Topic #3: New, proposed vision statement

Welcome back, everyone!

Apparently our first collective try at the Strategic Planning Committee's blog must have been impressive enough that Dr. Tucker has asked us to fire up the presses once again and now discuss the merits of a completely new, proposed vision statement.  Actually, you've seen it before - this "new and improved" (potential) vision statement was authored by none other than our own, Dr. Steve Moroney (Theology), amidst the Prompt #1 blog discussion a few weeks ago.

Just to jog everyone's memories, here is the original, proposed vision statement that we discussed a few weeks ago:

[ORIGINAL PROPOSAL]  "Our vision is to be the Christian university of choice

              in  the mid-east region of the US recognized for Christ-centered academic

              excellence,  spiritual formation, student engagement, and leadership in

              thought and service."



This is the new, proposed vision statement that Dr. Tucker would appreciate our feedback on:

[NEW PROPOSAL]   "To be a vibrant Christ-centered university that pursues

             academic excellence and prepares students for a lifetime of service."

 

As we were previously reminded within the introduction to our last blog session, a strong vision assists in developing clear goals and priorities to align with the mission.  Here are some characteristics of an effective vision (adapted from John Kotter, Leading Change, chapter 5 “developing a vision and strategy”).

• Imaginable – conveys a picture of what the future will look like


• Desirable – appeal to long-term interests


• Feasible – comprises realistic, attainable goals


• Focused – is clear enough to provide guidance in decision making


• Flexible – is general enough to allow individual initiative and alternative responses in light of changing conditions


• Communicable – is easy to communicate; can be successfully explained within five minutes