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In the first of a series of interviews with university officials about fulfilling the university’s vision statement that guides CMU 2010, we asked President Michael Rao for his insights on the vision’s opening words, “CMU will be
a nationally prominent university … ”
What is the role of CMU 2010 in helping Central Michigan University become a more nationally prominent university?
Since the adoption of CMU 2010 as the vision plan for Central Michigan University, talk of national prominence has escalated dramatically. Many have joined the Board of Trustees and me in our estimation that CMU was already destined for increased national prominence. In order to continue building toward this goal, it is timely and constructive to strengthen our understanding of what national prominence means, how it is achieved, and why it is so important.
National prominence is the widespread recognition of a university as one that
consistently achieves excellence on a national (and international) scale. It can be attained by
raising the bar to high – but achievable –
levels for the university, both individually
and collectively. This requires raising CMU’s standards to levels of national excellence in the areas of academics, research, community service, diversity and global understanding, and integrity. It means challenging ourselves at an individual and departmental level to rise from good to great.
What are some of the ways that CMU
students, faculty, and staff members already are making national waves by aligning their daily operations with CMU 2010 priorities?
There continue to be many accomplishments that help substantiate CMU’s national reputation for excellence. A few examples of the outstanding progress being made by CMU students, professors, and staff members in the spirit of CMU 2010 are:
I. Teaching and learning.
CMU’s 2006 physician assistant class posted the best score in the nation on the first-year
standardized Physician Assistant Clinical Knowledge Rating Assessment Tool Exam, scoring 17 percent higher than the national average. CMU participates in the Collegiate Learning Assessment – a measure of
students’ reasoning and writing abilities – that has shown positive preliminary results of the value of a CMU education. The Department of English houses the national Pedagogy Journal, which outlines college-level teaching methods.
II. Diversity and global perspectives. Thanks largely to a strong off-campus network, CMU ranks first among Michigan public colleges in the number of master’s degrees awarded to students from generally underrepresented groups. We also rank in the top 10 in the nation in the number of master’s degrees awarded to various underrepresented groups, including ranking first in master’s degrees awarded in health sciences to African Americans.
III. Research and creative activity.
Nationally, CMU is ranked the 10th most
productive research university of its size.
We recently received a $1.37 million grant
to develop drug research methods – the
largest that CMU has ever received from the National Institutes of Health. Large federal grants like this are extremely competitive and are a way to demonstrate our national
prominence in research.
IV. Public service.
CMU was one of only a handful of institutions nationwide listed on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll With Distinction for General Community Service. Students and professors alike give hope to many communities in Michigan and across the country through outreach activities.
V. Integrity.
Student-athletes on CMU’s women’s soccer team demonstrated academic integrity by earning the highest cumulative GPA of all NCAA Division I programs in the nation (3.73) while displaying integrity on the playing field, winning the Team Ethics Award for respectful play and minimal penalties.
In your opinion, how can CMU effectively build toward national prominence?
The key to building national prominence is to support the people and programs that strive for excellence, then to promote those
accomplishments and individuals to garner widespread recognition and respect. It is important to remember, though, that national recognition is not an end in itself. The purpose of doing excellent work is to improve the
quality of life for future generations.
Accolades, awards, and media coverage only are helpful if they in some way help to
continue the important work being done at CMU and allow more people to benefit from it.
Why is strategic planning critical to realizing the university’s vision, including the goal of increased national prominence?
Strategic planning directs the future of the university by committing resources to areas the CMU community already has deemed important: the CMU 2010 priorities. This is especially helpful now that Michigan is facing significant budget challenges and a decreasing number of high school graduates. Strategic planning requires strategic thinking to assume financial accountability and to create new ways of operating.
CMU 2010 is moving the university in the
right direction. By striving for excellence and committing to the vision plan, CMU students, professors, and staff are building toward increased national prominence every day. •
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