As we complete the 2009-2010 academic and fiscal year, I wanted to take a few minutes to look back at all we accomplished in the past 12 months.  I think we would agree that it was an extremely busy year, but in compiling a list to present to our Board of Trustees last month, I was reminded that it truly was a productive year in the life of the university.

Chancellor Donald J. Reaves

Of course, a major accomplishment was the completion of the SACS reaffirmation.  Under the leadership of Dr. Merdis McCarter, and with the help of a strong team, Winston-Salem State University completed the process with very positive results.  In fact, our Quality Enhancement Plan, or QEP, was cited as a work of distinction.  The “Rams Write” program was well designed and well marketed to the campus.  Additionally, we know this focus on writing in the major will have a positive impact on our students.

The other accomplishment that will have a long-term impact on the university and our students was the completion of our Strategic Plan for 2010-2015.  We already have begun to implement some of the strategies outlined in the plan, but we do have a great deal of work in front of us.

While the pilot program of liberal learning seminars called for in the plan represents an important first step in curriculum reform, I believe revitalizing the entire curriculum is at the core of changing the way we educate students.  I have said it before and I will continue to emphasize that we must change our approach to education if we are to produce graduates who have the ability to be successful in the ever-changing global community in which we all now live.

Beyond accreditation and the Strategic Plan, there were certainly many other positive accomplishments during the year.  For example, we received approval from the UNC Board of Governors for our first doctoral program.  With SACS approval, we hope to begin the physical therapy doctorate program in January 2011.  The development of a one-stop registration process last fall improved efficiency and customer service for our students.  Our continued partnership with Wake Forest University and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center led to an amazing bio-dynamics lab and a neuroscience training cooperative.  And our Centers continued to support community efforts and expand their programs and their influence.

This past year was also a time that saw a great deal of focus on our athletics program.  After the decision was made to remain an NCAA Division II school, we knew we had a great deal of work to do to complete the transition.  In addition to meeting NCAA and CIAA compliance requirements, we had to create an athletic budget to ensure that our expenses were not greater than our revenues.  With the addition of Bill Hayes as our new athletic director, the budget efforts were not just aimed at reducing costs.  Bill and his staff have done a great deal of work to launch major athletic fundraising initiatives and to increase the department’s community outreach as a means of creating excitement and support for WSSU teams.  As part of that outreach, our first football game will be against Virginia Union and we will be playing that game in High Point, North Carolina.

Through so many of our efforts the past year, we have been working diligently toward the future and toward our goals to improve student retention and graduation rates, with a special emphasis on improving post-graduation outcomes.

Yet, we also do not want to lose sight of the portion of our mission that makes us an HBCU – providing access to higher education for people of color.  To that end, we have taken steps to improve the support we provide for our incoming students, many of whom are first-generation college students.  The expanded RAMDITION orientation program increased the support provided to the freshman class.  Through approaches outlined in the Strategic Plan, we will also improve the advising services provided, and we are exploring other ways of ensuring that students will be successful on campus – and after they leave WSSU.

To that end, we created a Dual Admission Program with Forsyth Technical Community College.  Students who are not as well-prepared for the rigors of a college education as they should be can now be admitted to both Forsyth Tech and WSSU, with access to resources on both campuses.  When the work at Forsyth Tech is completed, those students will matriculate to WSSU without the need to re-apply.

These efforts are just a few of the accomplishments that were completed during this school year.  Even though the total list is certainly impressive, we know that the 2010-2011 academic year will require a great deal of effort as we face new challenges and accept new opportunities.

We will continue to adjust our resources, examine all of our options and make decisions based on the direction provided by the Strategic Plan.   While the plan has five goals, each of them was developed with one purpose in mind – the success of our students.  Improving the retention rates, graduation rates and post-graduation outcomes of our students will be the driving force behind all that we do during the new academic year.

As always, I look to each of you to help the university continue to progress and to ensure that we are providing our students with the education and the college experiences that will make a positive difference in their lives.

Chancellor Reaves

This academic year seemed to have been the busiest one I can remember.  We have been involved in a myriad of activities and there have been some major accomplishments.  Of course, we’ve also had our share of challenges to deal with ranging from athletics to the fact we had to cancel the Fall Commencement in December due to inclement weather, perhaps a first in the history of the University.

Yet, as I sat through both our Fall and Spring Commencement ceremonies, I was reminded of the excitement of Homecoming last October, the intriguing conversations we had at the SGA and Honors College dinners, and the pride that we felt at the various events recognizing our outstanding students.

In fact, there have been so many good things happening on campus that I decided to develop a year-end report on the accomplishments and challenges of the 2009-10 academic year.  I plan to report orally at our Board of Trustees meeting in June and then share a written report with all of you.  I believe such an effort will allow us to pause for a minute to celebrate our successes and recognize the challenges that lie ahead before we begin the work of a new academic year that looms just around the corner.

With our new Strategic Plan to guide us, I know there will continue to be a tremendous level of activity in all areas of the campus as we focus our efforts and our resources on achieving goals that are designed to enhance the opportunities for success of our students.  I have been extremely pleased with the work that has begun,   particularly in the area of curriculum reform.  I know, however, that there is still much to do as we work to provide our students with a quality education.  Throughout the summer work we will focus on developing the implementation strategies to achieve the goals that the Plan lays out for the University.

There is, however, one major issue that continues to loom over us and could impact all of the work we are doing.  As the State of North Carolina continues to struggle with its economy, we know that there will be additional budget reductions for the fiscal year that begins July 1.   Our concern at the moment is with the magnitude of those cuts for the UNC system and for our campus.

