Southern Union to develop strategic plan
Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker met last Thursday with college administrators, elected officials, business community members, superintendents, mayors and others to explain his vision for the strategic plan at Southern Union State Community College.
He announced on Friday the launch of a strategic planning initiative for SUSCC in a press release. The rigorous effort is designed to address critical issues facing the college and will culminate with the selection of a permanent president.
Apparently the on-going search for a permanent president has once again been Òpaused.Ó
Wadley Mayor Donna McKay said she was invited down, that they wanted her input. They met with the executive leadership before meeting with the larger group. There were several people she recognized from SUSCC who were around.
ÒFrom what I understand from the chancellor, Jimmy Baker, he was going to meet with the legislature, area superintendents, plant managers and several other groups,Ó she said.
It involved discussing the immediate and long-term future of the college and the ways Southern Union can move forward under a permanent president,Ó she said.
ÒWe owe it to the Southern Union community to take our time, seek input, and create the best roadmap possible to ensure the long-term success of the college,Ó Baker said in his press release. ÒWith the participation and input from the entire Bison family I am confident we will set SUSCC on the path to greatness.Ó
The planning process will begin by soliciting public feedback through the use of an online survey. Those interested in providing input can do so by visiting: bit.ly/southernunionsurvey. The survey will be available online through September 30.
ÒTo ensure our students are receiving the education and training they need to succeed we must stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the modern economy,Ó said Dr. Glenda Colagross, Southern Union interim president. ÒThe strategic planning process is an opportunity to identify SUSCCÕs strengths and opportunities and lay a framework to guarantee the delivery of the collegeÕs mission to each and every student. We look forward to strengthening our current plan to further address ways that Southern Union can be responsive to the needs of students and community alike.Ó
The appointment of a strategic planning committee will be announced at a later date. Additional opportunities for public feedback through participation in community town halls will also be announced in the future.
Other mayors who were there were Opelika mayor Gary Fuller, Auburn mayor Bill Ham and Valley mayor Leonard Riley.
McKay said Baker talked about workforce development.
Roanoke Superintendent Chuck Marcum was invited but had already had a separate appointment and said he could not go.
Carol Bugg Knight said a faculty meeting was held at SUSCC Friday morning. ÒWe were looking at it positively,Ó she added.
Interim SUSCC president Glenda Colagross talked about the budget and Ben Jordan, the business manager, gave a presentation. She noted enrollment is good for fall.
The proposed consolidation of SUSCC with other colleges was ÒpausedÓ in July of 2016.
