From H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine to Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, we all seem to be intrigued by time travel. Despite changing circumstances and situations, our history influences our present and future much more than we generally care to admit, as Marty McFly learns in the Back to the Future trilogy. However, Marty also ultimately learned the most important lesson of all. It is up to each of us to write our own future, regardless of our past.
In that very same spirit we introduce Flight Plan: Focused for the Future for the full consideration of the entire Tennessee Tech family. This is our opportunity to dream big dreams for what the future Tennessee Tech will be and to say how each of us can play a significant part in making those dreams come true.
Over the past three months, a select and dedicated group of your colleagues has worked with the Huron Consulting Group to identify Tennessee Tech’s current competitive position within the higher education marketplace. They have recommended a set of comparative peer institutions, identified primary metrics to track our relative position, and determined current competitive gaps. They also recommended prioritizing four high-level focus areas:
- Improve Undergraduate Student Experience
- Transform Technology
- Create Distinctive Programs and Invigorate Faculty
- Expand Financial Resources and Modernize Infrastructure
The steering committee and consultants met with a large number of faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends in this first phase to solicit suggestions and feedback. Your collective input has been extremely beneficial in getting Flight Plan to this point. However, this remains a work in progress, and everyone’s input is strongly encouraged. Please review the plan as presented on the website and continue to provide your constructive feedback.
I am personally encouraged and excited by the future possibilities for Tennessee Tech. It is now up to all of us to make those dreams a reality.
Go Eagles!
