ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
FY 2005 THROUGH 2009
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Submitted to:
State of Mississippi
Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning
Jackson, Mississippi
Submitted by:
Dr. Clinton Bristow, Jr., President
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State, Mississippi 39096-7500
July 29, 2003
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
STRATEGIC PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FY 2005-2009
Introduction
This executive summary of Alcorn State University’s Five-Year Strategic Plan covers fiscal years
2004-2009. FY 2004 is the current year. The executive summary, therefore, covers a six-year period from
FY 2004 through FY 2009. The strategic plan includes the mission, vision, long-range goals, and sub-goals
(21st century goals) of the university. This executive summary focuses on key components of the full strategic
plan.
Brief History, Philosophy, and Mission
Alcorn State University is the oldest land-grant university in Mississippi and the oldest historically
black land-grant institution in the United States. It was established in 1871 with funds provided through the
First Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862. The university is committed to the posture and practice of equal
opportunity, access to all qualified students, excellence in all programs and services, and to the success of its
students academically, in their chosen careers and to add value, humanism, and dignity to each student.
Vision
The vision of Alcorn State University is to be a premier land-grant university that prepares students
well for graduate and professional schools, especially in the sciences, and that effectively serves as the
epicenter of development for its region through its research and communiversity-outreach efforts.
Mission
An historic land grant institution and Carnegie Master’s I institution, Alcorn State University meets
the educational needs of residents in southwestern Mississippi, neighboring northeastern Louisiana parishes,
and other locales by providing strong undergraduate instruction in small classes over a wide range of
baccalaureate programs; by providing selected master’s programs in agriculture, business, education, nursing
and science with research focused on biotechnology, energy, meat, ecology, value-added agriculture, and
advanced technologies; and by preparing students for graduate and professional schools, especially in the
sciences. Students are also prepared to be responsible citizens with a strong work ethic. Complementing
Alcorn’s educational purpose is its commitment to public service, exemplified by its “communiversity”
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
outreach initiatives and agricultural research and extension programs targeting families with small farms and
limited resources.
PERFORMANCE EFFECTIVE OBJECTIVES FOR FY 2004 - FY 2009
Administrative and Finance
®
Create/maintain an environment conducive and facilitative to teaching, learning, research and
outreach programs (communiversity).
®
Seek financial resource to expand the library holdings in support of undergraduate and graduate
programs.
®
Continue to improve the budgeting process in order to more fully integrate budget allocation and
reallocation based on the university’s annual priorities.
®
Continue to strengthens its financial management and accountability program to ensure that it
continues to obtain unqualified opinion from the Department of Audit.
®
Continue to implement technologies to improve efficiencies in personnel performance customer
service and energy conservation at all locations.
®
Work aggressively to achieve and/or exceed the SREB averages for faculty salaries at all ranks as
well as staff salaries.
Academic Affairs and Student Affairs
•
Maintain professional accreditation for all programs that are currently accredited by national and/or
regional accrediting agencies and aggressively seek to obtain professional accreditation for all
applicable programs--chemistry, business, and communications are priorities.
•
Offers the mix of academic programs to meet existing and emerging needs of students and other
clientele. Ensure that appropriate state-of-the-art instructional equipment, materials, and delivery
systems are utilized, including laboratories, educational technology, distance-free learning, and other
library resources.
•
Ensure that students have access to quality education programs by providing financial assistance to
students, appropriate advisement, and qualified and committed faculty--at least 75 percent of the
faculty will hold terminal degree by 2008-2009.
•
Recruit aggressively other race and non-traditional students and seek to increase the percentage of
non-African-American students attending the university. Increase retention and graduate rates among
all students.
Ensure that faculty member engage in intellectual renewal project(s) annually. Encourage faculty
to engage in research, public service and scholarly activities, including research leading to
improvement in teaching and learning.
•
•
Ensure that each faculty member, in partnership with one or more students, engage annually in a
service project that supports the communiversity model, thus making Alcorn State University the
epicenter of southwest Mississippi.
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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
•
Assist each student to have a unique and enriching experience and assist at least 50 percent of each
graduating class attend graduate and/or professional schools.
•
Make residence halls learning centers for facilitating learning, scholarly pursuit and cultural and
social enhancement.
Institutional Advancement Planning and Research
•
Develop/maintain effective institutional strategic/annual planning processes and plans and a system
for ongoing assessment of institutional effectiveness and for continuing improvement of programs
and services.
•
Promote research in the following areas biotechnology, meat technology, alternative energy sources,
natural products, small and family farms; environmental ecology and natural resources and nutrition,
and obesity prevention and control.
•
Seek external funding in support of the instruction, research, and outreach priorities of the university
and assist faculty and staff in developing and submitting fundable proposals.
•
Maintain accurate institutional research data base and submit reports to the administration, governing
board (IHL) and other appropriate individuals, agencies, organization in a timely manner.
•
Assist in implementing the communiversity model in order to assist in meeting the educational and
community and economic development needs of the region.
•
Continue to strengthen and expand development/alumni program to optimize support for the
university and strengthen institutional marketing and public relations program.
Significant External Factors Which May Affect Performance
Among the external factors which may affect the projected level of performance are the following:
1) inadequate funding from the State of Mississippi; 2) reduction in funds available from the federal
government for grants and/or contracts and/or student financial aid; 3) increased competition for external
funds; 4) increased competition for faculty and students and lack of funding for salaries and scholarships; 5)
slowdown in the state and/or national economy; and 6) reduction in the pool of qualified students.
Internal Management System Utilized to Evaluate Performance
The university’s Executive Council is the primary organization responsible for the internal
management and evaluation of performance at the university. The Executive Council is chaired by the
university president and membership includes all vice presidents and the Executive Vice President. The
Executive Council is assisted by a broad-based Planning, Management, and Evaluation Committee, and a
Budget Committee.
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ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
FY 2005 THROUGH 2009
Submitted to:
State of Mississippi
Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning
Jackson, Mississippi
Submitted by:
Dr. Clinton Bristow, Jr., President
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State, Mississippi 39096-7500
July 29, 2003
5
PAGE #
Core Mission Statement
i
Introduction
ii
Section I: Brief History, Philosophy, Mission Statement, and Goals
1
Section II: Overview of the Five-Year Strategic Plan
7
Section III: Performance Effectiveness Objectives for FY 2004 through FY 2009
19
Section IV: Significant External Factors Which May Affect Performance
34
Section V: Internal Management System Utilized to Evaluate Performance
35
6
Alcorn State University
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
VISION
The vision of Alcorn State University is to be a premier land-grant university that prepares students well for
graduate and professional schools, especially in the sciences, and that effectively serves as the epi-center of
development for its region through its research and communiversity-outreach efforts.
MISSION
An historic land-grant institution and Carnegie Master’s I institution, Alcorn State University meets the
educational needs of residents in southwestern Mississippi, neighboring northeastern Louisiana parishes, and
other locales by providing strong undergraduate instruction in small classes over a wide range of baccalaureate
programs; by providing selected master’s programs in agriculture, business, education, nursing and science
with research focused on biotechnology, energy, meat, ecology, value-added agriculture, and advanced
technologies; and by preparing students for graduate and professional schools, especially in the sciences.
Students are also prepared to be responsible citizens with a strong work ethic. Complementing Alcorn’s
educational purpose is its commitment to public service, exemplified by its “communiversity” outreach
initiatives and agricultural research and extension programs targeting families with small farms and limited
resources.
OPERATING PRINCIPLES
®
Yesterday to Tomorrow
An historic black land-grant university with a proud heritage, ASU cherishes its past while pursuing
the educational, economic, and ethnic diversity that will enhance its tomorrow. Thus, ASU will utilize
the Ayers settlement to build for tomorrow through new programs and facilities, while honoring its
longstanding commitment to develop knowledge and wealth among the disadvantaged.
®
Meeting Regional Educational Needs
ASU assumes primary responsibility for meeting the diverse higher education needs of the
southwestern region of Mississippi and the bordering parishes in northeastern Louisiana. Beyond its
primary service region, the university also serves students from throughout Mississippi, other states,
and countries. Thus, the university will fulfill its instructional mission through small classes and by
emphasizing strong undergraduate and limited graduate programs. ASU will develop additional
graduate programs in specific areas of need and opportunity particularly for non-traditional students
at its Natchez and Vicksburg sites.
®
“Communiversity”
Through its “communiversity” concept, ASU proactively provides outreach programs and services
that are geared toward assisting and meeting the educational, economic, recreational, and cultural
needs of the immediate community, the region, and the state. Thus, as an example, the university will
provide a variety of professional development opportunities for elementary and secondary schools
designed to improve performance in reading, mathematics, science, and on standardized examinations.
®
Supporting Small Farmers
A key heritage of the university is its land-grant commitment to family farmers. Thus, the university
will serve families with limited resources and help small family farmers improve their standard of
living through agricultural research and extension programs.
®
Improving Research
In addition to its ongoing research activities in biotechnology, energy, meat, ecology, farming, and
alternative crops, ASU is constantly looking for ways to broaden its research function. Thus, the
university will move toward advanced technologies, high value agriculture, health and nutrition.
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Alcorn State University
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
FY 2005 THROUGH 2009
INTRODUCTION
In June 2002, Dr. Clinton Bristow, Jr., President of Alcorn State University, submitted the
university’s Five-Year Strategic Plan to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for
the State of Mississippi. The plan covers the period 2005-2009. This current plan (FY 2005 - FY 2009)
represents an update of the plan submitted in June 2002. Fiscal year 2004 represents the upcoming
(current year) while FY 2005 represents the first year of the five-year projection. Fiscal year 2009 has
been added.
During discussions at Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) System Planning Council meetings,
the point was made time and time again that brevity is a virtue in preparing documents for the Board of
Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. Consequently, in preparing the FY 2005 - FY 2009
strategic efforts were made to be brief without losing important details. This is related to the IHL System
goals and to the needs of the clients served by the university.
There were no significant occurrences in the internal environment or external environment of the
university or any foreseeable factors that warrant significant modification to the plan which was tediously
developed by broad-based participation of the university community during 2002. However, as the FY
2005 - FY 2009 Strategic Plan was been developed, the university community was well aware of the
budgetary constraint and challenges with which the university is faced. Consequently, aspirations of many
units had to be tempered by realities. Nevertheless, the university remains committed to pursing
excellence in all its programs and services. It remains committed to an academic agenda that strives to
ensure that each student receives a unique and enriching experience and that graduates are assisted and
encouraged to attend graduate and professional schools upon graduation from Alcorn or to obtain
employment commensurate with their education and interest. Perhaps the single most important change
to the 2005-2009 plan compared to the 2004-2005 plan is the inclusion of an updated core mission
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Alcorn State University
statement and a more concise vision statement in the 2005-2009 plan.
This Five-Year Strategic Plan (FY 2005 - FY 2009) is not a blueprint etched in concrete rather
it is a dynamic, flexible, and responsive set of guidelines that enumerates some priorities the university
will pursue during the next five or so years. The plan is reviewed on an ongoing basis and adjustments
made as appropriate. It will be updated on an annual basis so that it continues to have five-year
projections (dropping the concluding current year and adding a fifth year). Because the plan represents
the culmination of broad-based strategic thinking of the university community, the long-range goals tend
to be the same or quite similar to those submitted in 2002. Some of the short-range goals (1-2 years) may
be modified to reflect goals achieved during 2002-2003 and or to reflect any modifications of the
institutional priorities and/or the needs of the clientele.
Alcorn State University considers this document as a working document which works best when
it is worked.
i
Alcorn State University
SECTION I
BRIEF HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY,
MISSION STATEMENT, AND GOALS
Brief History
Alcorn State University was created by an act of the Mississippi State Legislature on May 13,
1871. The institution was created as a “seminary of learning” and was originally named Alcorn University
of Mississippi in honor of Governor James L. Alcorn who was then governor of the state of Mississippi.
The institution has a rich and illustrious history. It is located on the site of the former Oakland
College, a Presbyterian school for the education of white males. Oakland College closed its doors at the
beginning of the Civil War so that its students might answer the "call to arms." Upon failing to reopen
after the war, the state purchased the college for the education of its "Negro" citizens. The Honorable
Hiram R. Revels, the first Black to serve in the United States Senate, resigned his seat in the U.S. Senate
in 1871 to become the first president of the newly established institution.
The university was given $50,000 per year for 10 years (the same as the University of
Mississippi). Alcorn State University also received three-fifths of the proceeds from the sale of
agricultural scrip under the provisions of the Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862. According to the Alcorn
University catalogue of 1872, “the fund amounted to $189,000, three-fifths of which, or $113,400 became
the property of Alcorn University, the income from which is to be devoted to the agricultural and
mechanical department of the institution.” Thus, from its beginning, Alcorn State University has been a
land-grant institution.
In 1878, the Mississippi State Legislature changed the name of the institution to Alcorn
Agricultural and Mechanical College. Recognizing the tremendous growth and impact of the institution
during its more than one century existence, the Mississippi State Legislature changed the name of the
institution to Alcorn State University in 1974.
Alcorn State University’s land-grant status was affirmed in 1890, when the state of Mississippi
accepted provisions of the 1890 Morrill Act specifically providing for the establishment of separate land-
Alcorn State University
grant institutions of higher education. Hence, although created under the 1862 Morrill Act, Alcorn State
University is often referred to as an 1890 land-grant institution.
Today, Alcorn State University is an equal opportunity institution. It admits students without
regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, gender, or physical disabilities.
