VIGO COUNTY, Ind – Building on momentum gained from its Aspire Higher Strategic Plan, approved in July 2016, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has developed and adopted a new strategic plan to move the College forward. President Dottie L. King, Ph.D., publicly announced the new plan, Aspire Even Higher, at the President’s Gala over the weekend on campus.

“In recent years, the College has enjoyed significant momentum,” said President Dottie L. King, Ph.D. “At this moment in our history, we have an incredible opportunity to set in motion our institutional priorities for the coming years. The path ahead will prepare and inspire our students to succeed in and contribute to the broader community.”

The Aspire Even Higher Strategic Plan has three distinctive and interconnected priorities focusing on advancing SMWC in the areas of academics, campus environment and the College’s outreach locally, regionally and nationally. The concepts of spirituality, enrollment and innovation are woven across the three priorities.

One of the initiatives under the new plan is the launch of a refreshed brand strategy including a new brand positioning statement. A new version of the College logo — a circle with the College name abbreviated S, M, W, C, against a solid background and featuring the College’s brand colors— was also officially announced at the President’s Gala.

 

Other objectives and tactics include plans for SMWC to:

Move to university status and offer doctoral programs by Fall 2022

Grow new academic programs to enhance recruitment opportunities and choices for students in an ever-changing workforce

Ensure support for the transition to full membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). SMWC Athletics is currently a member of United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).

Develop a statement to better articulate and strengthen SMWC’s Catholic identity and values

Expand international internships and study abroad opportunities that will elevate student networking and global awareness

Increase diversity of the student population by 10% through international partnerships and regional minority mentoring programs by the year 2025

Develop a Center for Teaching and Learning to promote student-centered strategies that are culturally responsive and engaging to diverse viewpoints and perspectives

Create 5, 10 and 20-year master plans with a special emphasis on improving academic and residential facilities