November 14, 2007

Purdue forms strategic planning committees

"I call these groups 'tiger teams,'" Córdova said. "Each of them will focus on a key area of the university. We will use a process that invites input and discussion at every level. I want to be sure we have as much information and insight as possible from the people who will implement and the people who will be affected by the strategic plan."

Córdova said the working groups will focus on these eight strategic areas: student success and the student experience; large-scale research and its infrastructure; economic development; quality of life in the workplace; globalization; campus design; synergies between science/engineering and liberal arts/social sciences; and attracting students to careers in the STEM disciplines - science, technology, engineering and math.

A steering committee made up of leaders from the working groups and others, including those representing constituent councils, will provide direction and draft the plan with input it receives from the groups, Córdova said.

Córdova said she expects to have a draft plan ready for discussion in early spring and to present it to Purdue's board of trustees.

"Purdue achieved great success with its last strategic plan, and I am confident that we can build on that success to reach new heights as we develop this plan and move into the future," she said. "We will tap the ideas and expertise of faculty, staff and students from across this university, as well as from selected community members, to make sure we are moving in the right direction - toward excellence in learning, discovery and engagement."

Victor Lechtenberg, interim provost, and George Bodner, chair of University Senate, will co-chair the steering committee.

Rabindra Mukerjea, director of strategic planning and assessment, will facilitate the planning process and provide staff support for the Strategic Planning Steering Committee.

Members of the steering committee and working groups will be responsible for gathering input and representing faculty, staff and students from all areas of the university.

"As I have discussed this process with faculty, staff and students, they have stressed the importance of seeking input from a wide variety of university employees and students," Córdova said. "I heartily agree with that opinion. Although it is not practical to have every area of the university represented in the working groups, every department, unit and standing committee will be consulted in developing our plans. We also will offer open forums to encourage input from every individual."

Each working group will be asked to provide a vision for its particular topic. Each working group also will be asked to provide a white paper on its topic to describe objectives, strategies and action steps, and funding requirements, including potential sources of funding.

"Among other aspects, we will ask each working group to show how its initiatives embrace energy and environmental awareness," Córdova said. "We also will ask for a communication and marketing plan for new initiatives. And we will ask for a diversity plan to accompany proposed initiatives. In that way, diversity will permeate all our plans, as a key to excellence.

"We will ask each group to show us how new initiatives will position Purdue to be among the best universities in the world."

Members of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee are:

* Co-chair: Vic Lechtenberg.

* Co-chair: George Bodner.

* Other council/student officers:

Mike Budzik, chair of the Administrative and Professional Staff Advisory Committee.

Gary Carter, chair of the Clerical and Service Staff Advisory Committee.

Eric Van Houten, president of Purdue Student Government.

Anindo Chatterjee, president of Purdue Graduate Student Government.

* Chairs of the working groups:

Student experience: Jackie Jimerson, director of multicultural programs in the College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Sciences.

Large-scale research: Mark Lundstrom, the Scifres Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Economic development: Joe Pekny, professor of chemical engineering and director of the e-Enterprise Center.

Quality of life: Cynthia Stauffacher, professor of biological sciences.

Globalization: Dan Hirleman, the William E. and Florence E. Perry Head of Mechanical Engineering.

Campus design: William Harper, head of the Department of Health and Kinesiology.

Synergies between science/engineering and liberal arts/social sciences: Susan Curtis, professor of history and associate dean for interdisciplinary programs and engagement in the College of Liberal Arts.

STEM: Gabriela Weaver, associate professor of chemistry and curriculum and instruction.

* Others:

Connie Lapinskas, assistant provost for financial affairs.

Diana Prieto, director of affirmative action.

Dorothy Reed, assistant provost.

David Rollock, associate professor of psychological sciences.

* Regional campus representatives (for information/liaison purposes):

To be appointed.