Philosophy
Alcorn State University is committed to the principles of access, diversity, and quality in all its
programs and services. The university actively recruits and admits qualified students without regard to
race, color, religion, nationality, gender, age, or physical handicap. The university seeks to develop
among its clientele a broad knowledge and understanding of the basic principles and values necessary to
perform intelligently and responsibly as effective citizens in a rapidly changing democratic society and
diverse global society.
In performing its legislated functions as a land-grant institution, Alcorn envisions the fundamental
and historical concern for preparing its students in agricultural sciences and other disciplines to effectively
live in the mainstream of contemporary America. The institution strives to prepare graduates who are
useful, proficient, efficient, of good character, and productive. The university provides an atmosphere
embodying high ideals of character, scholarship, and democratic living, and a program of liberal education
which seeks to help each student attain his/her rightful place in society.
Mission Statement
Alcorn State University is a land-grant, liberal arts, science and teacher education
public institution with programs in selected professional areas such as business and
nursing, and currently offering programs leading to the associate (in nursing only),
baccalaureate, master's, and educational specialist degrees. The university will
emphasize effective teaching and seek to place its graduates in graduate programs.
While the university is committed to the further development of educational
programs to serve the best interests, needs, and aspirations of talented students, it
is also sensitive to and active in educating those students who suffer under the
handicaps of socioeconomic and cultural deprivation. However, the university will
actively recruit the best and the brightest without regard to race to learn in a
hospitable environment. The university especially desires mathematics, science,
technology, and agri-business majors and will recruit accordingly. The support
programs and services necessary to facilitate the optimum success of each student
in small classes and a hospitable learning environment will be provided.
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Alcorn State University
The university seeks to meet the higher education and life enhancement needs
primarily of the region and state, without excluding the needs of the nation. To
assume the role of a “communiversity” and magnet of learning where scholars are
freely encouraged to seek new truths and make the proper application of existing
knowledge for the betterment of mankind is highly regarded at the university.
Institutional Long-Range (Continuous) Goals
In accordance with and in support of its purposes and philosophy, the institution seeks to achieve
the following long-range (continuing) goals:
1.
To prepare students for scholarship and service in the areas of general and
applied knowledge.
2.
To develop leadership skills in students and assist each student in obtaining a
unique and enriching experience.
3.
To perform the roles and functions of a land-grant university in the areas of
teaching, research, service, and create an interactive relationship with
neighboring counties in particular to help improve their schools, economies, and
living conditions.
4.
To contribute various educational and cultural services to meet the needs of the
community at large.
5.
To provide accredited educational programs and other services to respond to the
demands of students and a dynamic democratic society.
6.
To provide within resource constraints such diversification of specialized
educational programs as to accommodate students with varying educational and
occupational interests and levels of potential for achievement.
7.
To provide an undergraduate education that will enable students to continue their
work in graduate and professional schools and for employment commensurate
with their education, as well as prepare students for lifelong learning. Students
will be encouraged to attend graduate and/or professional schools.
8.
To provide graduate programs which enable students to obtain advanced training
in specialized fields and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and new
truths through scholarly research and inquiry.
9.
To strengthen and maintain a viable comprehensive planning, management,
institutional effectiveness, and evaluation system in order to facilitate effective
decision making, resource allocation and utilization, fiscal accountability and
program review, and evaluation.
10.
To achieve and maintain the highest possible level of student retention by
providing effective services in the areas of student advisement, counseling,
tutoring, cultural activities, and instructional methodologies.
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Alcorn State University
11.
To secure the financial resources necessary to carry out the mission and goals of
the institution.
12.
To provide opportunities for students to develop as responsible citizens and
scholars in a democratic society by maintaining a campus atmosphere which is
safe, healthy, and conducive to cultural, personal, and social development.
Types of Students to be Attracted and What They Will Do When Graduated
Alcorn State University actively recruits and seeks to admit qualified students without regard to
ethnicity, socioeconomic or cultural backgrounds, or gender. The university will continue its thrust to
recruit talented and diverse students as well as students who meet the admission requirements, however,
may need academic enhancement in order to succeed at the college level. In the past, more than 90 percent
of the students have been African-Americans, with the majority of the rest being Caucasian. A
predominance of the students attending the university have been from Southwest Mississippi; however,
there have been students from all counties in the state as well as from many other states and several
foreign countries. The university will continue to aggressively recruit students from southwest Mississippi
as well as from the entire state with a thrust toward increasing diversity. Out-of-state recruiting will be
in select regions starting with the I-55 pipeline and the southern 500-mile radius. Approximately 80
percent of the students live in residence halls. The current student body is comprised of approximately
62 percent women and 38 percent men. Major efforts will be made to retain males.
The university strives to prepare graduates for leadership, managerial, professional, and technical
positions in business, government, and the nonprofit sector. Graduating students will enter employment
and/or pursue advanced studies in professional and/or graduate schools.
Geographic Region Served
Alcorn State University is the Carnegie Master’s I institution located in southwest Mississippi.
The university, therefore, considers that region as its primary service area; however, it serves students
from throughout the State of Mississippi, bordering parishes of Louisiana, other states, and foreign
countries. In its research and extension land-grant functions, the university seeks to provide programs and
4
Alcorn State University
services to limited resource individuals and family farmers throughout the State of Mississippi.
Major Functions
The functions of Alcorn State University are subsumed under three broad categories; namely,
teaching, research, and public service. While effective teaching is a primary focus of the university,
research and public service are encouraged and pursued as important functions in their own right and are
compatible with and complementary to the teaching/learning functions.
As a medium for effective discovery and advancement of knowledge, the university provides the
environment where outstanding faculty and staff interact with, inspire, and stimulate students, thereby
enhancing the acquisition, advancement, transmission, and application of knowledge. The university also
encourages scholarly inquiries and creative activities among students and faculty.
As a land-grant institution, Alcorn State University has a special obligation to conduct applied
research and provide cooperative extension services geared toward improving the socioeconomic
conditions and quality of life for limited resource individuals in Mississippi and to protect and enhance
the environment.
Central to the functions of the university is that of providing a wholesome environment which is
conducive to the intellectual, cultural, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social development of students
and the encouragement of freedom of thought and inquiry among students and faculty.
Skills, Knowledge, Experiences, Attitudes to be Acquired/Developed by Students' Outcomes
The most significant outcome of Alcorn State University, in the final analysis, is the quality of
its graduates. Consequently, the university seeks to prepare graduates who are competitive in the
employment marketplace and/or in professional and graduate schools, are of good character, and
productive members of their communities and society at large. Among the skills, knowledge, and attitudes
that should be exemplified by students completing the undergraduate program at Alcorn State University
5
Alcorn State University
are the following:
1.
The quest for new knowledge and the ability to pursue and acquire additional
knowledge.
2.
The ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing using standard
acceptable language.
3.
The ability to think critically and to gather, analyze, and synthesize data and
information from a variety of perspectives and derive and formulate logical
conclusions.
4.
An understanding of and appreciation for the democratic process in society and
the roles and responsibilities of citizens in ensuring the effectiveness of the
process and one’s individual responsibility to be a contributing citizen and
humane person.
5.
The ability to apply general principles from such disciplines as computer science
and the natural and social sciences--chemistry, biology, mathematics, sociology,
economics, philosophy, psychology, etc.--in the conduct of their lives and for the
betterment of mankind.
6.
The ability to demonstrate (through appropriate assessments and licensure
examinations) in-depth understanding of and competencies in their major fields
of study.
7.
The ability to obtain employment commensurate with their education and
interests and to make appropriate career progression.
8.
The ability to progress and succeed in graduate and professional schools to
which they are admitted.
9.
An understanding and acceptance of their own cultural heritage and the
recognition of ethnic and cultural diversity as desirable and beneficial to society.
10.
The ability to demonstrate leadership, human relations, and social skills which
are expected of a university graduate.
11.
An expressed willingness and desire to support the university in its thrust to
provide programs and services for desiring and deserving students as well as for
the general public.
Students are exposed to a variety of experiences through such programs as the honors curriculum program,
internships, cooperative education, seminars with nationally renown lecturers, and numerous professional,
civic, and social organizations. These experiences further stimulate students' intellectual development,
leadership skills and pre-graduation, and professional experiences. In short all students must meet the
Alcorn State University profile as follows: 1) demonstrate general education competence and be
6
Alcorn State University
competent in their discipline, 2) have a strong work ethic, 3) be a good citizen, and 4) be well-groomed.
SECTION II
OVERVIEW OF
THE FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
This strategic plan covers the period of July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2009. The 2003-2004 goals
are the current year while FY 2004-2009 are for the projected five-year period. The university’s five-year
plan is updated annually during which the immediate past year is dropped from the plan and a year is
added so that the plan includes six years (current year and five projected years).
The strategic plan contains the mission statement which was approved by the Board of Trustees
of State Institutions of Higher Learning on October 21, 1999 as well as a core mission statement which
was developed during 2002-2003. The plan includes the 12 ongoing/continuous institutional long-range
goals and sub-goals which will be pursued during the next six years, including the current 2003-2004 year.
In updating the plan and in establishing the five-year and annual goals, the institution took into
consideration the goals and priorities of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning as
well as the university’s mission, vision, planning assumptions, strengths and weaknesses, and external
opportunities and challenges.
In addition to the twelve ongoing institutional goals, each of the four major units of the university,
namely: 1) Academic Affairs, 2) Student Affairs, 3) Business Affairs, and 4) Institutional Advancement,
Planning, and Research established long-range--ongoing goals. The Agricultural Unit have developed
strategic plans which provide the mechanism through which the institutional strategic plan is implemented.
A key aspect of the strategic plan is that its units and subunits develop plans that are consistent
with the institutional plan and reflect the priorities of the institution, as well as the priorities of the
respective units. A second key element in the strategic planning process is the requirement that there is
an assessment of the effectiveness of the institution in achieving its mission and goals and that the results
of the assessment are used in the continuos improvements of programs and services.
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Alcorn State University
FIVE-YEAR GOALS
During 2003-2004 through 2008-2009 fiscal years, the university will continue to strengthen
existing programs and expand them as appropriate. The university will develop and implement new
programs based on the needs of the clientele, university priorities, and available resources. Many of the
proposed programs and priorities that are included in this strategic plan were included in previous plans;
however, resources were not available to implement them. The university will continue to work toward
the professional accreditation for three programs that are not currently accredited--business; chemistry;
and communications. The university will also ensure reaffirmation of accreditation for programs that are
currently accredited, including maintaining accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools (reaffirmation of accreditation by SACS was obtained in January 2003).
The goals which the university will seek during 2003-2004 through 2008-2009 are subsumed
under the major units of the university are presented in the following section.
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Alcorn State University
UNITS' FIVE-YEAR GOALS
2003-2004 Through 2008-2009
The institutional goals are carried out primarily through the major units. In many instances,
several units collaborate in achieving given goals. Ultimately, the President is responsible for the
achievement of the goals and provides overall leadership for their attainment.
During the 2003-2004 through 2008-2009 academic years, Alcorn State University will continue
to be guided by its commitment to the principles of quality, access, diversity, institutional effectiveness
and efficiency, assessment, and continuing improvement in all its programs and services with special
emphasis on students’ success. The university will strive to ensure that each student receives a unique and
enriching experience. These principles are consistent with and supportive of the goals and priorities of
the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning as outlined in the IHL Management Report,
January 2003 edition. The university will continue its thrust toward the further development and
institutionalization of a customer-service approach in programs and service delivery as well as emphasis
on effective instruction and student learning. The institution will continue to build upon and implement
the communiversity concept--academically strong and community-oriented institution--with emphasis on
working with public schools and on providing technical assistance in community and economic
development in the region. The university will initiate a marketing program designed to increase diversity
in the student body. It will expand program offerings at the Vicksburg and Natchez sites, based on the
higher education needs of those areas and in an effort to increase student diversity.
The goals are subsumed under five broad areas of the university, namely: 1) Administration and
Finance, 2) Academic Affairs, 3) Student Affairs, 4) Institutional Advancement, Planning, and Research,
and 5) agriculture. The plan for the Agricultural Unit (Separate Budget Unit) is presented as an enclosure
as well as a separate plan. The major units and corresponding goals for the six-year period--current year
(2003-2004) and five projected years (2004-2009) follows. The numbers in brackets following each goal
stated indicate the IHL goal(s) to which the goal statement relates.
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Alcorn State University
Administration and Finance
A.
Administration
1.
To provide the leadership necessary to create and maintain an environment at the
university which is conducive and facilitative to teaching, learning, research, and
outreach programs.[IHL Goals #1-8]
2.
To seek financial resources needed to expand the library holdings in support of
undergraduate and graduate academic programs. [IHL Goal #1]
3.
To provide adequate daycare services on-campus for the children of students and
employees of the university.[IHL Goals #3, #4]
4.
To construct one male residence hall.[IHL Goal #4]
5.
To interpret the university's mission and goals to its many publics in an effort to
promote understanding of and support for the institution's basic philosophy of
education and public service.[IHL Goal #10]
6.
To disseminate information, on a regular basis, regarding future plans and
resource utilization data to members of the university community and
appropriate persons off campus.[IHL Goals #10]
7.
To provide opportunities and incentives for professional growth and
improvement in administrative and teaching effectiveness.[IHL Goal #3]
8.
To ensure that new facilities constructed by the institution are consistent with the
institutional priorities and are cost effective in terms of accessibility, energy
saving and versatility, and in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act
requirements.[IHL Goal #3]
9.
To upgrade the educational technology infrastructure to meet university
needs.[IHL Goals #3, #4, #7]
10.
To develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and customer service
program for the university which will improve its image and enhance its
capability for attracting and retaining the highest quality students, faculty, and
staff as well as financial support from private and public sources.[Related to
IHL Goals #8, #10]
11.