As you may know we had planned for an additional two percent reduction.  But as the process has unfolded it appears that the cut will be more substantial.  We will not know for sure until the General Assembly completes its budget work what that final number will be.

Given the difficulties encountered in trying to absorb the previous budget reductions, we are concerned that these additional reductions could affect our academic core.  Faculty and staff have put a great deal of time and energy into the efforts to improve student retention and graduation rates.   A significant reduction in our state allocation could affect those efforts by, for example, limiting the number of classes we can offer, increasing the size of our classes, and reducing the availability of much-needed support such as counselors and advisors – all of which could impact negatively the ability of our students to complete their courses of study.

Winston-Salem State University, just like all the other campuses in the UNC system, exists for one purpose – to educate students.  At a time when an educated workforce is so important to the economic development of our community and our state, it seems counter-productive to take any step that puts the quality of that education in jeopardy.

So, the efforts we are making to educate and inform the North Carolina General Assembly are not just about letting them know the impact a severe budget cut would have on the future of our students, but the effect it would have on the future of our community and our state.  Yet, we know the State of North Carolina is facing a revenue shortage.  All logic tells us that there will be a budget reduction because funding just will not be available.

Therefore, we will need to consider carefully how we allocate the resources that are available, and in doing so the activities that support the goals of our Strategic Plan must receive the highest priority status.   We must continue to invest in the university to ensure that our students have access to the classes and the support that they need, that the faculty to teach our students is in place, and that the environment is conducive to learning.

So, regardless of the outcome, our charge is to work together to ensure that we meet this university’s vision of developing graduates of distinction known for leadership and service in their professions and communities.

Chancellor Reaves

Trained as an academic, I am focused squarely and keenly on the academic success of our students and this university.  The Strategic Plan that we recently shared with all faculty and staff certainly reflects my strong commitment to the core academic missions of this university, which are teaching and research.  For the next five years, the Plan will direct our efforts and resources toward supporting WSSU’s highest priority of providing the best possible education for our students.

First and foremost, the Strategic Plan is designed to retain and graduate our students in greater numbers.  That is the business that we are in, and  why the university exists – to produce college graduates.  The Strategic Plan is also designed to improve post-graduation outcomes for our students by better preparing them to compete in the 21^st century’s global economy.

At the heart and center of the Plan is the effort to reform our curriculum, which has not undergone a serious review or revision in more than 50 years.  Currently, we are trying to teach the students of the 21^st century using 20^th century methods.

For example, we ask 17 year-old students when they arrive on campus what they want to be and we require them to declare a major.  We then force them into classes and onto a career path before they have a chance to expand their minds, to learn how to learn, and before they have the information needed to make informed decisions about their futures.  We should not expect students to know exactly what it is that they want to do by the time they enter college, instead, we should expect them to be prepared to do whatever they want to do by the time they leave college.    Our goal is to be sure that they leave Winston-Salem State with a well-rounded educational experience – an experience that will prepare them to be successful in their field of choice.

What we try to teach too soon is subject matter, as opposed to teaching our students how to think.  If they develop critical and analytical thinking skills, while improving their ability to communicate, to speak and to write, they will be better prepared for career options that will certainly change over their years in the workforce.

Recently, I addressed a group of students and explained to them the importance of mastering what are considered the “soft” skills.  I told them that I am sure they realize that the knowledge they may need to be successful five years from now may not exist today.  That is how rapidly change comes in today’s environment.

Our students understand change.  They deal with it, for example, as they constantly update their electronic technology and change the ways that they communicate.  They also understand the need to keep pace with changes in the way that students are educated.   They know that the world around them is in constant flux. and  if they are to compete for the best jobs and for slots in the best graduate and professional schools, that their education must reflect the latest ways of thinking and learning about the world.

That’s what the Strategic Plan is truly all about – guiding Winston-Salem State University in its efforts to be an institution of higher education that is relevant in the 21^st century.

We are excited about this Plan and I know that some of the faculty are excited as well.  This new direction will enable our educators to sharpen their skills and to teach new courses that are tied more directly to their research because, as every academic knows, good research informs good teaching.

For some, as is always the case, change will be difficult, and it will come more slowly.  I understand that.  There are, however, goals and strategies in the Plan that will require the support of everyone on the campus – and that includes the faculty, staff and students.  Successful implementation of the Plan will require that we all assume responsibility for the success of our students.

Chancellor Donald J. Reaves

It is difficult to believe that 2009 is drawing to a close.  Time seems to have gone by quickly, particularly since we have had so much to accomplish this year.

As we look back on the past twelve months, we should take the time to acknowledge the successes we have seen throughout this year and recommit ourselves to the work that still needs to be done. We know our work is never truly completed; striving for improvement is an ongoing process.

In the words of author Hal Borland, “Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” And each year brings us new experiences and new learning situations that provide the foundation we need to take advantage of our opportunities, create our successes and manage our challenges.

For most of us in higher education, however, December 31, 2009 does not really mark the end of a year, only the halfway point. For our students, December brings the end of the first semester and a round of exams. Some will complete their studies this month and graduate on December 18.  I’m sure all of our students look forward to the holidays and a break from their normal routine. And I’m sure we are anticipating some time during our winter break to rest and rejuvenate as well.

Deborah and I certainly wish each of you the happiest of holidays. We hope you and all of our Ram Family enjoy the celebrations, share quality time with friends and loved ones, and reflect on the many blessings we all share.

I also thank you for all you have done during 2009 to move WSSU forward, and I  am depending on you to make 2010 our best year ever.

Seasons Greetings and the Happiest New Year!