Esteemed Colleagues and Stakeholders:
At Kent State University, one phrase says it all: Students First.
This is our mantra and our call to action. It is how we measure our success and how we identify opportunities to improve. It frames our reflections every day on whether we are making a difference in servicing our students and community.
In May 2022, Students First was affirmed as our top priority yet again as the university launched Flashes Together: Our Strategic Roadmap to a Distinctive Kent State. As a result, the timing was ideal for the Division of Finance and Administration to embark on a stakeholder inclusive strategic planning process of its own to ensure alignment of our collective resources and the focusing of our collaborative energies to the successful delivery of the university’s strategic plan.
Our Division’s new strategic plan for Fiscal Years 2024 through 2026 has one common goal under which all objectives, strategies and tactics are organized:
Ensure a culture of continuous improvement and the careful and responsible management of university resources and infrastructure in a safe and secure environment.
It is not by coincidence that our goal happens to be Priority #6 of the university’s strategic plan whose focus is Organizational Sustainability. The alignment is clear, intentional and it is with great pride that we take ownership of this important strategic priority. It is evidenced by the work of our team, every day, to ensure our facilities are pristine, students and customers are offered the highest levels of customer service, our financial practices are accurate and compliant, and that our community feels safe.
The planning effort has now concluded, yet the real work is now at hand. We look forward to engaging with all of you on the important initiatives that are detailed in this plan and to sharing the results of our success – as Flashes Together!
Sincerely,
The Division of Finance and Administration Leadership Team
Mark M. Polatajko, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration
Jeannie Reifsnyder, Senior Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration
Connie Hawke, Associate Vice President for Compliance, Risk Management and Real Estate
Doug Pearson, Associate Vice President for Facilities Operations and Planning
Sarah Gampo, Director of Internal Audit
Dean Tondiglia, Director of Public Safety
Peta Denno, Assistant to an Executive Officer
