THRIVE 2022-2027, SouthArk Strategic Plan

South Arkansas College promotes excellence in learning, teaching, and service; provides lifelong educational opportunities; and serves as a cultural, intellectual, and economic resource for the community.

The college has identified six values statements that serve as guiding principles in fulfilling the Mission Statement.

1. Excellence in Education
We are committed to providing students access to a highly competent, innovative, and supportive faculty and staff; modern facilities equipped with current technology; and high-quality academic and occupational programs.

2. Student Learning
We are committed to providing support, respect, and encouragement, thereby enabling students to achieve their educational goals and develop skills for lifelong learning.

3. Contribution to the Community
We strive to serve the academic, occupational, and enrichment needs of the community; enhance its quality of life; and support economic development in South Arkansas.

4. Quality of Work Environment
Recognizing that everyone contributes to the learning process, we value each member of our college community; foster respect, trust, and support among faculty, staff, and students; encourage responsible, creative risk-taking and innovation; and recognize and reward exceptional performance and integrity.

5. Respect for Diversity
Believing that everyone should have an opportunity to learn and succeed, we value intellectual and cultural diversity in the classroom, in the workplace, and in the community.

6. Commitment to Accountability
We are committed to continuous evaluation of our institution to address the needs of the present and to meet the challenges of the future.  

July, 2021

Strategic Planning Retreat held to brainstorm and discuss goals and objectives for the future of SouthArk. In attendance: Planning Council, Deans and Directors, Executive Cabinet

September, 2021

Strategic Planning Community Survey asked for input on goals and objectives for the future of SouthArk.

Fall 2021

The offices of the President, Institutional Effectiveness, and Academics defined initiatives based on results from the Planning Retreat and the Community Survey.

January, 2022

Spring Convocation large-group and breakout sessions brainstormed outcomes and sub-initiatives for the Strategic Plan: THRIVE. In attendance: SouthArk faculty and staff, Deans and Directors, Executive Cabinet

May, 2022

Strategic Plan Internal Survey gathered feedback on the proposed strategic initiatives and sub-initiatives. Participation: SouthArk personnel

June, 2022

SouthArk Board of Trustees met in a special called board meeting to review and discuss the proposed strategic initiatives, followed by board approval of the 2022-2027 Strategic Framework on June 23, 2022.

July, 2022

Strategic Planning Retreat held to brainstorm and define strategies, measuring tools, and targets for the Strategic Plan: THRIVE. In attendance: Planning Council, Deans and Directors, Executive Cabinet

The 2022-2027 Strategic Plan: THRIVE was developed with help from the following:

Sub-Initiative 1: Increase faculty and staff engagement.

Sub-Initiative 2: Improve employee retention.

Sub-Initiative 3: Optimize delivery of mandatory training.

Sub-Initiative 4: Cultivate, encourage, and support open and persistent communication across the institution.

Sub-Initiative 1: Expand outreach regionally.

Sub-Initiative 2: Strengthen connections with businesses and industry.

Sub-Initiative 3: Increase promotion of career services.

Sub-Initiative 4: Diversify community outreach.

Sub-Initiative 5: Improve response to regional work force demand.

Sub-Initiative 6: Increase arts, entertainment, and multicultural opportunities on campus.

Sub-Initiative 1: Optimize facilities, equipment, and resources.

Sub-Initiative 2: Increase funding through grant awards.

Sub-Initiative 3: Increase external funding through the Foundation.

Sub-Initiative 4: Maintain a safe educational experience.

Sub-Initiative 5: Outline a financial sustainability plan for the institution.

Sub-Initiative 6: Optimize utilization of existing technologies.

Sub-Initiative 1: Recruit a diverse student, faculty, and staff population that is reflective of SouthArk’s community population.

Sub-Initiative 2: Increase opportunities for DEI trainings on campus.

Sub-Initiative 3: Promote an inclusive environment.

Sub-Initiative 4: Enhance visibility of DEI at SouthArk.

Sub-Initiative 5: Increase the number of DEI and multicultural activities and events.

Sub-Initiative 1: Improve existing academic programs.

Sub-Initiative 2: Increase transfer opportunities.

Sub-Initiative 3: Increase concurrent/dual credit opportunities.

Sub-Initiative 4: Improve productivity metrics: credentials, progression, completion.

Sub-Initiative 5: Foster economic sustainability of quality programs.

Sub-Initiative 1: Develop, maintain, and operate on-campus housing in accordance with student need.

Sub-Initiative 2: Improve support for students.

Sub-Initiative 3: Increase engagement with students.

Sub-Initiative 4: Maximize affordability for students without compromising quality.

Sub-Initiative 5: Improve recruitment and retention of student population.