To seek additional financial resources in order to carry out the mission and goals
of the university, including financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate
students. [IHL Goal #1]
12.
To provide housing on the Lorman campus for married students as well as for
adult students with special needs.
13.
To develop and implement an institutional marketing program geared toward
increasing diversity.
14.
Contribute to the achievement of the IHL goals in the areas of 1) quality, 2)
10
Alcorn State University
affordability, 3) accessibility, 4) accountability, 5) economic development, and
6) diversity.
15.
Assist in implementing the Ayers settlement.
B.
Business Affairs
1.
To improve and strengthen the budget process so as to fully integrate budget
planning with educational, physical facilities, and personnel planning in the
allocation of resources to achieve institutional priorities. [IHL Goal #7]
2.
To improve the system for systematically comparing planned budgetary
expenditures with actual expenditures and the achievement of institutional
objectives (expected outcomes) and for making budgetary adjustments as
appropriate. [IHL Goal #7]
3.
To improve the student financial aid management and administration
processes/procedures by further refining the computer-assisted financial aid
management system and financial aid counseling so as to enable the university
to make 100 percent annual awards to students who submitted completed
applications, in a timely manner.[IHL Goals #4, #7]
4.
To implement new technologies to improve efficiencies and customer service so
that the Business Affairs Office will rank at the highest level in customer
satisfaction by 2005. [IHL Goals #4, #7]
5.
To obtain an unqualified financial audit opinion annually and a 100 percent
accountability property/asset annually. [IHL Goal #7]
6.
Maintain the physical plant in optimum and aesthetic condition, including
buildings, grounds, streets, external lighting, and rolling equipment.
Institutional Advancement, Planning, and Research
1.
To provide leadership in developing and maintaining a comprehensive sponsored program which
will enable the university to attract and procure appropriate levels of grants, contracts,
gifts/donations from alumni; private individuals (non-alumni); private businesses, corporations,
foundations; and government agencies.[IHL Goal #5, #9]
2.
To expand the communiversity concept as a means of increasing the university's involvement and
effectiveness in outreach activities.[IHL Goals #5, #6, #9]
3.
To maintain an effective strategic planning system at the university and ensure that the shortrange and long-range plans are current, up-to-date, and compatible.[IHL Goals #1-11]
4.
To implement and maintain adequate institutional research and assessment capability to support
the planning, implementation and assessment system and administrative decision making,
including the use of assessment results in improving programs and services conducting projection
and impact studies as appropriate.[IHL Goals #1-11]
5.
To assist in ensuring that institutional policies affecting all areas of the university are reviewed
on a regular basis, kept up-to-date, and are compatible. [IHL Goals #1-11]
11
Alcorn State University
6.
To strengthen the university's capability to assist students in obtaining pre-graduation experiential
learning and graduating seniors in obtaining admission to graduate and/or professional schools
and/or employment (commensurate with the students' education interests, experiences) and assist
other students in obtaining internships, and summer employment by developing and implementing
a fully articulated program of career planning and placement. This will be done in collaboration
with academic units. [IHL Goal #4]
7.
To assist in the general promotion of Alcorn State University by continuously assessing public
perception, implementing strategies and by providing its clientele and the general public with
appropriate, accurate information about the university in a timely manner.[IHL Goals #8, #10]
8.
To provide effective overall administration of the 1890 (federally funded) programs to ensure that
programs comply with applicable federal requirements. [IHL Goal #9]
9.
To assist and facilitate professional development of faculty and staff through the professional
development program. [IHL Goal #3, #5]
10.
To assist and encourage the involvement of faculty, staff, and students in sponsored research,
public service, and scholarly activities by improving their involvement in grantsmanship.[IHL
Goal #3, #5, #9]
11.
To provide proper administration of the Title III Programs to ensure effective allocation of
resources, monitor implementation of activities, and evaluation of the program in compliance with
Title III regulations.[IHL Goals #3-9]
12.
To monitor and assess university’s effectiveness in programs and services, including satisfaction
with customer-service to internal and external customers.[IHL Goals #1-10]
13.
To promote the university's involvement in community and economic development, especially
through the Cooperative Extension Programs (ACEP) and the communiversity initiatives--Center
of Excellence for Rural Life, Saturday Science Academy, and other outreach efforts. [IHL Goals
#1, #4-6, #8-10]
14.
To ensure that data required for administrative decision-making are available in a timely manner
and in a format that is usable to the decision-makers and that all reports for which the unit is
responsible are accurate and submitted in a timely manner. [IHL Goals #2-11]
15.
To develop/maintain an effective alumni relations program in order to encourage and facilitate
alumni interest in and support of the university and its programs. This includes maintaining upto-date alumni database and effective communication between alumni and the institution.[IHL
Goals #10]
16.
To ensure that reports are submitted to the governing board and other agencies in a timely manner
and that such reports are accurate.[IHL Goals #1-11]
12
Alcorn State University
Academic Affairs
A.
Instruction
1.
To ensure that each student matriculating at the university obtains a unique and
enriching experience.
2.
To strengthen the academic programs, as appropriate, through curriculum
review; revamping and updating; acquisition of instructional equipment and
materials; renovation of facilities; and professional development of faculty to
ensure high quality instructional programs.[IHL Goals #2-11]
3.
To strengthen the business program so as to achieve curriculum standards
required for accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
Business. [IHL Goal #3-4, #8-9]
4.
To development and implement an enrollment management program so as to
improve student recruiting, advising, and retention programs in order to attract
and retain high quality academic students. Emphasis will be placed on achieving
greater diversity in the student body.[IHL Goals #3-5, #7-9]
5.
To provide supplementary academic support and enrichment programs to
students who are admitted to the university with academic deficiencies as well
as to students with superior academic potential in order to improve the retention
and graduation rates and to assist students in achieving their academic potential.
The supplementary academic support program will be provided through
improvement in general education and the honors curriculum program and
through improved counseling/advising systems.[IHL Goals #3-4]
6.
To develop and implement a comprehensive computerized interactive student
information system in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
storing, retrieving, manipulating, and utilizing data/information in making
decisions, preparing reports related to students, and improving registration and
advisement processes.[IHL Goals #4, #7]
7.
To serve as a model center for the delivery and execution of instruction by
incorporating contemporary strategies and technologies alongside traditional
methods and ensuring that instructional facilities are equipped with appropriate
technologies; and faculty have proper support, training and expectations. [IHL
Goal #3-4, #8]
8.
To strengthen the following academic programs in order to achieve professional
accreditation: business, chemistry, recreation, communications, and social
work.[IHL Goal #3]
9.
To maintain a strong General College for Excellence through effective advising
and monitoring.[IHL Goals #3-4]
10.
To achieve an increased retention rate of students between the freshman year and
graduation through delivering increasingly effective instruction and student
13
Alcorn State University
support services.
11.
To continue to strengthen and expand the honors curriculum program in terms
of the quality and number of courses offered and the number of students served,
increase in retention and graduation rates, and increase in the percentages of
graduates attending professional and graduate schools.[IHL Goals #3]
12.
To encourage and assist graduates from each discipline to attend graduate and/or
professional school immediately upon graduation and ensure graduates in each
discipline pass the national licensure examinations in their disciplines when
applicable.[IHL Goals #3-4]
13.
To encourage and facilitate students’ involvement in meaningful voluntary
community activities in order to enhance their citizenship and community
responsibility. Also, to move toward community service (service learning) as a
requirement for graduation.[IHL Goal #5]
14.
To improve the internationalization of the curriculum through course offerings,
students, and faculty exchange and international diversity of the student body.
15.
To continually improve the programs for assessing the performance of faculty
in the areas of teaching, research, publishing, student advising, public services
and creative activities, and regularly review and improve the merit system for
salary, rank, and tenure.[IHL Goals #3-7, #9]
16.
To strengthen the School of Graduate Studies by expanding the graduate faculty,
improving administrative support, and increasing the number of graduate degree
programs offered that build on the university's current program strengths,
increasing resources, fellowships, assistantships, and so forth.[IHL Goals #3-#9]
17.
To ensure that all faculty members have access to informational and instructional
technology necessary for accessing information and delivering effective
instruction.[IHL Goal #7]
18.
To expand the library holdings and staff to move toward meeting the American
Library Association's standards for collections, staffing, and facilities and for
meeting the needs of patrons.[IHL Goal #3-4, #7]
19.
Establish service learning into academic course offerings as one method of
achieving student engagement.
20.
To establish a School of Health Professions to meet the national need for well
educated minority health professionals.
14
Alcorn State University
B.
Faculty
1.
To achieve and maintain a 1:18 faculty/student ratio.[IHL Goal #3]
2.
To achieve at least the SREB average salaries by rank for the faculty and staff
members at Alcorn State University.[IHL Goal #3, #5]
3.
To achieve at least 70 percent doctorates among the faculty. [IHL Goal #3, #5]
4.
To have each faculty member engage in at least one intellectual renewal project
annually.[IHL Goals #3, #5]
5.
To have each faculty member, in partnership with a student, engage annually in
a service project that supports the university’s “communiversity” concept thus
making Alcorn State University the epicenter of Southwest Mississippi and
expanding its stakeholder base.[IHL Goals #3-5]
6.
To promote and encourage professional and personal growth among faculty and
professional staff by providing opportunities for participation in fellowships,
study leave, seminars, conferences, workshops, short courses, and so forth in
order to enhance/maintain professional competencies, including the appropriate
use of educational technology.[IHL Goals #3, #5]
7.
To encourage faculty members to be involved in scholarly research, publication,
grantsmanship, creative activities, community services, mentoring, and student
advisement.[IHL Goals #1, #3, #5]
C.
New Programs
During the next five years, the university will seek to develop and implement the following
programs as feasible and resources available: [IHL Goals #3, #5]
d
d
d
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
z
B.S. in Manufacturing/Robotics Engineering
B.S. in Telecommunications
Master’s in Physical Therapy
B.S. in Natural Resources and Conservation
B.S. in Biotechnology/Bioengineering
Master’s in Accountancy Degree
Master’s in Finance
Master’s in Biotechnology
Master’s in Commodities Future Trading and Risk Management
B.S. in Environmental Science
B.S. in Compute Networking and Information Technology
B.S. in Engineering as a joint program with an appropriate university and corporate
partners
B.S. in Management, Marketing, Finance
B.S. in Electro-Mechanical Engineering
B.S. in Forestry
Master’s in Physician Assistants
MSN-MBA Dual Degree
Doctoral Programs as needed and feasible
15
Alcorn State University
Student Affairs
1.
To assist in ensuring that each student matriculating at the university obtains a
unique and enriching experience through an organized student engagement
program. [IHL Goal #4]
2.
To improve and expand student services as follows:
z
Improve health care services.[IHL Goal #4]
z
Expand and improve student housing to include adequate residence halls
at the Lorman campus and housing for married students and nontraditional
students.[IHL Goal #4]
Improve student activities to reflect the changing needs and expectations
of a diverse student body.
z
3.
To provide programs for all students leading to the further development of their artistic,
social, cultural, leadership, and citizenship awareness and skills.[IHL Goal # 3]
4.
To strengthen and improve the student counseling program, including greater emphasis
on healthy lifestyles.[IHL Goal #4]
5.
To provide a safe, secure, and wholesome campus environment which is conducive to
teaching, learning, relaxation, and physical growth, social growth, spiritual growth, and
leadership and character development.[IHL Goal #4]
6.
To provide a comprehensive health program for students, including referral services.[IHL
Goal #4]
7.
To improve and expand the intramural sports program.[IHL Goal #4]
8.
To expand opportunities for student-athletes to participate in inter-collegiate athletic
activities which are competitive and which emphasize the development of sportsmanship,
leadership, cooperation, ethics, and physical fitness, as well as to promote useful and
wholesome recreational activities for students, faculty, staff, and patrons of the
university.[IHL Goal #4]
9.
To promote the residence halls as Centers of Living Learning to reinforce and enhance
scholarship and wholesome living.[IHL Goal #4]
10.
To provide organized leadership training for Student Government and other student
organization officers on an ongoing basis.[IHL Goal #4]
11.
To promote and facilitate student involvement in organized voluntary community service. [IHL
Goal #4]
12.
To work with General College for Excellence to conduct orientations for all new students and
16
Alcorn State University
with Academic Affairs to present regular convocations throughout the academic year.[IHL Goal
#4]
13.
To provide opportunities for more female students to participate in intercollegiate sports.[IHL
Goal #4]
14.
To ensure that students at the Natchez site have access to appropriate student services.[IHL Goal
#4]
15.
To ensure that each student annually adds value, humanism and dignity to his/her life as he/she
matures in the cycle of life by requiring each student to participate in an extra-curricular activity
supervised by a faculty or staff. [IHL Goal #4]
Agricultural Unit
1.
Deliver high quality degree programs to increase the retention and graduation rates and decrease
the time of enrollment while also increasing the percentage of other-race students within IHL’s
academic accountability and productivity program standards and measures. [IHL Goals #3, #, #8]
2.
Operate extension programs to serve as a catalyst in advancing Alcorn State University as an
“engaged institution” collaborating with communities, organizations, and the private sector in
community and economic development activities. [IHL Goals #2, #4, #6]
3.
Implement summer-bridge programs and graduate and professional school preparatory activities
to significantly increase the percentage of graduates from School of Agriculture and Applied
Sciences degree programs that enroll in highly competitive post-baccalaureate degree programs.
[IHL Goals #3, #4]
4.
