Onyx Spring-Summer 2019

allowed my voice to genuinely be heard by the College. It was neat to hear the positive comments made, gather a unique perspective and contribute ideas that are going to generate change,” said Emma Taylor, a sophomore elementary education major from Greencastle, Indiana. “Our College is growing and with that we must be proactive. Students are aware of our needs, and I truly appreciated the opportunity to have voice.” The Aspire Even Higher Plan will officially launch on Oct. 25 at the President’s Gala. Above: Julia Reich of Stone Soup Creative provided graphic recordings of the focus sessions. Once each session had been completed, the sheets were hung up in the hallway of Hulman Hall for all groups to review and compare ideas and dreams of each other. This recording is from the faculty session.

program is just one way the College is looking to attract more students. “As a new employee, it felt wonderful to be a part of the strategic planning brainstorming meeting,” said Jess Bicknell, SMWC's digital marketing manager. “Being included from day one made me feel valued and more connected to and invested in the institution. “As a current MLD student, being involved with the brainstorming process was eye-opening. As a distance learner, my cohort comes to campus once every eight weeks. It was refreshing to see that the institution cares about grad students, even when they don’t see us day-to-day like traditional campus students.” The Executive Leadership team, in tandem with the steering committee, are providing a framework for the dreams and focus session data which will be centered on pillars of academics, environment and outreach with threads of enrollment growth, spirituality and innovation. “This was a unique experience that

foundation for future growth. “What is clear is that everyone is excited about the possibilities of growth,” said King. “The students are already talking about the ‘next Le Fer Hall’ as we near capacity in the current residence building. Our dialogues are less about fixing deteriorating buildings and more about positioning the College for innovation, vision and excellence in education.” The Aspire Higher Strategic Plan, through the leadership of a 35-member steering committee, has brought significant and sustained growth to the institution since its inception in 2015. With the addition of a nursing program and a mission shift to enroll women and men in all programs in 2015, the College saw an immediate lift in its enrollment. The College leadership, with input from faculty, staff, students and alumni, have continued to push for growth in academics, athletics, fundraising and enrollment. Such moves as adding an all-online modality for the Master’s of Leadership Development (MLD)

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