Future State

It’s hard to believe. My first full year as a Spartan has come and gone, and what a year it has been. And what better way to have spent my anniversary, August 13, than to gather with several hundred of you for our Fall 2008 Kickoff Event at the MSU Union.

As you recall, in late-July, I had the privilege of making a presentation to the MSU Board of Trustees on the status of our strategic planning work to date. I am very pleased to say there was genuine enthusiasm as the Board approved our strategic direction of investing in the future and creating a new Spartan experience for future generations of students.

We began our H&FS strategic planning efforts nearly one year ago, and something very exciting has happened along the way. We realized very quickly that creating a new Spartan experience would require far more than just updating buildings. It will require more than new dining facilities, work on the golf course, or even new apartments. A new Spartan experience will require a comprehensive approach that best aligns academics, student development and the residential experience. Simply put, what started as an H&FS strategic plan has become an H&FS-driven planning initiative that is deeply interconnected with virtually the entire University community. Yes, we must update our facilities and commit to their continual renewal to attract and retain residents, but a new Spartan experience will require commitment from, and broad participation by, our many campus “Spartners.”

At the September (2008) meeting of the Board of Trustees we presented our strategic direction publicly (Presentation of Strategic Direction PDF). I look forward to continued and growing excitement as more and more embrace the concept of a new Spartan experience here at Michigan State University.

While I was thrilled at the turnout for our Fall Kickoff Event, I am aware that with the event happening just before opening, some of you were unable to attend. We will continue to post information on our Web site so that everyone can be up-to-date.

In talking with several of you, I am reminded that while some of us have daily discussions about strategic planning, many more are sporadically involved, making it much more difficult to see the progress being made. I encourage you to keep asking questions and keep the dialogue going. We are making strides, and as we unveil our strategic plan in October, momentum will quickly build. Many of you have been involved in several lengthy discussions and workshops, and I thank you for your participation. You are making a positive difference.

Upon concluding our Fall Kickoff Event, I posed the question “Who will step up to lead?” I ask you to consider this for a moment. Developing a strategic plan takes a lot of work. Implementing it takes much, much more. It will require leadership of all kinds, at all levels, in all places. So I ask you now…will you be a leader? Can you be the leader this organization needs to truly build a new and Outstanding Spartan Experience? I hope so. Because it can’t be done without you.