Construct an Ecology Research Facility to provide a facility to conduct environment-related
research and outreach. The facility will house the Mississippi River Research Center and support
academic programs in the environmental sciences and natural resources management. [IHL Goal
#5]
5.
Construct an Animal Research facility to provide a laboratory for conducting research and
outreach activities on the main campus and construct and animal care facility to house and tend
animals used in research and teaching programs. [IHL Goal #5]
6.
Establish a Center for Alternative Energy. Current programs in fuel cell technologies, alternative
vehicle research, agricultural crops as bio-energy sources, energy resources databases, and power
quality and reliability will be enhanced through this proposed center. [IHL Goal #5]
7.
Establish a Remote Sensing Laboratory. The laboratory will assist Mississippi in
commercializing NASA’s remote sensing capabilities and provide effective transfer of the
technology to farmers, elementary and secondary schools, rural and urban planners, as well as
economic and community developers. [IHL Goals #5, #6, and #9]
Establish a Youth Development Camp. The proposed camp will provide a much needed facility
to conduct youth development activities for all races for the county extension area and youth
programs in science, math, and technology. [IHL Goals #5, #6, #8]
8.
9.
Maintain accreditation for academic programs in industrial technology, nutrition and dietetics,
and human sciences, and seek accreditation/affiliation for the degree program in child
development. [IHL Goals #3, #8]
17
Alcorn State University
10.
Establish a USDA funded biotechnology research laboratory on the Lorman, MS campus which
complements the M.S. degree program in biotechnology and the Ayers funded Biotechnology
Research Facility. [IHL Goals #1, #3, #5, #9]
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
As shown above, the institutional goals are subsumed under the major administrative, academic,
and student services units of the university. The implementation of the institutional goals is carried out
through these major units of the university, namely 1) Academic Affairs, 2) Student Affairs, 3) Business
Affairs, and 4) Institutional Advancement, Planning, and Research. In addition, agriculture is treated as
a separate unit. Each of these units is managed by a Vice President. The agricultural unit relates to the
Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Planning, and
Research. The university President with the assistance of the Executive Council provides the overall
leadership for the implementation of the institutional goals and priorities.
The four major units aforementioned are further divided in subunits. For example, Academic
Affairs is divided into seven schools which are further divided into seventeen(17) academic departments.
The deans and department chairpersons are accountable for the day-to-day implementation of the
academic goals under the general supervision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The supervisors of the subunits are accountable for ensuring that the goals in their respective area
are implemented, assessed, and the results of assessments used in making improvements as appropriate.
The vice presidents are accountable for monitoring the implementation process and for ensuring that
corrective measures are applied when appropriate. The University Executive Council, under the
leadership of the President, monitors the overall implementation of the university’s plan/goals. The
Executive Council conducts regular reviews of the programs and services of the university and receives
written and oral reports from the various units and subunits of the university. The goals listed in this
section of the plan represent institutional priorities for a six-year period of FY 2004 - FY 2009; however,
the actual time-frame for implementation of each priority will be determined by the availability of
resources. The priorities may also be changed based on future environmental factors.
The annual goals for FY 2004 - FY 2009 and estimated funds required to achieve the goals are
18
Alcorn State University
listed in Section III of the strategic plan.
SECTION III
PERFORMANCE EFFECTIVENESS OBJECTIVES
FOR FY 2004 THROUGH FY 2009
To achieve goals in an orderly manner for the current 2003-2004 fiscal year and FY 2005-2009,
annual goals are listed for the six-year period. For convenience, the goals are subsumed under the four
major units of the university and agriculture, namely: 1) Administration and Finance (including
administration and finance); 2) Institutional Advancement, Planning, and Research; 3) Academic Affairs
and Student Affairs; and 4) the Agricultural Unit. The funds associated with the goals represent
additional funds needed during the designated year to achieve those goals. The 2001-2002 year is
considered the base-year for this plan. On the following pages are the institution's six-year period of
FY 2004 through FY 2009. FY 2004 is considered the current year.
CURRENT YEAR: 2003-2004
Administration and Finance
1.
Implement technologies to improve efficiencies and customer-service so the Business
Affairs Office will rank 90 percent or above in customer satisfaction by the end of FY
2004.
2.
Further develop and refine the customer-service program in all administrative and
educational support units.
3.
Obtain unqualified financial audit and 100 percent accountability for property inventory.
4.
Improve the integration of program planning and budget planning, resources allocation,
and reallocation to reflect the programmatic priorities of the university.
5.
Seek funding from the Legislature in support of increasing salaries for faculty and staff and for
library resources and program accreditation.
6.
Initiate a comprehensive institutional marketing program geared toward increasing student
diversity.
Assist in implementing the Ayers settlement by expanding services and programs at the Lorman
campus and at the Natchez and Vicksburg sites.
7.
8.
Complete the implementation of the entire Banner System, including “web for” students and
faculty, read-only access to accounting information to all with budget authority.
9.
Conduct a comprehensive in-depth review of the information technology service at the institution,
19
Alcorn State University
including organizational structure, equipment, and personnel to determine how administrative and
academic informational technology services may be delivered at optimum effectiveness and
efficiency.
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$1,500,000
300,000
200,000
$2,000,000
TOTAL:
Institutional Advancement, Planning, and Research
1.
Provide opportunities and support for the professional growth and development of the
professional staff so that they will develop and/or enhance their technical, managerial, and
leadership skills and competencies.
2.
Expand and enhance the university’s capacity to obtain competitive grants and contracts and to
conduct scientific research by strengthening sponsored programs administration and providing
grantsmanship assistance to faculty and scientists; and by improving the effectiveness of the
Research Council.
3.
Assist to continue to increase the university's endowment through support from alumni and Title
III.
4.
Enhance the strategic planning system by providing opportunity for broad-based, systematic
involvement in planning, implementation and assessment through web-based, and by utilizing the
results of assessments for improvements of the procedures and plan.
5.
Monitor all programs and services to ensure effectiveness and recommend improvements when
appropriate.
6.
Ensure that institutional research is effective and that reports are submitted in a timely manner.
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
7.
Encourage, support, and reward faculty/staff involvement in basic and applied research, public
service, and creative and scholarly activities that support the mission and goals of the university
by revising the sponsored activities incentive award program and increasing grantsmanship
development.
8.
Obtain optimum funding from Title III by ensuring that submitted data are inclusive and accurate.
9.
Provide technical assistance to communities and individuals in the areas of community and
economic development.
10.
Provide assistance in the implementation of the Ayers settlement as appropriate for the university,
particularly related to the land-grant functions.
11.
Assist in funding technology infrastructure through federal sources.
20
Alcorn State University
12.
Ensure that students are effectively educated and serviced and that the university is aware of an
excelling beyond the competition.
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$200,000
400,000
-0$600,000
TOTAL:
Academic Affairs and Student Services
1.
Initiate the following additional degree programs:
®
®
®
M.S. in Accountancy Degree
M.S. in Biotechnology
M.S. in Physician Assistant
2.
Increase upper division enrollment by at least three percent during 2004-2005 compared to 20032004.
3.
Increase the percentage of faculty holding terminal degrees by at least five percent in 2003-2004,
compared to 2002-2003.
4.
Increase other race enrollment by at least one percent compared to the 2002-2003 year.
5.
Increase the number of faculty members engaged in intellectual renewal projects/activities by at
least five percent compared to 2002-2003.
6.
Seek to achieve SREB averages for faculty salaries at all ranks and for staff.
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
7.
Upgrade library volumes/collections in critical need areas.
8.
Encourage increased faculty involvement in sponsored programs and broaden the range of
research activities to include both applied and basic research, including research in biotechnology,
environmental science, and other high-tech areas, and conduct research on new enterprises and
products to meet the needs of a dynamic economy. Increase number of faculty by at least five
percent compared to 2002-2003.
9.
Expand public service activities to include serving more clients in broader geographical areas as
well as broaden the range of outreach services to more program areas such as health, nutrition,
leadership training, and working with additional public schools.
10.
Increase the university's involvement in international work, including on-campus education of
international students, conducting educational/training programs in foreign countries, and
increased collaborations with international educational institutions.
21
Alcorn State University
11.
Encourage and assist a larger number and percentage of graduating students to attend graduate
and professional schools. Increase number of faculty by at least five percent compared to 20022003.
12.
Implement and improve the Pre-professional Program.
13.
Upgrade all classrooms to include interactive electronic technology.
14.
Provide nationally competitive curriculum and enriching academic experiences that will prepare
students to compete successfully in dynamic technological society.
15.
Build the visibility and credibility of the nursing program by sustaining high percent pass rate on
NCLEX-RN.
16.
Improve student volunteer/public service component in all curriculums as a requirement for
graduation. Faculty members will partner with students in this endeavor and will support the
university’s communiversity concept.
17.
Strengthen recruitment and retention strategies in order to attract and retain students including
non-traditional and other race students with emphasis on mathematics, engineering, technology,
education, and agribusiness majors.
18.
Offer additional graduate programs and courses and increase the number and value of graduate
scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships so as to increase enrollment in the graduate studies
programs by at least five percent during 2003-2004 compared to 2002-2003.
19.
Assist to build the university’s capacity in biotechnology, alternative energy ecosystems research
and robotics by employing needed scientists.
20.
Ensure that each student receives a unique and enriching experience and achieve his/her goal(s)
at the university.
Promote an academic culture and expectations which will ensure that at least 30 percent of the
faculty members are involved in sponsored research and all faculty members are involved in
sponsored programs, scholarly activities, and/or community activities during FY 2004.
21.
22.
Improve all ongoing goals to ensure that students are effectively educated and serviced and that
the university is aware of and excelling beyond the competition.
FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$1,000,000
500,000
100,000
$1,600,000
TOTAL:
22
Alcorn State University
YEAR ONE: 2004-2005
Administration and Finance and Institutional Advancement, Planning, and Research
1.
Strengthen the financial management program, including financial accounting, efficiency in
budget allocation/reallocation, and expenditures.
2.
Strengthen and improve the planning, management, and evaluation processes at the university and
ensure continuous improvements as appropriate.
3.
Improve and promote a posture and practice at the university whereby administrators, faculty,
staff, and students are proactive in thinking of the type of future they want and in making
decisions to create such a future. Emphasis will be placed on teamwork and on decisions and
actions that foster the quality of human life and protect and enhance the environment.
Creativity and innovation among administrators, faculty, staff, and students will be encouraged
and facilitated.
4.
Strengthen the university's capacity to identify and effectively manage critical issues on an
ongoing basis. This includes conducting ongoing and systematic SWOT/PEST [Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats and Political Economics, Social, Technology] analyses.
To conduct ongoing institutional visioning.
5.
Seek state funding in support of program accreditation and reaffirmation of programs already
accredited.
6.
Improve and expand outreach activities (communiversity).
7.
Improve the physical plant, including proper maintenance and upkeep of buildings and grounds.
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
23
Alcorn State University
8.
Strengthen the institutional effectiveness program and ensure that ongoing assessments are
conducted and that results of assessments are routinely used for the improvement of the programs,
services, and processes.
9.
Improve and extend effective partnerships, cooperatives, and collaborations with other
educational institutions, the private sector, and governmental agencies in order to optimize
resources available for carrying out the goals and mission of the university.
10.
Maintain financial stability and adequate fund balance to meet any unforeseen emergencies.
11.
Maintain effective budgeting and accounting systems which enable the university to prepare,
expend, reallocate, and account for its budgets in an orderly and timely manner. This includes
obtaining clean and unqualified audit opinions from the State Department of Audit.
12.
Improve customers-service in the Business Office to achieve at least 100 percent customer
satisfaction by the end of FY 2004.
13.
Seek state, federal, and private funds needed to achieve the goals and mission of the university.
14.
Improve of all ongoing goals to ensure that students are effectively educated and serviced and that
the university is aware of and excelling beyond the competition.
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$1,000,000
300,000
12,000
$1,312,000
TOTAL:
Academic Affairs and Student Services
1.
Maintain high qualified and committed instructional faculty and staff members through effective
recruitment and appropriate incentives--salaries, benefits, promotion, tenure, and professional
development to meet the needs of the academic program.
2.
Be recognized, based on applicable professional accreditation, legislative support, customer
satisfaction, and impact on our service area, as an institution which provides excellent
educational programs and services meeting the educational needs of our clientele and
enhancing the quality of life in our service area. The university will endeavor to provide and be
perceived as providing high quality programs and services at a competitive cost.
3.
Promote and assist residence halls to become Centers of Learning where scholarship and
academics are enhanced and reinforced.
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
24
Alcorn State University
4.
Implement B.S. in Computer Networking and Information Technology Program.
5.
Strengthen and expand the university’s capacity and use of educational and informational
technology as important tools for instruction learning--including distance learning--management,
public service and research.
6.
Increase the percentage of other race and non-traditional students through aggressive recruiting,
information dissemination, and special financial assistance.
7.
Attain a significant role in the international arena, including but not limited to, educating
international students, providing in-country training in foreign countries, and providing assistance
in the building of emerging democracies, and so forth.
8.
Further strengthen and expand the university's capacity to conduct basic and applied research in
areas of social significance such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, crime and violence,
disability education, human nutrition, geriatric/gerontology, human and race relations, and so
forth.
9.
Expand the library holdings to meet the needs for instruction and research at the undergraduate
and graduate levels.
10.
Ensure access to educational opportunities for eligible residents of Mississippi, especially the
economically disadvantaged and underrepresented minorities. This will be done by aggressively
seeking state, federal, and private financial support for student financial assistance and by
maintaining competitive tuition and fees.
11.
Ensure that faculty and staff members are productive, effective, and efficient in the development
and delivery of programs and services. This will be achieved through recruitment, assessment,
feedback, and proper faculty/staff development programs.
