It’s June. For college students, that means the summer break is half over. For those of us who work in higher education, we are spending these days closing out the fiscal and academic year and preparing for the next. And for the State System’s Board of Governors, that means a very full agenda for its July meeting. Amid all of the important initiatives underway, I want to point out a few that will be key to shaping the future of our System.
For the first time in the State System’s history, all universities have developed multi-year Action Plans that outline their goals and aspirations, strategic priorities, challenges, and opportunities. The plans will be discussed in the coming weeks and will be updated annually to provide our stakeholders with a transparent opportunity to understand the future path of each university.
Obviously, a big part of that effort will be ensuring the proper mix of academic programs. As the Commonwealth’s economy continues to evolve, the State System is changing right along with it. Next month, the Board will consider 16 new academic programs—bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees—that have been designed to meet the needs of the 21st century. In fact, many of the new programs were developed with direct input from business and industry partners; several will be offered online and be available to students virtually anywhere, anytime.
Even during these challenging fiscal times, we must invest in the future. That means not only developing and offering new academic programs that better align with changing times, but also making strategic decisions involving existing programs. (And on the operational side of the house, we must continue to maximize shared services and System collaboration.)
Over the last five years, the universities have introduced more than 60 new degree and certificate programs and minors. During the same time, more than 150 programs that no longer meet student demand or needs of the Commonwealth have been placed into moratorium or discontinued, and more than 60 have been reorganized or reinstated to meet new market demands. It is that kind of flexibility that will foster the long-term viability of all of our universities.
Summer will soon have come and gone, but the important decisions we make in the coming weeks will help our state universities ensure they are ready and able to serve the students of the Commonwealth for years to come.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Supporting our students’ success
At commencement ceremonies held all across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania this past weekend, nearly 17,000 students became alumni of our 14 State System universities. More than 80 percent of those will remain here to live, work, and raise their families—making them vitally important to Pennsylvania’s economic future. To each and every one, we say, “Congratulations!”
The education that our graduates received at their universities—both inside and outside of the classroom—has prepared them for success in the future. As they succeed, so will our state. As they thrive, so will our state. We need their knowledge and expertise to drive the economy of Pennsylvania and to create a foundation that future graduates can ultimately build upon.
So how do we continue to support our students’ success?
That’s easy. Give them the tools and resources they need to reach their greatest potentials. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to that purpose, and we are working now to secure more state funding as part of that equation. The State System generates $11 in positive economic impact for every one dollar invested by the Commonwealth. That’s an investment that will benefit us all.
On Saturday, I saw firsthand the great things our students can achieve. Those freshly minted graduates are optimistic about what lies ahead. Not only do they want to build a greater future for themselves and their families, but also to help shape the success of our state moving forward. They are ready and prepared for the next chapter, and I know their spirit and courage can show us all why the affordable, high-quality education provided by the State System is worth the investment of time and treasure.
The education that our graduates received at their universities—both inside and outside of the classroom—has prepared them for success in the future. As they succeed, so will our state. As they thrive, so will our state. We need their knowledge and expertise to drive the economy of Pennsylvania and to create a foundation that future graduates can ultimately build upon.
So how do we continue to support our students’ success?
That’s easy. Give them the tools and resources they need to reach their greatest potentials. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to that purpose, and we are working now to secure more state funding as part of that equation. The State System generates $11 in positive economic impact for every one dollar invested by the Commonwealth. That’s an investment that will benefit us all.
On Saturday, I saw firsthand the great things our students can achieve. Those freshly minted graduates are optimistic about what lies ahead. Not only do they want to build a greater future for themselves and their families, but also to help shape the success of our state moving forward. They are ready and prepared for the next chapter, and I know their spirit and courage can show us all why the affordable, high-quality education provided by the State System is worth the investment of time and treasure.
Monday, April 20, 2015
State System Day on the Hill
Last week, approximately 140 representatives from our 14 universities descended upon the Capitol for our yearly advocacy day. The group worked as one to share the important message of investing in the System. Our students—who are the best ambassadors for the State System and our universities—took center stage as they shared their educational experiences with legislators, many of whom went through the same experiences, sometimes at the same schools. It’s a valuable connection from both perspectives.
We also announced the results of an economic and employment impact study that revealed the State System has a $6.7 billion total positive impact on Pennsylvania. That means the State System produces nearly $11 in economic impact for every $1 invested by the Commonwealth through its annual appropriation. This funding is an investment—not an expenditure—in a reinvented system that is dedicated to the success of 110,000 students. This return on investment is a tremendous added benefit to the high-quality, high-value education the universities provide to students.
(Watch the press event held in the East Wing Rotunda of the Capitol during State System Day on the Hill to release the results of the study.)
We know there are many other groups that ask the General Assembly for support, but I think it’s fair to say that our well-informed representatives and our economic impact study made a very compelling case on the System’s behalf.
