ASU forms Strategic Steering Committee

ASU Jonesboro Chancellor Kelly Damphousse has appointed members for Arkansas State University’s Strategic Plan Steering Committee, and marked the opening of the lengthy process of reviewing and revising the university plan.

“I appreciate the commitment of the steering committee members to serve and help guide our discussions,” Damphousse said. “In the coming weeks, we will establish a schedule of stakeholder meetings to gain the input and involvement of every corner of our university. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members will participate.”

The 16-member steering committee is chaired by Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Dr. Len Frey and includes (in alphabetical order):

Dr. Lynita Cooksey, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research
Dr. Maurice Gipson, Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Community Engagement
Rob Gordon, President of the Staff Senate
Dr. Russ Hannah, Associate Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance
Dr. Susan Hanrahan, representing the Dean’s Council
Dr. Loretta McGregor, President of the Faculty Senate
Dr. Will McLean, representing the Chairs Council
Terry Mohajir, Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics
Dr. Jason Penry, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement
Dr. Tom Risch, Associate Vice Chancellor of Research
Drew Roberson, Student Government Association Vice President
Dr. Thilla Sivakumaran, Executive Director of Global Engagement and Outreach
Dr. Bill Smith, Associate Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications
Dr. Martha Spack, Dean of Students
Dr. Bryan Terry, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management

“While I will attend many of the meetings during this process, something I want to stress is that I am not a formal member of the Steering Committee and that this strategic plan process belongs to the entire campus,” Damphousse said. “Strategic plans don’t just happen. They require a lot of work and a lot of input. I want to make sure that every voice gets heard through the process.”

The Napa Group, a consulting firm, will assist the university community as a facilitator in the process and met with the steering committee on March 6 to discuss preliminary actions. As the process continues, a special page on the ASU website will be deployed in the coming weeks to post documents, recaps and upcoming meeting schedules.

“Arkansas State is a university that embraced innovation in the past, and how we harness that energy for our future is the heart of the strategic planning initiative,” Damphousse said. “Above all, our goal is to be inclusive, so all members of the faculty, staff, student body, alumni groups, and the community are invited to participate. This is your future, and I earnestly want you to be involved in planning it. This is an exciting time in the history of Arkansas State University. We face challenges, but we also have incredible assets. I look forward to working together to build a vision of our shared future.”