12.
Achieve a six-year graduation rate for incoming freshman students of at least 47 percent.
13.
Strengthen the instructional program by increasing the percentage of teaching faculty hold
terminal degrees by at least two percent compared to 2002-2003.
14.
Have each faculty member engage in at least an intellectual renewal project during the year.
15.
Ensure that the campus environment is safe, secure, and wholesome and is perceived as such by
faculty, students, staff, and visitors.
15.
Have each faculty member in partnership with a student engage in a service project that supports
the university’s “communiversity” concept.
16.
Develop capacity for providing study abroad experiences to faculty and students.
17.
Improve the counseling services by providing an adequate number of lincensed counselors.
18.
Improve student activities by implementing an effective student engagement program.
19.
Ensure that each student matriculating at the university obtains a unique and enriching experience
and is being adequately prepared for admission to graduate and/or professional school.
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Alcorn State University
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$
-0200,000
50,000
$250,000
TOTAL:
YEAR TWO: 2005-2006
Administration and Finance and Institutional Advancement, Planning, and Research
1.
Complete all deferred maintenance and renovation of residential facilities at the university and
make all applicable buildings be in compliance with the American with Disability Act
requirements.
2.
Procure additional on-campus living quarters for faculty.
3.
Procure adequate funds to support the needs for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial
assistance for undergraduate and graduate students.
4.
Continue the landscaping and beautification of the campus grounds.
5.
Maintain effective and efficient strategic planning, budgeting, and financial management systems,
including assessment and use of results for improvements.
6.
Update technology infrastructure as needed.
7.
Continue to improve all ongoing goals to ensure that students are effectively educated and
serviced and that the university is aware of and excelling beyond the competition.
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$4,000,000
1,000,000
100,000
$5,100,000
TOTAL:
Academic Affairs and Student Affairs
1.
To at least 67 percent of the faculty will hold terminal degrees.
2.
Achieve professional accreditation for the Business Program by the Association to Advance
Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Communications Program by the Accrediting
Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (AC-EJMC).
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
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Alcorn State University
3.
Maintain professional accreditation of all current accredited programs.
4.
Achieve a six-year graduation rate of at least 50 percent.
5.
Achieve FTE enrollment of 3100.
6.
Implement a master’s in accountancy degree program and master’s in physician assistants
program.
7.
Provide health care services on a 24 hour-a-day basis, seven days a week by employing an
adequate number of nurses and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT).
8.
Maintain an adequate number of competent faculty to meet the instructional needs.
9.
Achieve or exceed SREB averages for faculty salaries based on degrees, qualifications, and ranks.
10.
Establish new academic programs based on the results of feasibility studies and the availability
of resources. (Potential programs have already been identified.)
11.
Have at least 50 percent of graduates from each discipline go on to graduate/professional schools
during the year of graduation.
12.
Continue to provide a campus environment/culture that is conducive to teacher, learning,
scholarship, and the holistic development of students.
13.
Ensure that each student matriculating at the university has a unique and enriching experience.
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$3,500,000
500,000
250,000
$4,250,000
TOTAL:
YEAR THREE: 2006-2007
Administration and Finance and Institutional Advancement, Planning, and Research
1.
Procure adequate financial resources from state, federal, and private sources to meet the needs of
the university's clientele and emerging opportunities and challenges--and be perceived as good
stewards of--such resources.
2.
Achieve and maintain highly effective and efficient allocation and utilization of the university's
resources and achieve and maintain a high degree of institutional effectiveness and customer
satisfaction.
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
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Alcorn State University
3.
Achieve and maintain adequate fund balance in order to meet any emergency and to take
advantage of any opportunity that might arise.
4.
Ensure that the university maintains competent administrative staff at all levels and provides for
appropriate in-service training and performance-based pay system for the staff.
5.
Ensure that the university is and is perceived as the preeminent university of excellence in
southwest Mississippi and it is well led, well managed, cost-effective, and customer-friendly.
6.
Ensure that all facilities and grounds owned or operated by Alcorn State University are properly
maintained and in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations and are
aesthetically attractive.
7.
Embrace the posture and practice of continuous improvement and total quality management and
administration in order to assure optimum productivity at all times.
8.
Ensure that appropriate technologies are in place in order to achieve and maintain high quality,
cost-effective services at all times. The Business Office will achieve 100 percent customer
satisfaction.
9.
Maintain the posture and practice of an equal opportunity institution for students, employees, and
external customers.
10.
Strengthen and improve the internal assessment systems in all areas, such as financial, auditing,
property inventory control, programs, personnel, and services.
11.
Maintain a comprehensive planning process which ensures that educational planning always
precedes budget planning and that there are systematic procedures for determining university
priorities and for the allocation and reallocation of resources based on priorities. The planning
process will be responsive to challenges and opportunities in the environment.
12.
Continue to expand fund-raising from alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and businesses
in order to meet university needs and increase the financial resources of the Alcorn State
University Foundation.
13.
Continuation and improvement of all ongoing goals to ensure that students are effectively
educated and serviced and that the university is aware of and excelling beyond the competition.
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$1,000,000
500,000
200,000
$1,700,000
TOTAL:
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
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Alcorn State University
Academic Affairs and Student Affairs
1.
At least 70 percent of the teaching faculty will hold "earned" terminal degrees.
2.
Achieve/maintain professional accreditation for all applicable programs.
3.
Achieve/maintain six-year graduation rates equal to or above those of the peer institutions and
national average for similarly classified institutions.
4.
Implement B.S. in environmental science program and a B.S. in management, marketing, and
finance.
5.
Achieve enrollment of at least 3,300 and increase the percentage of other race students to at least
ten percent.
6.
Ensure that students have access to and success in high quality academic programs by providing
highly qualified and dedicated faculty, effective advisement, and necessary financial assistance
to students and by emphasizing/learning and effective teaching.
7.
Increase students' involvement in community service as a partial requirement for graduation.
8.
Offer academic programs to meet the needs of students and the state and which reflect global
competition, including the use of delivery systems that enhance access, diversity, and nontraditional students.
9.
Provide student services and activities which encourage responsible attitudes and behaviors in
students with respect to social ethics, values, democratic responsibilities, good citizenship, and
acceptable lifestyles.
10.
Develop and maintain programs that will attract academically talented students, especially in the
sciences, mathematics, and agriculture in line with the university's thrust to develop excellence
in those areas.
11.
Initiate master’s in commodities future trading and risk management.
12.
Maintain an effective faculty development programs so as to facilitate teaching and learning
effectiveness and to provide incentives for effective teaching/learning.
13.
Develop or maintain effective methods of measuring student performance and for ensuring that
students develop the competencies relative to their level of education and fields of study--utilizing
national norms when appropriate.
14.
Ensure that the expected educational outcomes which are stated in the institution's mission are
being achieved.
15.
Maintain or exceed SREB averages for faculty salaries based on degrees, qualifications, and
ranks.
16.
Establish centers of excellence in appropriate areas of opportunities in terms of academic
programs as well as research.
17.
Continue to improve on all ongoing goals to ensure that students are effectively educated and
serviced and that the university is aware of and excelling beyond the competition.
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Alcorn State University
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$3,000,000
500,000
250,000
$3,750,000
TOTAL:
YEAR FOUR: 2007-2008
Administration and Finance and Institutional Advancement, Planning, and Research
1.
Ensure that all administrative, academic, and academic/student support buildings used by the
university are equipped for Internet and other appropriate information networks.
2.
Ensure that all facilities on the campus are in a systematic preventive maintenance plan which is
being followed.
3.
Continue to maintain an effective and efficient financial management and accounting system to
meet the needs and requirements of the university and external funding agencies (private, state,
and federal).
4.
Develop/maintain organizational structure and staffing to meet the needs of the university.
5.
Maintain effective strategic planning and budgeting systems to guide the orderly development of
the university.
6.
Continue to seek and procure resources needed to support the mission and goals of the university.
7.
Continuation and improvement of all ongoing goals to ensure that students are effectively
educated and serviced and that the university is aware of and excelling beyond the competition.
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$1,000,000
500,000
200,000
$1,700,000
TOTAL:
Academic Affairs and Student Affairs
1.
At least 72 percent of the institutional faculty will hold terminal degrees.
2.
Maintain professional accreditation for applicable academic programs.
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
3.
Offer appropriate program offerings to meet the needs of students, including traditional and
distance free instructional methodologies. New programs to be considered include a B.S. in
manufacturing/robotics engineering, master’s in physical therapy, and a B.S. in natural resources.
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Alcorn State University
4.
Ensure that the university continues to prepare students adequately for admission to and success
in graduate/professional schools and for employment commensurate with their education and
experience.
5.
Ensure that the university continues to provide a wholesome atmosphere where students, faculty,
and staff are able to conduct teaching, learning, social, and cultural development in an effective
and efficient manner.
6.
Establish new academic program(s), based on the results of feasibility studies and the availability
of resources. (Potential programs are already identified.)
7.
Ensure that faculty members continue to be engaged in research, public service, and other
scholarly and intellectual renewal activities.
8.
Continue to improve all ongoing goals to ensure that students are effectively educated and served
and that the university is aware of and excelling beyond the competition.
9.
Propose doctoral program based on needs assessment.
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$3,000,000
1,000,000
500,000
$4,500,000
TOTAL:
YEAR FIVE: 2008-2009
Administration and Finance and Institutional Advancement, Planning, and Research
1.
Maintain a strong financial management and accounting system with annual clean and unqualified
audit opinion by the State Department of Audit.
2.
Complete the building/upgrading of infrastructure for informational technology and have a system
in place for maintaining and updating such technology. Faculty and students must have access
to necessary information technology.
3.
Procure adequate financial resources to carry out the mission, goals, programs/services of the
institution, including student financial assistance.
4.
Procure adequate (well-maintained) facilities, equipment, contractual services, and commodities
to meet the teaching, research, and public service needs of the institution.
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
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5.
Provide adequate housing to meet the needs of students attending the university.
6.
Build the development and fund-raising capabilities of the university in order to secure a
significant amount of non-state support for restricted and unrestricted purposes.
7.
Achieve affective communiversity--university outreach programs whereby all appropriate areas
of the university are partnering with communities to engage the communities in community and
economic development and to receive and utilize input and feedback from the communities.
8.
Maintain effective strategic planning and outcomes assessment processes to guide decisionmaking at the institution, including decisions on planned growth, resource allocation/reallocation,
and other major administrative and programmatic decisions and ensure a posture of continuous
improvement.
9.
Build the university endowment programs so that there will be adequate dividends to take care
of eventualities and exploit opportunities.
10.
Ensure a sufficient number of competent staff to carry out the programs and services of the
university and to address emergencies that may occur.
11.
Continue to nurture an environment and culture where excellence is the norm, where emphasis
is placed on student learning and effective teaching, and where research and public service
support learning and teaching, professional development, and community and economic
development, and contribute to the application and development of knowledge.
12.
Ensure that all faculty, students, and professional staff members have adequate access to
information technology necessary to carry out their functions and assignments, including access
to information networks, Internet, and others as appropriate.
13.
Achieve remote registration--anytime from anywhere--during designated periods as well as
provide other appropriate on-line services for students and other clients/customers.
14.
Continue to improve programs and achieve goals established in previous years as appropriate.
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$1,500,000
500,000
200,000
$2,200,000
TOTAL:
Academic Affairs and Student Services
1.
Initiate master’s in nursing/MBA dual degree program.
2.
Strengthen partnerships and collaborations with public schools, business, industry, government,
communities, and other educational institutions in order to expand the institution’s capacities for
research, teaching, community and economic development activities, and student development.
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
3.
Maintain professional accreditation for all existing programs for which there are professional
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Alcorn State University
accreditations.
4.
Maintain at least 75 percent of full-time teaching faculty with terminal degrees.
5.
Achieve or exceed SREB averages for faculty salaries based on ranks, length of service, and
qualifications.
6.
Achieve at least 50 percent of full-time faculty members’ involvement in sponsored activities-research, public service, and/or scholarly activities.
7.
Achieve a six-year graduation rate of at least 55 percent.
8.
Achieve at least 55 percent of graduating students attending graduate and/or professional schools
within one year of graduating.
9.
Achieve a publication rate, in refereed journals, of at least 20 percent of FTE faculty.
10.
Continue effective recruitment program in order to facilitate access and achieve enrollment goals
including ethnic diversity and non-traditional students.
11.
Be recognized as a university of excellence, accessible, diverse, and affordable.
12.
Continue to build a strong undergraduate program that maintains relatively small classes and
relatively small student/teacher ratio.
13.
Maintain strong graduate programs and offer new programs based on needs and the availability
of resources. One new program may be the master’s in physical therapy.
14.
Continue to strengthen students’ voluntary community service as a requirement for graduation
and engage students and faculty in voluntary community/public service activities.
15.
Continue to strengthen research exposure and research skills of undergraduate and graduate
students through on-campus and off-campus research opportunities, including national research
laboratories and major research universities.
Continue to improve access to and use of information technology by faculty and students as a
means of strengthening teaching and learning.
16.
17.
Continue to ensure a safe campus environment conducive to scholarly pursuit and cultural, social,
leadership, and teamwork development.
18.
Continue to meet the health care, housing, cultural, and recreational needs of students as are
fitting for “a self-contained” university environment.
19.
Continue to promote, facilitate, and provide opportunities for leadership development of students.
20.
Continue to improve all ongoing goals to ensure that students are effectively educated and
serviced and that the university is aware of and excelling beyond the competition.