While our advocacy day on the hill is over, our job is not. Advocating for investment in the System can be accomplished by everyone in various shapes and forms throughout the year. The stronger our unified message is, the harder it will be for anyone to doubt what the State System can and will do for the students we serve and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
We also announced the results of an economic and employment impact study that revealed the State System has a $6.7 billion total positive impact on Pennsylvania. That means the State System produces nearly $11 in economic impact for every $1 invested by the Commonwealth through its annual appropriation. This funding is an investment—not an expenditure—in a reinvented system that is dedicated to the success of 110,000 students. This return on investment is a tremendous added benefit to the high-quality, high-value education the universities provide to students.
(Watch the press event held in the East Wing Rotunda of the Capitol during State System Day on the Hill to release the results of the study.)
We know there are many other groups that ask the General Assembly for support, but I think it’s fair to say that our well-informed representatives and our economic impact study made a very compelling case on the System’s behalf.
While our advocacy day on the hill is over, our job is not. Advocating for investment in the System can be accomplished by everyone in various shapes and forms throughout the year. The stronger our unified message is, the harder it will be for anyone to doubt what the State System can and will do for the students we serve and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Investing for the Future
Pennsylvania is at a crossroad as we enter the time of year when decisions will be made regarding how to invest the public’s hard-earned money. Governor Wolf’s support of higher education rang loud and clear this week with his proposal to increase investment in the State System’s 14 universities by 11 percent. This is welcome news after seven years without an increase in state funding.
We all recognize the important role our universities have in providing access to opportunity for 110,000 students. Our state universities are engines of economic development for the communities they serve and the entire Commonwealth—providing the talent that fuels business and industry across Pennsylvania.
Providing a high-quality, high-value education has always been the mission of the State System. Even as it has endured significant budget cuts for much of the past decade, we have limited tuition increases to around the rate of inflation in most years.
The Governor has challenged publicly supported colleges and universities to hold the line on tuition. We are answering that call. The Board of Governors said in October that base tuition could be frozen next year if the State System received enough funding to fill next year’s budget gap. That continues to be our position, and we are grateful for the Governor’s leadership on this issue.
We are engaged in this important dialogue with the Governor and our friends in the General Assembly as they begin their work on the budget, which will not be an easy task. Our students are a great investment, and every tax dollar allocated toward our universities provides a real return on investment.
We all recognize the important role our universities have in providing access to opportunity for 110,000 students. Our state universities are engines of economic development for the communities they serve and the entire Commonwealth—providing the talent that fuels business and industry across Pennsylvania.
Providing a high-quality, high-value education has always been the mission of the State System. Even as it has endured significant budget cuts for much of the past decade, we have limited tuition increases to around the rate of inflation in most years.
The Governor has challenged publicly supported colleges and universities to hold the line on tuition. We are answering that call. The Board of Governors said in October that base tuition could be frozen next year if the State System received enough funding to fill next year’s budget gap. That continues to be our position, and we are grateful for the Governor’s leadership on this issue.
We are engaged in this important dialogue with the Governor and our friends in the General Assembly as they begin their work on the budget, which will not be an easy task. Our students are a great investment, and every tax dollar allocated toward our universities provides a real return on investment.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
14 universities. Infinite opportunities.
What exactly does that mean?
It means that when students are part of one of our 14 universities, they have access to a wide range of enriching opportunities—academically, socially, and professionally.
We recently developed our first “14 universities. Infinite opportunities.” video, which highlights the experiences of some students and alumni from our universities. This will be the first in a series of short videos that show why our universities, students, faculty and alumni have, and will continue to have, a powerful impact on the Commonwealth.
Watch the video now!
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Advancing the State System in 2015
While it’s only a few days into 2015, I already can feel the excitement and optimism all across the State System—from the Board of Governors to Trustees and university leaders to faculty, staff, and students—as we look forward to the year ahead. I want to take a moment at the start of this new year to outline a number of important initiatives—all of which will continue our momentum toward becoming the most student-centered, flexible, and collaborative university system in America.
Looking at some of those key initiatives, it’s easy to see it’s going to be a very busy year:
Advocate for investment
Our universities are engines of economic growth for the communities they serve and the Commonwealth as a whole. We will continue engaging with elected leaders, business leaders, and community leaders to enhance support for and investment in the State System’s 14 universities by identifying new revenue streams and advocating for sound public policy.
Promote academic program alignment
The world is changing, and our universities are doing their part to adapt and evolve to ensure relevance well into the future. With more than 80 percent of State System alumni remaining in Pennsylvania after graduation to live and work, our universities are working to align their academic program offerings to reflect the changing demands of students and the needs of the Commonwealth.
