BizEDUCATION
A Bold and Strategic Vision
To Lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution By Dr. Robert C. Robbins, President, University of Arizona
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Whether our graduates begin a career or pursue further education, they must be prepared to serve others, solve problems, continue learning and dream big.
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Dr. Robert C. Robbins President, University of Arizona –
32 BizTucson
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Fall 2018
Since January, we have been deeply immersed in the University of Arizona strategic planning process. We have engaged with thousands of individuals through town halls, focus groups, surveys, interactive discussions and data sharing that has enabled us to examine and aggregate input. In smaller group settings such as themed campus meetups and committee meetings, we have done deeper dives into big ideas and priority areas that emerged from previous discussions. We have aimed to tie it all to a bold, yet strategic, vision for our future – a vision that refocuses the UA to lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and positions our students for success in an ever-changing world. Through this process, I have learned more about this great university than I would have thought possible. I knew people here were passionate, but did not realize how deeply that passion runs. I knew there was vast knowledge in many areas, but did not know that we have some of the top thinkers and creators in areas as diverse as neuroscience, dance and anthropology, to name just a few. I knew our students were top-notch, but did not know how committed they are to using their skills and passion to improve our campus, our community and our world. I knew that our staff members care about doing their jobs well, but did not realize how much they go above and beyond every day to support the UA mission. I have been asked how this process is unique from others the UA has undertaken in the past. My objective was to truly engage as many people as possible on campus and in the larger Wildcat community to formulate a focused plan poised for success – a plan that balances the business of running a large, complex, public university with the importance of a high-quality student experience, innovative research, global impact and meaningful community engagement. This requires paying close attention to our mission and our aspirations, while balancing the reality of execution by nurturing a foundation of excellence, sustainability and agility. To put it simply, how do we make the University of Arizona the best it can be, and sub-
sequently, how does the UA distinctly make the world a better place? The answer begins, and ends, with our students – and we must give them the best Wildcat journey possible. Companies and organizations today need employees who have a blend of leadership skills, communication skills, a collaborative mindset and creative and complex problemsolving abilities. Individuals who are able to think critically to convert information into real intelligence and shared knowledge are highly valued. The strategic plan will adjust our focus and culture to be more student-centric. We will be investing resources and building programs that help all of our students be as successful as possible. Things like redefining general education, strengthening active learning, integrating service opportunities and giving students global experiences will change how our students think, do, learn, make and experience the world. It also will improve our rankings and increase our impact on our state, national and global economies. Whether our graduates begin a career or pursue further education, they must be prepared to serve others, solve problems, continue learning and dream big. In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, true education needs to cultivate important abilities that smart machines don’t have. We must provide the tools and means that allow human skills, human knowledge and human ingenuity to leverage technological and scientific breakthroughs without sacrificing emotional intelligence. This opportunity will form the basis for our strategic plan. I encourage you to visit strategicplan. arizona.edu for the most up-to-date information as the plan refinement continues to unfold in the upcoming months. Thanks to all of you who have lent your voice and time to this process to help ensure our best future. I look forward to sharing the plan with you in detail toward the end of this year and I am excited to take our next steps together.
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