*FUNDING:
General
$1,500,000
Federal
500,000
Other
200,000
TOTAL:
$2,200,000
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Alcorn State University
SECTION IV
SIGNIFICANT EXTERNAL FACTORS
WHICH MAY AFFECT PERFORMANCE
Demographic Trends in Enrollment
1.
Not being able to offer programs that will attract students. This includes other race students and
non-traditional students.
2.
Increase demand for high school graduates for the work force or the military which could
decrease the pool of qualified students seeking higher educational opportunities.
3.
Inadequate preparation of incoming students for college work even though they meet the
admission requirements.
4.
Significant increase in the number of traditional first-time African-American students attending
community colleges. These students do not tend to matriculate, in any number, to the HBCUs
after completing community college.
5.
Inadequate financial support to implement instructional programs and management information
technology and educational technology.
6.
Competition for resources and students from non-traditional approaches to education, including
distance learning degree programs which may be offered by other institutions and for profit
entities.
Financial, Economic, State, and Federal Policies
1.
Any down-turn in the Mississippi economy which results in reduction of state funding to the
university as well as adversely affecting employment opportunities for residents of the state.
2.
Changes in federal policies that adversely affect efforts in the area of equity and equal
opportunity for historically black institutions, such as funding under Title III of the Higher
Education Act of 1965, as amended, 1890 land-grant support, and other HBCUs targeted
grants/contracts.
3.
Any changes in the federal student financial aid program that would adversely affect
economically disadvantaged students, such as reducing grant aid and increasing loans or overall
decrease in student financial aid or undue restrictions on financial aid eligibility.
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
34
Alcorn State University
4.
Lack of financial support from the private sector for the thrusts of the university, such as support
for the endowment programs, scholarships/fellowships, endowed chairs, research, and other
special programs. Lack of support may result from dissatisfaction with higher education in
general or because of escalating competing interests.
5.
Lack of funding to procure state-of-the-art technology and to maintain effectiveness and
efficiency in programs, services, and delivery systems.
6.
Lack of adequate funding or change in the commitment of graduate and professional schools
to provide financial assistance to Alcorn State University's graduates who want to attend
graduate and professional schools.
7.
Delay in the implementation of the Ayers settlement.
Personnel
1.
Inadequate pool of competent individuals from which to employ faculty and staff particularly
in the scientific and technical areas. This would result in intense competition among higher
education institutions as well as with business and government for available human resources.
This is compounded by the demand for high salaries beyond the salary scale of the university.
2.
The trend of early retirement of existing faculty and staff could create a replacement problem.
If this trend is extended to Alcorn State University, the university would have difficulty
replacing faculty and staff at the salaries that are available.
SECTION V
INTERNAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM UTILIZED
TO EVALUATE PERFORMANCE
Alcorn State University has a well developed strategic planning process as well as a strategic
plan. The planning process is coordinated by the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Planning,
and Research. The University Executive Council serves as the policy making body. The University
President serves as chairman of the Executive Council.
The Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Planning, and Research is responsible for
coordinating the updating and revision of the institutional mission and goals. The standing Planning,
Management, and Evaluation Committee assists in the planning process, including recommending
institutional priorities. The Executive Council approves the Institutional Five-Year Strategic Plan and
the annual priorities. The Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Planning, and Research
provides technical assistance to the Planning, Management, and Evaluation Committee and Executive
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Alcorn State University
Council, as well as to units, subunits, and individuals involved in the planning process.
The formal PME system model is composed of three major components: (1) planning--strategic,
long-range, and short-range, (2) management, and (3) evaluation/assessment. These components or
subsystems are integrated to form the PME system.
Basically, there are seven steps in the PME process. They are as follows:
1.
Assessing the current status of the university in the broad areas of instruction,
research, public service, academic support, institutional support, and student
support.
2.
Updating the institutional mission and assumptions "in light" of prevailing and
projected environmental situations (environmental scanning).
3.
Developing long-range goals, five-year goals, and annual objectives.
4.
Delineating organizational responsibilities--division of labor.
5.
Identifying implementation strategies.
6.
Allocating resources and monitoring the utilization of resources.
7.
Developing and implementing evaluative systems/outcomes assessment.
All budgetary units develop strategic plans which complement the Institutional Strategic Plan.
It is through the implementation of the units and subunits’ plans that the Institutional Strategic Plan is
implemented.
The detailed budgetary units and subunits’ plans include 1) goals, 2) annual objectives, 3)
expected outcomes, and 4) assessment methods/procedures. They also include the outcome assessment
report--results achieved, use of results [of assessment for improvements], and future plans.
Management Subsystem
The management component or subsystem of the PME system ensures optimum implementation
of the plans developed during the planning phase. The PME Committee manages the institutional
management process. Responsibilities are assigned to appropriate units of the institution--academic
affairs, student affairs, fiscal affairs, and institutional advancement, planning, and research. Positions
descriptions are prepared for faculty and staff.
36
Alcorn State University
Unit Heads. Vice President for Academic Affairs; Vice President for Student Affairs; Vice
President for Business Affairs; Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Planning, and Research-are responsible for ensuring that the individuals under their supervision execute necessary managerial
procedures in order to achieve the objectives of the units. Individual faculty and staff members are
accountable for the achievement of the objectives contained in their plans. The university president is
ultimately responsible for ensuring that the management process operates at an optimal level to facilitate
the achievement of the institutional objectives and goals.
Through the management process, available resources (financial resources, material resources,
personnel, facilities, etc.) are allocated to the department on the basis of the availability of the resources
and institutional and departmental priorities.
Programs and activities are monitored, at the departmental level, to ensure consistency with
plans and to provide feedback so that corrective measures may be taken when appropriate. Departments
prepare progress reports which are reviewed by the unit heads. The outcomes assessment report is an
important component of the management process.
Evaluation/Assessment Subsystem
The evaluation subsystem is the third component in the PME system. This subsystem performs
comprehensive assessment of institutional and departmental programs, and personnel performance. The
system compares actual attainment with planned expected outcomes and resources utilized. An
Institutional Effectiveness Committee is responsible for conducting in-depth assessment of all areas of
the university to determine the extent to which the university is effective in carrying out its purpose.
However, the units and subunits (budgetary units) are accountable for monitoring and evaluating the
implementation of programs and services in their areas.
Evaluation is done on a continuous basis to determine the effectiveness of the planning and
implementation processes and to determine methods of improving these processes. The evaluation
component is integrated into the planning and management components. Evaluation methods and
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Alcorn State University
procedures are used in all functional areas of the institution. A key and increasing significant element
of the evaluation and assessment process is for the university and the various units and subunits to
demonstrate and document that the results of assessments are for continuous improvement of programs
and services. The outcomes assessment report, which is completed on an annual basis by all budgetary
units, is designed to document the university’s commitment and achievement in continuous
improvement.
The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment collects and maintains data on the
performance of various areas of the university. This unit administers the students’ assessment of the
faculty instruction instrument and prepares reports for departments. It also conducts satisfaction surveys
of students, alumni, and employers. The Office of Placement Services conducts annual surveys of the
students’ employment and students attending graduate and professional schools. Figure 1, which
follows, illustrates Alcorn State University’s Planning and Budgeting Process which is critical to the
internal management of the institution.
38
Alcorn State University
APPENDIX A
AGRICULTURAL UNIT
39
Alcorn State University
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AGRICULTURAL UNIT
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
2004-2005 THROUGH 2008-2009
Program Description
The Agriculture unit at Alcorn State University is the primary area responsible for implementing
the land-grant functions of agricultural research, extension, and learning. Discovering knowledge
through research, transferring discoveries through extension, and importing knowledge through teaching
and experiential learning are the methodologies used. The unit delivers programs and services to meet
the needs of farmers, homemakers, rural and urban dwellers, and students pursuing career aspirations
and entrepreneurial ambitions.
Alcorn State University’s agricultural programs seek to assist individuals, especially those with
limited resources, in improving their economic conditions and the quality of their lives. Programs in
leadership and community/economic development and others which protect and improve the
environment and improve the quality of life of rural residents are the hallmark of the institution’s landgrant offerings.
This strategic plan for agriculture outlines the goals the University intends to achieve over the
next five years to better serve Mississippi citizens. Key elements are as follows: 1) expanding the use
of technology to reach clientele throughout Mississippi; 2) training additional volunteers and increasing
their involvement in conducting outreach programs; 3) creating a clearer identity and becoming more
widely known and supported as a source of solutions to pressing individual and community challenges;
4) organizational restructuring that will enhance programs, staffing, and management in the university’s
primary service counties; 5) seeking increased private support through grants, contracts and other
external funding to help achieve program goals; and 6) identifying priority education, research and
outreach programs and allocating resources to these priorities.
The plan will help Mississippi’s small farm producers continuously shift away from low profit
field crops to more intensively cultivated and high-value fruits, nuts and vegetables to avoid intense
market fluctuations and better manage risks. Mississippi growers will be assisted in aggressively
Alcorn State University
adopting new practices and technologies to remain competitive in niche markets. Consumer and market
demands have created an expanding niche market for organically grown and natural produce, which
under current regulations, may not be derived from transgenic crops. Through the implementation of this
five-year strategic plan, the Agriculture unit will help Mississippi producers integrate the greatly
expanding knowledge base of biological processes such as pest dynamics and soil microbe-plant
interactions with modern crop biotechnology.
The plan envisions helping reverse the shrinking number of active full and part-time producers-especially minority small farmers. The University will conduct research, outreach and formal learning
in priority areas to include the following: ecology and energy, small farm market feasibility, sweet
potatoes, hot peppers, natural products (especially medicinals), swine and poultry genetic improvements.
An increase in collaborative relationships between universities and industries will be central to achieving
goals of commercializing research discoveries.
The plan will implement a strategic marketing program for extension programs and services,
academic offerings, and research findings. The strategy will also include reaching a broader Mississippi
audience by focusing on a limited number of priority issues and using the most effective delivery
methods and technologies. Selected priority goals from the plan are as follows:
Priority Goals
1.
Deliver high quality degree programs to increase the retention and graduation rate and decrease
the time of enrollment while also increasing the percentage of other-race students within IHL’s
academic accountability and productivity program standards and measures.
2.
Operate Extension programs to serve as a catalyst in advancing Alcorn State University as an
“engaged institution” collaborating with communities, organizations, and the private sector in
community and economic development activities.
3.
Implement summer-bridge programs and graduate and professional school preparatory activities
to significantly increase the percentage of graduates from School of Agriculture and Applied
Sciences degree programs that enroll in highly competitive post-baccalaureate degree programs.
4.
Construct an Ecology Research facility to provide a facility to conduct environment-related
research and outreach. The facility will house the Mississippi River Research Center, The
Center for Alternative Energy and the Remote Sensing Laboratory.
2
Alcorn State University
5.
Construct an Animal Research facility to provide a laboratory for conducting research and
outreach activities on the main campus and a Dairy Processing unit.
6.
Establish a Center for Alternative Energy. Current programs in fuel cell technologies,
alternative vehicle research, agricultural crops as bio-energy sources, energy resources
databases, and power quality and reliability will be enhanced through this proposed center.
7.
Establish a Remote Sensing Laboratory. The laboratory will assist Mississippi in
commercializing NASA’s remote sensing capabilities and provide effective transfer of the
technology to farmers, elementary and secondary schools, rural and urban planners, as well as
economic and community developers.
8.
Establish a Youth Development Camp. The proposed camp will provide a much needed facility
to conduct youth development activities for all races for the county extension area and youth
programs in science, math and technology.
9.
Maintain accreditation for academic programs in industrial technology, nutrition and dietetics,
and human sciences, and seek accreditation/affiliation for the degree program in child
development.
10.
Establish a USDA funded Biotechnology research laboratory on the Lorman, MS campus which
complements the M.S. Degree Program in Biotechnology and the Ayers funded Biotechnology
Research Facility.
3
Alcorn State University
AGRICULTURAL UNIT
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
2004-2005 THROUGH 2008-2009
Program Description
The Agriculture Unit at Alcorn State University is the primary area responsible for
implementing the land-grant functions of agricultural research, extension, and teaching. The major
function enables the university to create knowledge through research, disseminate it and application of
such knowledge through extension, and import knowledge through teaching and experiential learning.
The primary purpose of the Agriculture Unit is to carry out a comprehensive program of
agricultural and agriculturally-related basic and applied research, extension/public service, and teaching
to meet the needs of farmers, homemakers, rural and urban dwellers, and students who are being
prepared for professions in agriculture and agriculturally-related fields in government and the private
sector, including entrepreneurial pursuits.
The programs seek to assist individuals, especially those with limited resources, in improving
their economic conditions and the quality of their lives. A central thrust of the programs is leadership
and community/economic development through informal educational programs and community
involvement. The unit also seeks to promote broad-based programs which protect and improve the
environment and improve the quality of life of rural residents.
This strategic plan for agriculture outlines the goals the University intends to achieve over the
next five years to better serve Mississippi citizens. The plan shows additional resources needed to
achieve the performance objectives for FY 2004 through FY 2009. Alcorn State University is expanding
the use of technology to reach clientele throughout the state. We envision our staff training additional
volunteers and increasing their involvement in conducting outreach programs to reach a broader
clientele. The Agriculture Unit will also create a clearer identity and become more widely known and
supported as a source of university-based formal and informal education, and information dissemination.
This plan includes some organizational restructuring that will enhance programs, staffing, and
management in the University’s primary service counties. We will seek increased private support
Alcorn State University
through grants, contracts and other external funding to help achieve some of these goals.
The Agriculture Unit’s broad recurring goals as identified through needs assessments and
partnerships with other organizations, agencies and academic departments are as follows:
1.
