During the last 15 months, the School of Business undertook an intense strategic planning process. We were aided in this process by an exceptional retired academic leader, Dr. Doyle Williams, former dean of the Walton School of Business at the University of Arkansas and former dean of the School of Accountancy at the University of Southern California. As a result of monthly all-faculty meetings, monthly department meetings, and four faculty/staff task forces, we formulated five key goals:
• Goal 1. Meet UAB institutional goals on 50% student enrollment growth and material improvement in graduation rates
– By promoting innovative programs of excellence for student recruiting, retention and graduation.
– By stimulating growth of a diverse student body through high quality instruction that enhance student learning and success.
– By developing and implementing a school-wide communication and branding plan to support our mission and strategy.
• Goal 2. Promote faculty and staff development
– By investing in our faculty and staff to ensure a high-quality work environment that encourages professional development and ensures our faculty build and maintain their stature in their academic disciplines.
– By identifying faculty and staff hiring needs along with potential sources of revenue to support recruitment and development.
• Goal 3. Promote a unified and inclusive culture
– By breaking down artificial barriers and silos across departments and programs to create a unified culture and commitment to the School.
• Goal 4. Expand value-added partnerships
– By building many partnerships with external stakeholders including: UAB Schools and programs, other universities in our geographic region, Industry and Funding agencies.
• Goal 5. Maintain a strong financial position
– By leveraging programs and outreach that provide strong financial operating leverage.
– By raising significant amounts of development funds to support the school’s major capital investment needs.
In addition to these key strategic goals, a wide group of faculty and other school constituents developed very specific action steps/tactics (with timelines) to achieve each goal. In coming blogs we will keep you informed on our progress and how you can assist in this strategic process of growth and innovation.