Members of the working groups:

* Student experience: Jackie Jimerson (chair); Randy Roberts (co-chair), distinguished university professor of history; Drew Koch, director of student access, transition and success programs; Dale Whittaker, associate dean and director of academic programs, College of Agriculture; John Campbell, associate vice president, IT teaching and learning technologies; Barb Frazee, executive director, University Residences; Amy McManama, vice president, Purdue Student Government, student in management; Massimiliano Adelmo Giorgini, graduate student in foreign languages and literatures; Sam Axley, APSAC member, assistant director of recreational sports.

* Large-scale research and infrastructure: Mark Lundstrom (chair); Marietta Harrison (co-chair), professor of medicinal chemistry and director of Oncological Sciences Center; Phil Low, the Ralph C. Corley Distinguished Professor of Chemistry; Alan Rebar, executive director of Discovery Park; Monika Ivantysynova, professor of agricultural and biological engineering and mechanical engineering; Eli Asem, associate dean for research, School of Veterinary Medicine; Christian Hans, graduate student, agronomy; Jeff Gunsher, APSAC member, associate director for industry relations, office of vice president for research.

* Economic development: Joe Pekny (chair); Charlene Sullivan (co-chair), associate professor of management; Sam Cordes, co-director of the Center for Regional Development, College of Agriculture; Greg Deason, director of Purdue Research Park; Jesse Moore, director of supplier diversity development; Maureen Huffer, APSAC member, associate director of Krannert graduate and career studies; Melissa Markofski, graduate student, health and kinesiology; Joe Seaman, community member, president and CEO, Lafayette-West Lafayette Development Corp.

* Quality of life in the workplace: Cynthia Stauffacher (chair); Charles Santerre (co-chair), professor of foods and nutrition; Klod Kokini, associate dean for academic affairs, College of Engineering; Carolyn Johnson, director, Diversity Resource Office; Leonard Seidel, APSAC member, director of catering and events, Purdue Memorial Union; Mallory Schaus, executive director of programming, Purdue Student Government, student in engineering; Danielle Sheese, CSSAC member, secretary, College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Sciences.

* Globalization: Dan Hirleman (chair); Beverly Sypher (co-chair), associate provost for special initiatives, professor of communication; James Lowenberg-DeBoer, associate dean, director of international programs in agriculture, College of Agriculture; Mileta Tomovic, interim department head, professor of mechanical engineering technology; David Radcliffe, professor of engineering education; Pankaj Sharma, associate director, Discovery Park; Mike Brzezinski, associate dean of international programs, director of International Students and Scholars; John Westercamp, student, School of Management; Elaine Bahler, CSSAC member, library assistant, Purdue Libraries.

* Campus design: William Harper (chair); Robin Bellinger (co-chair), campus master plan committee member, associate vice president for advancement; Kim Wilson, professor of horticulture and landscape architecture; Paul Shepson, professor of chemistry, and earth and atmospheric sciences; John Collier, campus master planning committee member, director of campus planning; Peter Caldwell, student in horticulture and landscape architecture; Jamie Hendershot, CSSAC member, clerk, University Development Office.

* Synergies between science/engineering and liberal arts/social sciences: Susan Curtis (chair); Bill Oakes (co-chair), associate professor of engineering education, director of Engineering Projects in Community Service; Melba Crawford, assistant dean of agriculture; Hong Tan, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and mechanical engineering; Glenn Parker, distinguished professor of political science; Jeffrey Raker, graduate student in chemistry; Cynthia Dalton, CSSAC member, secretary, mechanical engineering; Barrie Simpson, community member, Mega Brands, Lafayette.

* Attracting new students to STEM careers: Gabriela Weaver (chair); Kamyar Haghighi (co-chair), head of engineering education, professor of agricultural and biological engineering; Chris Foster, director of K-12 STEM programs, Discovery Park; Sidney Moon, associate dean for learning and engagement, College of Education; Roger Tormoehlen, head and professor of youth development and agricultural education; Douglas Cook, graduate student in engineering; Pam Phegley, APSAC member, clinical rotation and mentorship coordinator, School of Veterinary Medicine.

Writer: Julie Rosa, (765) 494-2036, jrosa@purdue.edu

Source: Rabindra Mukerjea, (765) 494-9708

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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