Dear faculty and staff at Regional Campuses,
Here we are already in the middle of October! Thanks for all of the hard work you are doing with our current students, and with getting people ready for spring semester as well.
I am sending this message to share some information about the latest developments and initiatives within the Regional Campus System. As we move forward, our collective efforts are instrumental in shaping a bright future for all of the Kent State campuses and the students we serve.
The Regional Campus System mission remains steadfast: to transform lives by providing access and opportunity to Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania residents. We understand the challenges our students face, and we are here to make excellent education accessible to them.
As the educational landscape evolves, we must adapt to meet the needs of our diverse student population. The phrase, “Every system is perfectly designed to get the result that it does,” serves as a reminder that we, too, must evolve with the times. We face challenges, such as: increased demand for practical, short-term learning experiences directly tied to workplace needs; calls for greater flexibility in learning; an increasingly diverse student body; and rising competition from online education providers.
Now, we are poised to make some changes — and the journey to this point has involved considerable effort. Since January, an Ad Hoc Think Tank, comprised of faculty representatives from every Regional Campus, met regularly, discussing developments and making themselves available to colleagues. In the past week, we have reported back to each regional campus Faculty Council about the Think Tank’s work, asking for their feedback.
Additionally, campus deans and I continued discussions that also started last spring about the Regional Campus System’s mission, goals, objectives, and image of the future. Faculty councils have also been asked to provide feedback about the way we articulated those. Our shared vision of success is built on holistic support, effective learning, collaboration, and a culture of care, all leading to successful completion of a degree or another type of credential for our learners.
Thank you to all of our faculty, staff, and administrators who have contributed to these conversations.
In the coming weeks, I hope to see you all at the Regional Campus System Update meetings that will take place on Nov. 3, Nov. 7 and Nov. 9 at each campus. During those meetings, the campus dean and I will provide some additional updates on initiatives as well as answer questions. I hope each of you will be able to attend.
As we embark on this journey of transformation, we will continue to keep you informed and engaged in the process. I invite you all to visit our online hub of information: www.kent.edu/regional-campuses/reimagined.
This webpage will be your go-to resource for staying informed about the latest developments and discussions within the Regional Campus System. We encourage you to check back regularly, as this dynamic platform will provide a comprehensive source of ongoing information and engagement opportunities.
Thank you for your commitment to the success of our students and our Regional Campus System. Together, we will make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve and strengthen the communities we are proud to call home.
Regards,
Peggy
Peggy Shadduck, Ph.D.
Vice President, Regional Campuses
Dean, College of Applied and Technical Studies