Advance key strategic initiatives designed to meet the goals of the 2020 State System Strategic Plan
By making advances in areas such as closing the gap between degree production and workforce demands; expanding international education; enhancing online learning opportunities; and enhancing the general education program, we will create even greater learning and career development opportunities for our students as laid out in the System’s strategic plan.
Enhance accountability, planning, and transparency
We are introducing an accountability framework built on the State System’s Strategic Plan. This will lead to individual university action plans that will outline the future path of each institution and an annual accountability report that will capture the progress of all institutions on key metrics in an easy-to-use format.
Promote strategies to improve university financial stability
We will further advance strategies to increase cost savings, and improve the efficiency of shared services to help ensure the high-quality, high-value education our students expect and deserve.
As with any journey, we will face ups and downs along the way; but, if we continue to keep the students at our 14 universities our top priority, we will accomplish these things, and more.
Looking at some of those key initiatives, it’s easy to see it’s going to be a very busy year:
Advocate for investment
Our universities are engines of economic growth for the communities they serve and the Commonwealth as a whole. We will continue engaging with elected leaders, business leaders, and community leaders to enhance support for and investment in the State System’s 14 universities by identifying new revenue streams and advocating for sound public policy.
Promote academic program alignment
The world is changing, and our universities are doing their part to adapt and evolve to ensure relevance well into the future. With more than 80 percent of State System alumni remaining in Pennsylvania after graduation to live and work, our universities are working to align their academic program offerings to reflect the changing demands of students and the needs of the Commonwealth.
Advance key strategic initiatives designed to meet the goals of the 2020 State System Strategic Plan
By making advances in areas such as closing the gap between degree production and workforce demands; expanding international education; enhancing online learning opportunities; and enhancing the general education program, we will create even greater learning and career development opportunities for our students as laid out in the System’s strategic plan.
Enhance accountability, planning, and transparency
We are introducing an accountability framework built on the State System’s Strategic Plan. This will lead to individual university action plans that will outline the future path of each institution and an annual accountability report that will capture the progress of all institutions on key metrics in an easy-to-use format.
Promote strategies to improve university financial stability
We will further advance strategies to increase cost savings, and improve the efficiency of shared services to help ensure the high-quality, high-value education our students expect and deserve.
As with any journey, we will face ups and downs along the way; but, if we continue to keep the students at our 14 universities our top priority, we will accomplish these things, and more.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Commencement marks important milestone for students
While most of us have been getting ready for the holidays, this past weekend marked an important milestone for many others as commencement ceremonies across our 14 State System universities were conducted. I would like to congratulate our undergrad and graduate students on this exciting achievement and wish them success and happiness as they continue their journeys.
As a lifelong educator, I’m proud of the dedication of our students and all those who have helped them attain this goal. Along with their families and friends, our students were supported by countless faculty and staff at each of their universities. It was those individuals who helped on the days when life was challenging, and the road ahead seemed impossible; but with that support, these newly minted graduates pushed through to success. And they did so knowing that they can overcome any obstacle that might stand in their way, something that will be invaluable in their careers.
As I mentioned in my previous post, a college education is one of the best investments anyone can make. According to a recent study by the U.S. Census Bureau, an individual with a bachelor’s degree can expect lifetime earnings to be more than double that of someone with a high school diploma alone. Add a graduate or professional degree, and that figure goes even higher.
In turn, investing in higher education, is one of the best investments the state can make. Nearly 90 percent of State System students are Pennsylvania residents, most of whom will remain here after graduation to live, work, and raise their families, supporting the state’s economy as they do.
I’m personally looking forward to seeing even more from our graduates as they leave campus and make a difference in our Commonwealth and the world.
Finally, we all would like to wish you and your family a very happy and healthy holiday season and the very best in the new year.
As a lifelong educator, I’m proud of the dedication of our students and all those who have helped them attain this goal. Along with their families and friends, our students were supported by countless faculty and staff at each of their universities. It was those individuals who helped on the days when life was challenging, and the road ahead seemed impossible; but with that support, these newly minted graduates pushed through to success. And they did so knowing that they can overcome any obstacle that might stand in their way, something that will be invaluable in their careers.
As I mentioned in my previous post, a college education is one of the best investments anyone can make. According to a recent study by the U.S. Census Bureau, an individual with a bachelor’s degree can expect lifetime earnings to be more than double that of someone with a high school diploma alone. Add a graduate or professional degree, and that figure goes even higher.
In turn, investing in higher education, is one of the best investments the state can make. Nearly 90 percent of State System students are Pennsylvania residents, most of whom will remain here after graduation to live, work, and raise their families, supporting the state’s economy as they do.
I’m personally looking forward to seeing even more from our graduates as they leave campus and make a difference in our Commonwealth and the world.
Finally, we all would like to wish you and your family a very happy and healthy holiday season and the very best in the new year.
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