Research solutions to the pressing issues facing rural and urban families and
communities.
2.
Research improvements in crop and animal food varieties that give Mississippi farmers
a comparative advantage in the production agriculture marketplace.
3.
Foster development of competent citizens and strong Mississippi families.
4.
Strengthen Mississippi communities and civic involvement.
5.
Conserve and sustain Mississippi’s natural resources.
6.
Strengthen the economic impact of agricultural, aquatic, and forest industries.
7.
Increase the number of university educated individuals from Mississippi households.
The central purpose of agricultural programs at Alcorn State University is to carry out targeted
programs of agricultural-related basic and applied research, extension/public service, and deliver
instruction that meet the needs of farmers and farm families, rural and urban dwellers, as well as students
pursuing professions in agricultural-related fields in the private sector, government, and as entrepreneurs.
The Agriculture Unit is committed to promoting access, diversity, serving non-traditional clients, and
achieving success in all programs and services. Scientists conduct research related to the specific
challenges facing the Institution’s clientele. Undergraduate and graduate degree programs and
certification programs are offered by the unit to increase basic literacy, educational attainment, and
occupational competence of area citizens.
Strategic Issues Facing the Agriculture Division
The plan addresses priority issues that must be confronted and resolved for the agricultural unit
to achieve its mission, adhere to its values and progress towards it vision. Priority issues are based on
1) a thorough review of the IHL system’s goals and priorities and the Institution’s Strategic Plan; 2)
development of a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) profile; 3) input from
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Alcorn State University
stakeholders: staff, faculty and advisory groups and constituents; and 4) a comprehensive analysis of the
organization. The eight strategic issues which drive the plan are as follows:
Issue 1:
How can the Agriculture Unit increase the income of limited resource farmers through knowledge gained
from research?
Issue 2:
How can the Agriculture Unit help improve and protect the environment through knowledge gained from
research?
Issue 3:
How can the Agriculture Unit improve the lives of rural and urban residents through knowledge gained
from research?
Issue 4:
How can the Agriculture Unit increase the number of other-race clients and students taking part in its
formal and informal education programs?
Issue 5:
How can the Agriculture Unit deploy information technology in delivery of programs and services?
Issue 6:
How can extension programs rapidly respond to critical challenges facing its clientele with effective
solutions that are used by stakeholders?
Issue 7:
How can extension programs increase the participation in its outreach programs of Alcorn State
University faculty, staff, and students and community volunteers to help achieve the institutional vision
of a “Communiversity?”
Issue 8:
How can the Agriculture Unit be proactive in anticipating challenges and opportunities–and in exploiting
the opportunities?
Trends
#
A transition from a commodity-based agricultural industry to one with differentiated, valueadded products.
#
A competitive advantage for farmers who become more proficient in the use of emerging
information technologies in farm enterprise management.
#
Decline in small farm ownership and family farms, especially among current African-American
farmers with a concomitant increase in conglomerate farms.
Increase incidences of obesity and food and health related diseases among Mississippi’s
population.
#
#
An increase in the use of the components of biologically integrated and organic farming systems
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Alcorn State University
that protect the environment and respond to consumer interests.
#
An increase in consumer demand for natural products and medicinals as well as an increasing
consumer interest in alternative health remedies and related products.
#
The growing adoption of precision agriculture, a confluence of technologies that reduces
agricultural inputs by matching them more closely to actual crop requirements.
#
The synthesis and application of novel chemicals with enhanced specificity toward target pests,
that can be applied at very low rates and degrade quickly in the environment.
#
The rapid increase in environmental monitoring by local and global interest groups and
governmental agencies with particular focus on the environmental impact of agricultural
production to land, marine, and atmospheric resources.
#
The application of the new agricultural biotechnologies, including tools of advanced molecular
biology and the construction of transgenic plants and animals possessing valued production and
quality traits.
#
Growing concerns about food safety with particular emphasis on bio-terrorism’s effect on
maintaining a safe food supply.
#
Increasing competition from foreign agricultural imports, (i.e. catfish and vegetables).
Special Note: It should be noted that many of the priorities listed in this plan have been proposed for
a number of years; however, resources have not been available to implement them. The university
considers them as important priorities which it wants to pursue.
FIVE YEAR GOALS FOR AGRICULTURE
2004-2009
Agriculture
1.
Establish a Natural Products Laboratory. The natural products program already established at
Alcorn will be further developed through this proposed laboratory. The program assists
Mississippi farmers in growing high quality medicinal plants and identifies markets for
Mississippi grown natural products.
2.
Offer a terminal degree program (Ph.D.) in a least one agricultural discipline (for approval by
IHL).
3.
Utilize new and emerging technologies in the development and delivery of agricultural
programs.
4.
Help reverse the decline in the number of small farm enterprises through deployment of
effective farm management methodologies.
5.
Implement systems to commercialize the University’s research using methods which will foster
economic development in rural Mississippi communities.
4
Alcorn State University
6.
Increase the number of Mississippi residents who recognize and use Alcorn Cooperative
Extension resources.
7.
Enhance the Extension program’s public funding and other external support by providing
elected officials and the general public with information about the impact and value of Alcorn’s
Extension program to Mississippi residents.
8.
Operate the Extension program under a more effective, cohesive organization, based on clarity
of direction and shared priorities and goals and provide an internal infrastructure for operating
Extension programs that facilitates staff success, staff development and retention.
9.
Deliver high quality degree programs to increase the retention and graduation rate and decrease
the time of enrollment while also increasing the percentage of other-race students within IHL’s
academic accountability and productivity program standards and measures.
10.
Operate Extension programs to serve as a catalyst in advancing Alcorn State University as an
“engaged institution” collaborating with communities, organizations, and the private sector in
community and economic development activities.
11.
Implement summer-bridge programs and graduate and professional school preparatory activities
to significantly increase the percentage of graduates from the School of Agriculture and Applied
Sciences degree programs that enroll in highly competitive post-baccalaureate degree programs.
12.
Construct an Ecology Research facility to provide a facility to conduct environment-related
research and outreach. The facility will house the Mississippi River Research Center, The
Center for Alternative Energy and the Remote Sensing Laboratory.
13.
Construct an Animal Research facility to provide a laboratory for conducting research and
outreach activities on the Lorman, MS campus and a Dairy Processing unit.
14.
Establish a Meat Technology and Research Laboratory. Meat production is a major industry
in southwest Mississippi and most of the producers are other-race. Therefore, a quality research
and demonstration facility will help attract producers to academic and other programs at the
University. Meat processing, packaging, and preserving will be the central focus of the
Laboratory.
15.
Establish a Center for Alternative Energy. Current programs in fuel cell technologies,
alternative vehicle research, agricultural crops as bio-energy sources, energy resources
databases, and power quality and reliability will be enhanced through this proposed center.
16.
Establish a Remote Sensing Laboratory. The laboratory will assist Mississippi in
commercializing NASA’s remote sensing capabilities and provide effective transfer of the
technology to farmers, elementary and secondary schools, rural and urban planners, as well as
economic and community developers.
17.
Establish a Youth Development Camp. The proposed camp will provide a much needed facility
5
Alcorn State University
to conduct youth development activities for all races for the county extension area and youth
programs in science, math and technology.
18.
Establish an Animal Show Arena. Providing an appropriate facility where adults and youth can
show various farm animals, such as goats, swine, chickens, cows, and horses is a priority need
for the extension program.
19.
Maintain accreditation for academic programs in industrial technology, nutrition and dietetics,
and human sciences, and seek accreditation/affiliation for the degree program in child
development.
20.
Establish a USDA funded Biotechnology research laboratory on the Lorman, MS campus which
complements the M.S. Degree Program in Biotechnology and the Ayers funded Biotechnology
Research Facility.
CURRENT YEAR: 2003-2004
Agriculture
1.
Utilize new and emerging technologies in the development and delivery of agricultural
programs. For Mississippi small farm producers, the continuous shift away from field crops to
more intensively cultivated and high-value fruits, nuts an d vegetables will result in greater
market fluctuations and risks. To remain competitive, growers must aggressively adopt new
practices and technologies to improve productivity within a sustainable agricultural system.
Consumer and market demands have created an expanding niche market for organically grown
and natural produce, which under current regulations, may not be derived from transgenic crops.
This demand for products of non-conventional farming is likely to continue in the future.
However, evidence supports the view that the distinctions between “conventional” and “nonconventional” agriculture are likely to blur in the future, and production will become more
sustainable, as Mississippi producers integrate the greatly expanding knowledge base of
biological processes such as pest dynamics and soil microbe-plant interactions with modern crop
biotechnology. Key activities will include but not be limited to the following:
#
Managing crops at a spatial scale smaller than the individual field, called “precision
agriculture” will help small farmers apply new information-gathering technologies to
monitor mineral-nutrient levels, soil texture and chemistry, and moisture; with input
levels adjusted according to what is appropriate for different portions of the field.
These techniques, when adopted, save farmers money, improve yields and reduce
unwanted environmental effects.
#
The Institution will continue to develop the newly established Center for Biotechnology
through additional staffing and biotechnology instrumentation at critical levels,
conducting relevant interdisciplinary research in the areas of biotechnology and
biogenetics, and secure funding to construct a biotechnology facility.
#
Extension offices will be connected via the Internet with an Information Technology
Specialist deployed to maintain a system of virtual connections and distance learning
utilization.
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Alcorn State University
2.
Help reverse the decline in the number of small family farm enterprises (especially AfricanAmerican owned) through deployment of effective farm management methodologies.
Mississippi small farm agriculture is one of the most productive and efficient in the world. Yet
it is slowly shrinking in the number of active full and part-time producers–especially minority
small farmers. Agricultural economists report that profits to small farm enterprises are being
squeezed. For an increasing number of commodities, market prices are global, but production
costs are local. With a single “world price” ceiling affecting producers of global commodities
–virtually all commodities– local costs determine the profit per unit for producers dispersed
across the world. Therefore, costs determine which producers can survive, but profit margins
determine who will survive in the long run. The University will further develop and/or expand
research capabilities and extension activities and conduct research in the following priority
areas: Sweet potatoes, hot peppers, natural products (especially medicinals), swine and poultry
genetic improvements. Specific strategies to be deployed are as follows:
#
Expand and strengthen existing outreach programs in order to provide additional small
family and minority farmers with improved opportunity to participate in governmental
as well as university programs.
#
Continue to assist farmers with increasing land use and resource efficiency through the
production of forestry and non-traditional agricultural enterprises.
#
Continue efforts to establish more value-added processing facilities for non-traditional
agricultural enterprises. The effort will be executed to obtain necessary equipment to
bring the Vegetable Processing facility in Marks, MS online.
#
Continue programs to assist small farm cooperatives in establishing facilities for valueadded storage and processing and expand relations and programs with producer
cooperative groups.
#
Continue to work closely with small farmers, community leaders and the produce
industry in establishing infrastructure for value-added processing and marketing of fruit
and vegetable crops.
#
#
Establish a rural cooperative for growing, handling and marketing medicinal crops.
Continue to provide leadership in the development of a growth-oriented vegetable
industry in Mississippi. The sweet potato crop is selected for aggressive growth,
especially in the Mississippi Delta.
#
Continue the further development of the shiitake (mushroom) program and establish a
viable producer--marketing cooperative.
#
Provide comprehensive information and guidance on markets, marketing, international
trade and strategies to small-scale farmers who need assistance.
#
Review the effectiveness of the Small Farm Loan Program and implement strategies of
remedy any findings in consultation with the Mississippi Legislature and borrowers.
#
Open an extension and research office in Biloxi, MS with Mississippi State University,
7
Alcorn State University
housed in a new jointly used facility.
3.
Implement systems to commercialize the University’s research outcomes using methods which
will foster economic development in rural Mississippi communities. New commercial
opportunities, patent laws and federal policies, as well as relative decline in public-sector
funding for agricultural research, have contributed to an increase in collaborative relationships
between universities and industries. While these types of partnerships have existed for years,
potential new relationships for Alcorn State University exists which show promise in bringing
useful products to market, promoting Mississippi’s technological leadership in the world
economy and providing hands-on opportunities for students. Historically, land-grant
universities developed relationships with the private sector, including working closely with
producers and commodity groups, the seed, fertilizer and agricultural chemical industries,
machinery manufacturers and food-processing companies to allow for mutual unfettered
communication between faculty and industry scientist and modest financial research investments
from participating industries. Biotechnology companies seem more likely to invest in research
and pursue university linkages, as the average biotech firm expends about 10 times more per
employee on research than the average, with industrial leaders spending substantially more
(Murashige, K.H., AAAS Science and Technology Yearbook, 1997. Washington, D.C.: AAAS.
p 283-90.) Alcorn State University’s Agriculture Unit will actively engage its scientists and
potential industries to work toward commercializing the Institution’s research. Ongoing
research activities will include critical need areas as follows:
#
Research to determine the market feasibility of certain vegetable crops and meats which
can be grown by small family farmers in Mississippi as alternative agricultural
enterprises.
#
Research to determine the nutritional value of vegetables and fruit crops and meats
which can be grown by Mississippi small farm producers. The research will focus on
discovering genetic and similar improvement to agricultural crops and meats that reduce
cholesterol, increase protein, and reduce fat content.
#
Research to determine the effects of agricultural contaminants on Mississippi’s
environmental resources.
Research to determine the feasibility of deploying alternative energy technologies in
public and private enterprises and agencies in Mississippi. Fuel cell technology and
power quality and reliability systems will be the focus of the research.
#
4.
