NEWS FROM HERALD DISPATCH

Friday Thursday January 12, 2006

Feedback was a success, Kopp says

HUNTINGTON -- Marshall University President Stephen Kopp said public response to a strategic planning process "greatly exceeded expectations" and resulted in seven themes for the university's future development.

More than 800 submissions were received from people on campus and beyond, according to a Marshall news release issued Wednesday. In mid-November, Kopp announced the university's plan to create a strategic vision, partly through the online feedback of students, faculty, alumni and others interested in Marshall's future. The feedback period ended Dec. 19.

"Following a review of the input received, seven distinct strategic themes emerged, and the ideas provided have been consolidated under these themes," Kopp said.

The themes are improvement, investment, innovation-inquiry, integration, initiative, involvement and inclusiveness. Those interested in accessing the themes and associated target areas may do so by clicking on the strategic vision icon at http://www.marshall.edu/strategic and then clicking on the "Strategic Themes" link (in red).

The university seeks public comment on the draft list until Jan. 20, and the development of the first action plan will begin Feb. 1. The implementation of the first one- to three-year action plan is scheduled to commence at the end of April.

James Sottile, Marshall's faculty representative on its Board of Governors, said he believes the administration has been open and inclusive with its approach for feedback regarding the strategic vision.

"The strategic themes address the key areas for change and review," Sottile said in a news release.