Converse University Strategic Plan 2023-2026
Strategic Themes and Emerging Goals
The foundation for the 2023-2026 Strategic Vision Plan is comprised of four priorities which serve as the unifying ideologies across the plan’s development and implementation. Both independently and collectively, each priority embodies the aspirational culture that Converse strives to obtain and our promise to the community we serve.
These foundational priorities include:
- Remaining relentlessly STUDENT-CENTERED
- Building FINANCIAL RESILIENCE
- Promoting HEALTH & WELL BEING
- Committing to INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE
In order to achieve these aspirational goals, Converse must excel in three equal and interconnected pillars, our three areas of focus:
- Enriching our PROGRAMS,
- Empowering our PEOPLE, and
- Enhancing our PLACES.
Each of these three areas organizes a set of goals and corresponding objectives that will guide Converse University’s efforts for the next few years.
The development and approval of the Strategic Vision Plan framework is the beginning of the process which will involve continuous feedback, consultation, and input by campus and community stakeholders.
Originating from the objectives within each of the three areas of focus will be individual plans and initiatives that departments and operating units will be empowered to develop and implement in alignment with this Strategic Plan. In Fall 2022, the Strategic Vision Planning Committee will develop the three-year operating plan and forecast and will establish evaluation and performance measures.
As the operating plan and forecast are determined, the Converse campus community can expect changes to help prepare the campus for first-year initiatives. Updates will be shared on this page as available.
The success of the Strategic Vision Plan will, in part, depend on the financial resources available to fuel the initiatives and the generosity of Converse donors and friends.
Now, more than ever, the students of Converse need your commitment and steadfast support as we move forward on this vibrant path.
You can make an immediate impact campus-wide by:
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- providing scholarships;
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- supplying classroom technology and materials;
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- supporting faculty; and
- enhancing our beautiful historic campus.
Whether you give a gift to the annual fund or invest in the revitalization of iconic Cudd Hall to help create a learning-living environment that supports student success, your generosity today empowers students to take on the future confidently.
The Committee’s Charge
The Strategic Vision Planning Committee, organized into different teams by strategic them, is charged with guiding and overseeing a process that broadly and effectively engages the Converse community in the development of a strategic vision plan for 2023-2026.
Strategic Vision Planning Committee Membership
Co-Chairs
Boone Hopkins, President
Kristin Lacey, Vice President for Operations and Strategic Planning
Programs Committee
Rhonda Mingo, Dean of Students (Team Lead)
Erin Templeton, Dean of the School of Humanities, Sciences and Business; Professor of English (Team Lead)
Matt Cash, Director of Admission
Neval Erturk, Former Associate Provost of Research and Engagement; Professor of Biology
Lee Givins, Assistant Professor of Education; Director of Professional Leadership Program; Associate Dean of Graduate Studies
Tori Good, Director of Career Development and Employer Relations
Chandra Hopkins, Dean of Converse College for Women
JW Kellam, Associate Vice President for Student Financial Services
Danielle Stone, Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion; Title IX Coordinator
Kendra Woodson, Former Registrar
Places Committee
Zach Corbitt, Chief Information Officer (Team Lead)
Gladden Smoke, Director of Facilities (Team Lead)
Neval Erturk, Former Associate Provost of Research and Engagement; Former Professor of Biology
Larry Jones, Director of Campus Safety
Sher-Ron Laud, Former Director of Residential Life
Randy Loggins, Deputy Director of Athletics
Rebecca Parrish, Director of Institutional Grants
Evan Thomas, Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Theraphy; Chair and Director of Marriage and Family Program
Debbi Thompson, Director of Event Services
Chris Vaneman, Dean of the School of the Arts; Associate Professor of Flute
Wade Woodward, Director of Mickel Library
People Committee
Margaret Moore, Faculty Senate President; Associate Professor of Physical Education (Team Lead)
Kristina Pisano, Former Director of Annual Giving and Staff Council President (Team Lead)
Doug Busch, Former Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies
Daphnie Glenn, Director of First-Generation Student Programs
Pamela Greenway, Senior Executive Assistant to the President and Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Emily Harbin, Associate Professor of English; Director of the Writing Center
Beverly Lowrance, Associate Director of Student Financial Services
Jeff Martin, Former Assistant Professor of Education
Rob Miller, Head Coach Men’s Soccer
Eliza Smith, University Chaplain, Director of Community Engagement and Lecturer of Religious Studies
Danielle Stone, Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion; Title IX Coordinator
Lexi Stoneburner, Director of New Student Experiences
Student Advisors
Angela Brobson, Class of 2023, SGA President
Maddie Buisch, Class of 2022, SGA Vice President
Karen Mims, Class of 2022, SGA President
Administration
Jenn Bell, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Will Case, Associate Provost for Student Success; Associate Professor of Chemistry; Co-Director of Nisbet Honors Program
Dianne Crocker, Former Vice President for Finance and Business
Jamie Grant, Vice President for Enrollment Management
Lienne Medford, Dean of the Graduate School, Professor of Leadership
The Planning Committee actively seeks continuous feedback as an important part of the planning efforts. We invite you to share your input on the Strategic Vision Plan via an online survey. Personal information is not collected so your comments will remain anonymous.