Increase the number of Mississippi residents will recognize and use Alcorn Cooperative
Extension resources. Developing a revised marketing program that outlines clearly defined
objectives, audiences, methods and responsibilities, policies and procedures, communication
staffs, and allocating support resources will be achieved during the current year of the plan. The
strategy will also include reaching a broader Mississippi audience by focusing on a limited
number of priority issues and using the most effective delivery methods and technologies. This
effort will involve key actions as follows:
#
Implementing marketing strategies by working closely with the university community.
#
Including a marketing role for all staff and volunteers, and providing training and
support needed to fulfill these responsibilities.
8
Alcorn State University
#
Expanding news outlet recognition of Alcorn Extension as a reliable source of
unbiased, research-based information.
#
Ensuring that Alcorn Extension program volunteers clearly and consistently identify
themselves as such when serving in their volunteer role(s).
#
Publishing an on-line small farm research/intervention type journal.
#
Increasing the involvement of under-represented audiences through targeted marketing
efforts and earned media.
#
Investigating the feasibility and potential benefit of a shortened, more descriptive name
to brand the Alcorn Cooperative Extension Program.
#
Implementing marketing campaigns promoting Extensions’ priority issues.
#
Developing and implementing priority issue delivery systems that specially reach racial
minorities, new residents, those who are disabled, illiterate, and other under-represented
groups. Extension will work toward improving and expanding existing programs to
address the problems and challenges of youth, families-at-risk, and the elderly with
special emphasis on the rural and inner-city individuals focusing on:
a.
b.
1.
d.
5.
6.
7.
8.
1.
j.
k.
l.
5.
4-H Program– Developing 4-H Clubs in the Mississippi counties served by
Alcorn. Youth agents working in the program will administer programs that
will attract other-race clients (students, parents, and guardians) to the 4-H
Program and eventually to the academic programs at the university.
Education and Training
Transportation
Substance Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation
Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation
Affordable Housing
Nutrition
Affordable Health Care
Safety
Race Relations and Conflict Resolution
After-School Child Care and Education
Establishment of a 4-H Youth Leadership Academy on Campus
Enhance the Extension program’s public funding and other external support by providing
elected officials and the general public with information about the impact and value of Alcorn’s
Extension program to Mississippi residents. Key actions steps are as follows:
#
Expand the role of county advisory groups and representatives to include building
relationships with elected officials to keep them inform about extension opportunities
and impacts.
#
Include information on program priorities, staff expertise and impacts in information
distributed to elected officials.
9
Alcorn State University
6.
#
Clarify expectations for staff to seek competitive public funding, private sector grant
funding, and other new sources of funding, and provide the support necessary to fulfill
this responsibility.
#
Provide staff with training in grant writing and management.
#
Work with the Alcorn State University Foundation, Inc. to establish and secure an
extension endowment.
Operate the Extension program under a more effective, cohesive organization, based on clarity
of direction and shared priorities and goals and operate Extension programs with an internal
infrastructure that facilitates staff success, staff development and retention. The Alcorn
Cooperative Extension Program will adopt an organizational structure and processes that make
the best use of staff specialization. Key strategies are as follows:
#
Provide appropriate program support when staff are reassigned to address critical or
emerging needs.
#
Consult with county advisory councils when developing a process for implementing
multi-county positions.
#
Implement a volunteer management and training program.
#
Reward volunteers with special recognition programs.
#
Reorganize extension administration to include regional administrators, or other
administrative structures which re-directs the role of specialists, and reassignment of
current Area Coordinators as senior extensionists to achieve multi-disciplinary and
regional programming, expanded stakeholder involvement, and increased impact.
The extension program will provide opportunities for staff to move into new and emerging specialties
as critical needs arise. Key actions are as follows:
7.
#
Increase opportunities and expectations for staff to engage in professional development.
#
Identify new staff training needs and opportunities, and ensure participation.
#
Hold staff accountable for delivering programs and services at the level of expertise
established for each extension position.
#
Increase extension staff participation in peer recognition for outstanding performance.
Operate Extension programs to serve as a catalyst in advancing Alcorn State University as an
“engaged institution” collaborating with communities, organizations, and the private sector
in community and economic development activities. Extension will increase faculty and student
involvement in outreach to demonstrate its value and impact. Key institutional units empowered
to deliver this on-going initiative are as follows: the Alcorn Cooperative Extension Program
(ACEP), the Mississippi Small Farm Development Center, Swine Development Center and its
Center of Excellence in Swine Research, Extension Research Farm and Technology Transfer
Centers in Mound Bayou and Preston, Small Business Development Center, Traceway CDC,
10
Alcorn State University
and the Center for Rural Life. Critical actions to be taken are as follows:
8.
#
Include faculty as partners in extension outreach efforts, including development of
extension publications.
#
Work with faculty to develop proposals for external funding, requesting sufficient
funds for the project to include an outreach component.
#
Facilitate statewide dissemination of campus-based seminars through local-access cable
TV, interactive TV, wireless cable outlet, and video tapes.
#
Co-host with academic departments and student organizations youth and adult
extension events to expose participants to institutional programs, opportunities, and
resources.
#
Consult with institutional administrators to develop systems that ensure faculty and staff
are recognized for outreach accomplishments through the reward system and the
promotion and tenure system.
#
Access current collaborations and partnership with Mississippi public television and
radio, the continuing education unit, J. D. Boyd Library, and academic departments to
identify ways to improve the efficiency and impact of extension program delivery to
Mississippi residents.
Deliver high quality degree programs to increase the retention and graduation rate and
decrease the time of enrollment while also increasing the percentage of other-race students
within IHL’s academic accountability and productivity program standards and measures. The
Agriculture Unit will work towards effectively educating all enrolled students. New academic
and research programs resulting from the Ayers Court settlement will be implemented as
authorized. The Agriculture Unit will take actions as follow to reach this stated goal:
#
Begin offering courses in Vicksburg, MS in computer networking, nutrition and
dietetics and health systems management during the 2003-2004 academic year.
#
Implement a system of a designated mentor-advisor for all undergraduate students
enrolled in degree seeking programs.
#
Require the completion, defense and publication of a thesis by all 2003 entering
freshmen and entering graduate students enrolled in the School of Agriculture and
Applied Sciences’ degree programs.
#
Require all entering undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Agriculture and
Applied Sciences’ degree programs to complete a seminar of the history, purpose and
scope of land grant institutions.
#
Enroll additional other-race students in the joint vocational teacher licensing program
with Mississippi State University offered through distance learning.
#
Begin enrolling other-race students in the joint M. S. Degree in Workforce Education
Leadership with Mississippi State University focusing on web-based delivery of the
11
Alcorn State University
curriculum.
9.
#
Expand existing partnerships for international development activities which provide to
faculty and students experiences in a global setting as they grabble with issues of
international significance.
#
Seek approval during the 2003-2004 academic year of a joint B.S. degree in Forestry
with Mississippi State University.
#
Begin feasibility assessment of a joint B.S. degree in electromechanical engineering
with Mississippi State University and cooperating with the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power
Station, and the U.S. Corp of Engineers.
Implement summer-bridge programs and graduate and professional school preparatory
activities to significantly increase the percentage of graduates of School from Agriculture and
Applied Sciences degree programs that enroll in highly competitive post-baccalaureate degree
programs . The Summer Academy which has operated in the Agriculture Division will add a
summer bridge research-based internship for rising freshmen using external funding. In
addition, the Agriculture Unit will actively assist the Institution in establishing a U.S.
Department of Education McNair Scholars program to help increase the readiness of enrolled
students for success in post-baccalaureate study.
12
Alcorn State University
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
TOTAL:
$620,000
825,000
500,000
$1,945,000
YEAR ONE: 2004-2005
Agriculture
1.
Establish a Natural Products Laboratory and designated Experiment Station field site. The
natural products program already established at Alcorn will be further developed through this
proposed laboratory. The program assists Mississippi farmers in growing high quality medicinal
plants and identifies markets for Mississippi grown natural products.
2.
Propose to the IHL Board to offer a terminal degree program (Ph.D.) in one agricultural
discipline.
3.
Propose to the IHL Board to offer a joint B.S. degree in electromechanical engineering with
Mississippi State University and cooperating with the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Station and
the U.S. Corp of Engineers.
4.
Construct an Ecology Research facility to provide a facility to conduct environment-related
research and outreach. The facility will house the Mississippi River Research Center, The
Center for Alternative Energy and the Remote Sensing Laboratory.
5.
Construct a Biotechnology Research Facility on the Lorman, MS campus and implement the
M.S. Degree in Biotechnology as an interdisciplinary degree program with the School of Arts
and Science.
6.
Maintain accreditation for academic programs in industrial technology, nutrition and dietetics,
and human sciences, and seek accreditation/affiliation for the degree program in child
development.
7.
Continue to maintain and strengthen all programs developed during previous years.
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$5,027,777
2,000,000
250,000
$7,277,777
TOTAL
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
13
Alcorn State University
YEAR TWO: 2005-2006
Agriculture
1.
Establish a Center for Alternative Energy. Current programs in fuel cell technologies,
alternative vehicle research, agricultural crops as bio-energy sources, energy resources
databases, and power quality and reliability will be enhanced through this proposed center.
2.
Establish a Remote Sensing Laboratory. The laboratory will assist Mississippi in
commercializing NASA’s remote sensing capabilities and provide effective transfer of the
technology to farmers, rural and urban planners, as well as economic and community
developers.
3.
Open a branch office in North Mississippi for the Mississippi Small Farm Development Center
and other programs.
4.
Obtain at least one patent of an agricultural biotechnology product.
5.
Continue to maintain and strengthen all programs developed during previous years.
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$1,000,000
825,000
500,000
$2,325,000
TOTAL
YEAR THREE: 2006-2007
Agriculture
1.
Establish a Meat Technology and Research Laboratory. Meat production is a major industry in
southwest Mississippi and most of the producers are other-race. Therefore, a quality research
and demonstration facility will help attract producers to academic and other programs at the
University. Meat processing, packaging, and preserving will be the central focus of the
Laboratory.
2.
Construct an Animal Research facility to provide a laboratory for conducting research and
outreach activities on the main campus and a Dairy processing unit.
3.
Continue to develop, implement, and strengthen all programs and explore opportunities for other
programs so as to carry out the land-grant functions of the university.
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
14
Alcorn State University
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$1,000,000
1,825,000
500,000
$3,325,000
TOTAL
YEAR FOUR: 2007-2008
Agriculture
1.
Establish a Youth Development Camp. The proposed camp will provide a much needed facility
to conduct youth development activities for all races for the 14 county extension area and youth
programs in science, math and technology.
2.
Establish an Animal Show Arena - providing an appropriate facility where adults and youth can
show various farm animals, such as goats, swine, chickens, cows, and horses is a priority need
for the extension program and a recommendation of the study.
3.
Continue to develop, implement and strengthen all programs and explore opportunities for other
programs so as to carry out the land-grant functions of the university.
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$1,000,000
825,000
500,000
$2,325,000
TOTAL
YEAR FIVE: 2008-2009
Agriculture:
1.
Establish a USDA funded Biotechnology research laboratory on the Lorman, MS campus which
complements the M.S. Degree Program in Biotechnology and the Ayers funded Biotechnology
Research Facility.
2.
Continue to maintain and strengthen all programs developed during previous years.
*FUNDING:
General
Federal
Other
$1,000,000
825,000
500,000
$2,325,000
TOTAL
__________________
*Funds in addition to the 2001-2002 base-year funding.
15
Alcorn State University
SIGNIFICANT EXTERNAL FACTORS
WHICH MAY AFFECT PERFORMANCE
Un-availability of Ayers Programs Funding
Several key programs are proposed whereby the implementation will depend on access to funding from
the Mississippi Legislature’s appropriation to the Ayers Court settlement. The programs and activities
are as follows:
1.
M. S. Degree in Biotechnology
2.
B. S. Degree in Computer Networking
3.
Biotechnology Research Center
4.
Marketing Program for the Institution
5.
Other-Race Scholarships
Not Restoring 42 % of State Funding for Small Farm and Other Agricultural Activities
Over the past three fiscal years, approximately 42 percent of the funds to operate the Institution’s
agricultural programs was cut from the Agriculture Unit’s operating budget. These cuts have a critical
impact on key factors in program delivery as follows:
1.
The ability for extension personnel to travel to clientele locations and provide outreach services
to those in need.
2.
The funds needed to maintain and feed animals and cultivate farm crops used in research and
extension activities.
3.
Maintenance of existing laboratory, instruction and office equipment, and procurement of new
research and farm equipment on the schedule needed to carry out the five-year plan.
4.
Providing competitive salaries and wages to the faculty and staff in the Agriculture Unit to
retain existing personnel and attract critical new personnel.
Changes in Federal Policies on Funding 1890 Land-Grant Institutions
As a 1890 Land-Grant Institution, Alcorn State University participates along with 17 other institutions
of its type in formula federal funding for agricultural programs. This funding is provided to support
research, extension and learning activities. Any changes in the funding priorities of the federal
government may reduce federal support in key areas as follows:
1.
Any reallocation of the federal support for the 1890 Extension Program which results in a
reduction of funding to the Alcorn Cooperative Extension Program.
2.
Any reallocation of the federal support for the 1890 Evans-Allen Research Program which
results in a reduction of funding to the Alcorn Agricultural Experiment Station and its related
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Alcorn State University
agricultural research activities.
3.
Lack of continuing funding from USDA for the Center for Biotechnology.
4.
Lack of continuing funding from USDA for the Swine Center for Excellence.
5.
Lack of success of institution’s scientists and personnel in securing grant funds through USDA’s
Capacity Building Grant Program for 1890 Institutions.
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