver Faculty Representative Frankie Milligan Staff Council Vice-Chair Veloria Nanze Director of Budget and Planning Dr. Bill McHenry Graduate Studies Representative Heath Coston Undergraduate Student Representative