State of the university
Many students will remember the freshman convocation that was addressed the first week of school. The speech provided a sense of hope, encouragement and direction for the path to a successful future. However, students are not the only ones who need inspirational testimony at GCSU. The faculty and staff on campus were enlightened by the president, Dr. Dorothy Leland’s State of the University address on Monday, Sept. 15. on the stage of Russell Auditorium.
Her primary focus was not the economic heartache the state of Georgia is enduring and how it affects the university, but instead, Dr. Leland’s main campaign was the positive aspect of progress and accomplishment GCSU is proud of.
Leland highlighted 14 accomplishments.
“Any more would be too long; however the categories represent the new academic space programs,” Leland said.
She acknowledged programs such as Early College program, which has helped 165 “at risk students” in Baldwin and Putnam counties and the new GCSU graduate program in Macon, Ga.
The ninth accomplishment, in particular, focused on student diversity on campus. Ironically, this topic has been used as the essay for GCSU applicants in the past. A question many students had to answer when applying was how can you contribute to a diverse campus? GCSU, once being a women’s college, has had to take many strides to become a “diverse campus.”
“Four years ago, we noted declines in the recruitment and retention of minorities.that’s why we began to re-focus our admission priorities,” Leland said.
This is obviously extremely important in creating a well-rounded liberal arts college.
Not only did Leland proudly express the 14 accomplishments, but she also stated the strategic directional
pathway to seeking many more accomplishments. Teachers are encouraged to help students seek excellence beyond the classroom, become respected providers of the graduate programs and initiate fundraising. The purpose was to hopefully encourage the staff and faculty of GCSU as they anticipate what the school year may bring.
“People [staff & faculty] are already doing those things [strategies to success] and I think people will listen to what she says and take her seriously,” English professor Dr. Esther Lopez said.
Leland played on the phrase “Keep the faith,” but instead used the word “spirit” in the place of faith.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Sep 19 2008. Filed under News.
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