D&E College plans ahead
ELKINS — Davis & Elkins College has taken the first step in defining its future, building from the bottom up with a strategic planning effort that encompasses the entire campus operations. In an energizing workshop Sept. 15 led by the national higher education consulting firm Credo, faculty and staff collaborated in brainstorming sessions aimed at charting the college’s direction in the coming years.
“Davis & Elkins has weathered the financial storms, and now that we are on stronger footing we can take the time to envision our direction and look at what will make D&E better and stronger to serve our students in the transformations of life,” Wood told the group gathered in The McDonnell Center. “Through these sessions, we want to determine who we are, what we want to become and how we will get there.”
Armed with bright markers and over-sized paper, employees working in groups were asked to think big and think outside of the box when presented with thought-provoking questions focusing on strategic growth, engaged learning, trusted reputation and initiatives that support a vibrant community.
In a final exercise, employees were asked to list any additional ideas they believe should be considered.
The session wasn’t the first encounter with Credo for Wood — he has worked with the organization throughout his career in higher education. In August, he accompanied his cabinet members to a two-day retreat with Credo to begin the process for D&E.
“We left that meeting invigorated, energized and enthused, and we couldn’t wait to share that on this campus,” Wood said.
Credo Project Manager Brian Ford and Senior Consultant for Strategy Matt Trainum also shared information on shifts in society, such as technology and wealth distribution, that affect higher education.
Trainum explained that these shifts contribute to role changes for colleges and universities and asked participants to think about what D&E’s role will be in the future.
“The success of this institution involves everybody in this room,” he said.
Credo will remain on board with D&E for the next two years, first by prioritizing the faculty and staff’s suggestions and providing framework for creating the plan. Members of the Board of Trustees, students, alumni and community leaders will also provide input to the emerging plan.
Once developed, the strategic plan will guide the College for the next five years.
Davis & Elkins College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national original, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, gender identification, or genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Amy Kittle, Title IX Coordinator/Section 504 Coordinator Compliance & Ethics Officer, Halliehurst, 2nd Floor, 304-637-1277, kittlea2@dewv.edu. For further information on D&E’s notice of non-discrimination, please see www.dewv.edu/consumer-information.