Strategic Plan: Averett in 2010Build on Strengths, Seize OpportunitiesMissionAverett University, founded in 1859, offers courses of study leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Danville and at regional centers in Virginia. Through personal attention for all students, Averett prepares them for successful lives by encouraging each, in the liberal arts tradition, to ask and answer important questions, form and defend judgments, and evaluate diverse views thoughtfully. In accordance with our Christian heritage, we value academic and religious freedom, spiritual growth, academic excellence, diversity, and tolerance. This document, a statement of institutional direction for Averett in 2010, grew from extensive discussion among faculty, staff, students, alumni, Trustees, and community members. The Board of Trustees adopted it on October 15, 2004. A new mission statement received the Board’s approval on April 15, 2005, and as a result of the changed mission Direction #2 (Institutional Values) has been rewritten. StrengthsSmall classes Faculty & staff with passion for development of students’ potential Unusual academic majors in aeronautics and equestrian studies Diversity – significant numbers of minority, international, and non- traditional students Strong sense of community on main campus and in non-traditional student clusters History of innovation dating to 1859 Main campus in safe, convenient, and attractive neighborhood WeaknessesLack of clear strategy Too little money Dependence on tuition Unclear or inaccurate perception of Averett Lack of unity Limited size of main campus Limited technology Enrolling too many students who cannot meet academic expectations Location of main campus in economically depressed region away from metropolitan areas and at the southern edge of Virginia External challengesCompetition for traditional and non-traditional students from public, private, and for-profit Possible public university in or near Danville Different points of view about academic freedom and core values between Averett and the Baptist General Association of Virginia Contract with Institute for Professional Development for marketing non-traditional programs expires in 2010 The characteristics and expectations of entering students are changing significantly and rapidly Averett can address these weaknesses and respond to the external challenges by moving in the directions outlined in this strategic plan.
Direction #1 ReputationReputation draws students, interests investors, attracts able faculty and staff, and establishes the value of our degrees. In 2010, employers and postgraduate schools increasingly recognize the worth of an Averett degree because they can rely on its high value. Marketing for all programs stresses quality. New traditions draw on and reinforce the heritage of leadership that began in 1859 and continues. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, and the public see Averett as a winner and take pride in their relationship with it. Direction #2 Institutional ValuesAverett’s distinctive Christian identity is open and obvious. Averett’s Christian community values pluralism, tolerance, diversity, and religious freedom. In 2010, the University offers its students opportunities for spiritual growth, a curriculum that includes study of religion, the Bible, and spiritual questions, and a program for community service. Direction #3 Faculty and StaffFaculty and staff achieve Averett’s mission. All who work at Averett in 2010 are part of one university, agreeing that “It’s about students.” Professional, caring, diverse, and collaborative, they are paid competitively for performance that supports the University’s mission and goals. Averett attracts, develops, and retains outstanding staff and faculty. Primarily teachers, faculty also are active professionally, with flexible arrangements for teaching, research, and service. Staff are accepted as partners in education. Direction #4 LearnersAverett University offers learners the opportunity to become full participants in 21st century life. Learners at Averett in 2010 are diverse in age, ethnicity, gender, religious preference, and geography. For admission to all programs they demonstrate, in addition to strong academic preparation, character, confidence, curiosity, and commitment to completing degrees at Averett. Enrollment grows from returning as well as new students. Total enrollment in 2010 is 4000, with non-traditional and traditional learners in the ratio of 3:1. Direction #5 Fulfilling DreamsDreams are our business. In 2010 Averett offers diversified programs grounded in the liberal arts and also including specialized education. We emphasize small classes and personalized attention. To maintain the value of an Averett education, the faculty review and revise all curricula on a continuing basis. The University offers hard-to-find, even unique opportunities, often in partnerships. Students extend learning beyond the classroom through activities and organizations for all, and competitive sports teams for traditional students. Direction #6 OutcomesWe must be able to state, measure, and demonstrate the value of an Averett degree. In 2010 Averett prepares students effectively for successful professional activities and personal lives in the global community. Graduates have broad educations, are well-rounded and self-confident, can communicate effectively and think critically, and have developed personal integrity. The University assesses the results of students’ experiences and uses the information for on-going improvement.Direction #7 OutreachThe University exists in an environment where it gives to the community and calls on the loyalty of its graduates. In 2010 Averett’s alumni are advocates, donors, and supporters who participate in admissions, classroom, co-curricular, career development, and other alumni activities. The University offers programs for lifelong learning. The University supports community building through public events, symposia, concerts, lectures, research, theatre, and athletics. Members of the Averett family participate in the life of their communities, including churches. Direction # 8 Finances Fiscal health is essential to survival and success. In 2010 Averett’s revenue exceeds spending, with priorities tied to the University’s strategic plan. Income from other sources reduces reliance on tuition. Short- and long-term debt is within manageable limits. Funds are available for investment in promising ideas and programs.
Direction # 9 FacilitiesThe physical setting creates the environment for learning. Facilities at Averett in 2010 provide appropriate settings for education and community at all locations in Danville and beyond. Maintenance and upkeep of all buildings are current; there is no deferred maintenance. Information technology is pervasive in support of all programs.
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