February 19, 2002

ISU's quest for a unique identity

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Earlier this month, more than 130 Indiana State University faculty, staff and students gathered at a two-day retreat to continue efforts designed to help meet President Lloyd W. Benjamin III’s challenge that ISU become the “best public comprehensive institution” in the Midwest.

The retreat is an outgrowth of the university’s institutional effectiveness planning effort that is being built upon a foundation of information garnered from the 1994 Strategic Planning effort, the 1998-2000 accreditation self-study, the revised 2000 Strategic Plan Update and the 1998 marketing study.

A panel of external stakeholders -- Ken Sauer, associate commissioner of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education; Rep. Sue Scholer, a state legislator representing House District 26; and Drew Furuness, an ISU alumnus and coordinator of guidance services at Merrillville High School – presented information on the challenges facing Indiana, its economy and its educational systems and how the higher education community might help the state overcome those challenges.

Issues detailed included the increased competition for students and the development of the Community College of Indiana system; the need to diversify funding sources; the lack of a positive image about Indiana State University among Indiana residents; and the lack of a unique identity for Indiana State University.

Three potential models designed to create a unique identity or market niche for Indiana State University and their advantages, disadvantages and general appeal were explored in small-group settings during the retreat.

Following the retreat, the Institutional Effectiveness Committee has been working to incorporate the feedback it received into a new proposed model which includes critical aspects from each of the initial models.

During the coming weeks, faculty, staff, students, alumni, community leaders, legislators and other stakeholders will be asked for their input through a series of focus groups and surveys.

“It is critically important that we have input from all of our stakeholders. This is important work which will significantly impact the future direction of this university,” said Benjamin. 

-30-

ISU Public Affairs:
(812) 237-3773 or http://isunews.indstate.edu