OCTOBER 2018 |VOL. 5 ISSUE 2
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS NEWSLETTER ACADEMIC AFFAIRS This newsletter highlights the great work of our colleagues and students. The impressive diversity of our collective interests and achievements should remind us that our University remains a place of ideas and accomplishment. Each of the highlights listed in this newsletter all contribute to creating the intellectual climate that fosters student success. Within our strategic plan, our student success goals are tied to both retention and graduation rates. Over the past two years we have made gains in retention and held those gains steady the past year. Our four and six-year graduation rates have increased 7% and 5%, respectively. These are significant accomplishments and your contributions are greatly appreciated! As we move ahead, our student success efforts will continue to mature and will allow our students to achieve their full potential. Over the past few months, I have shared with many colleagues my belief that the key components for student success are the relationships our students develop with our faculty and staff. In addition, programs and curricula that align with their disciplines and professional opportunities for our students provide clearer paths for persistence and completion. Finally, the development of academic community through organizations, internships, speakers, mentoring, and advising gives our students the opportunity to clarify their values, gain professional experiences, and foster a network of colleagues that support their success. Over the next several newsletters, each of these themes will be addressed through essays by our colleagues whose scholarship covers these areas. We are fortunate to serve in a profession that transforms lives and provides opportunity for others. Along the way, we get to continue our search for more knowledge and serve one another. I remain grateful to work alongside you, and please let me know how Academic Affairs can assist as we move forward. Sincerely, Phil Bridgmon Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
INSIDE THIS ISSUE New Faculty Highlights.........pg 2 - 4 Welcome New Staff.................pg 5 College Accomplishments.pg 6 - 9 Announcements.........................pg 10
"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." - Woodrow Wilson
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