A note about Vision 2020...

ision 2020, the report of the Committee on the Future of Marshall, provides a conceptual umbrella under which the entire university community can engage in a dialogue about what Marshall University should be in the 21st Century.

Crafted by a broadly representative committee of 24 faculty, staff and students, this interim report addresses in general terms many questions, including: How large should Marshall be? What new programs are needed? What are the highest priorities for new and renovated academic facilities? What values and character must Marshall possess to be a first rate 21st Century regional university?

This report will now be the basis for serious discussions within and outside the university community. Hopefully, a consensus will begin to emerge as the university approaches the year 2000 - and the West Virginia legislative session of 2000 during which many important decisions will be made about higher education in West Virginia.

I want to express sincere thanks to Drs. Dennison and Childress who so ably chaired and co-chaired the committee as well as to the entire committee which spent scores of hours, if not hundreds, organizing the questions, debating the issues and drafting this report. All of their work was above and beyond the normal call of duty but it is work that is essential in an academic community such as Marshall University.

Now we must look to the entire university community, both internal and external, to complete the discussions and shape the consensus on the Future of Marshall.

J. Wade Gilley