Athletics Releases Strategic Vision
3/10/2016 4:39:00 PM | General
Letter From Joel Nielsen University Strategic Road Map
Inside The Game Plan Cleveland.com Article
KENT, Ohio - The Kent State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has unveiled its strategic vision, a comprehensive plan that maps out a course for the growing department over the next four years.
The plan contains the department's mission, core values and strategic initiatives, including a wide scope of topics ranging from facilities, student-athlete well-being and competitive expectations.
"This plan will lay the foundation for us to make decisions that will enhance our winning and our academic success for many years to come," Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen said.
The chief matrices of the game plan include:
Six Strategic Goals: The plan identifies six strategic initiatives for the Department of Athletics: 1) Student-Athlete Well-Being, 2) Competitiveness, 3) Resource Development, 4) Resource Management & Operations, 5) Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and 6) Identity & Engagement.
The strategic visioning process consisted of a broad based, community effort that included input from more than 300 constituents and began in October 2014. Committees were formed to look at oversight; mission, vision and core values; and six working groups. In all, the strategic vision includes 18 goals and objectives, 44 strategies and 99 action steps.
There are six key takeaways from the game plan. First, the Department is committed to maintaining the current sport mix. Secondly, there will be a continued investment in the safety and well-being of the student-athletes. Men's basketball will be utilized as the initial vehicle for revenue generation and national distinctiveness. Women's lacrosse will be added and have its first competitive season in 2018-2019. Also, the Department will invest in enhancing its identity and game atmosphere. Lastly, private support will be relied upon to enhance the budgetary aspirations with the intent of minimum impact on University resources.
Earlier this academic year, Kent State revealed its Gold Standard, to improve the all-around experience for student-athletes.
March 9 University Board of Trustees Notes
