Some people might think that "strategic planning" is a buzzword (or phrase). However, I guess I would categorize myself as a strategic planning nerd.  I've had excellent mentors who taught me the great value of planning, and more importantly to act on those plans.  

Our 2020 Community First Plan has been a great example of how a plan can both change an organization, bring about meaningful results and impact the community we serve.  In short, I believe we are a very different institution than we were five years ago - programmatically, physically (or about to be) and culturally.  

Ultimately, it is all about the students and serving this community.  The results of our hard work has resulted in improved enrollment and retention rates.  Our graduation rates have doubled over these years.  There are many, many good reasons that caused us to be selected as "College of the Year" by the College System of Tennessee. 

I also believe it is important to maintain momentum; particularly when you are doing well.  So, we have already begun working on our VISION 2025 plan.  If done correctly we will roll the clock over on July 1, 2020 and finish one plan while starting the next.  Currently, we are engaging faculty, staff, students and Foundation Trustees in planning workshops.  We have multiple planning teams established to develop key objectives, strategies and actions that will guide our work over the next five years.  

We will review multiple drafts over the coming months and shape the final document together.  This will not be TBR's plan or even the President's plan. It will be OUR plan. 

Success breeds success.  So, given what we have accomplished over the past five years we are confident that our future will be even brighter.  This translates into serving our community in the best ways we know how.  Our community is our mission and we are here to serve you.

Stay tuned!