Administrators like plan's comprehensiveness

By Laura Pelner
Campus Editor

Despite concerns earlier this semester that Purdue's strategic plan was too science, technology and engineering focused, University administrators are looking forward to implementing the plan and seeing its results.

In September, when the plan was in the draft stages, the vision stated Purdue would become preeminent by leading "the world in basic and applied sciences and engineering along with other technically based areas."

This received criticism from some people, including Margaret Rowe, the dean of the School of Liberal Arts. Rowe said in September at an open forum, which allowed the public to provide feedback for the plan, that she thought the document should be as inclusive as possible. She said that if the wording weren't changed it would create unnecessary distinctions among certain schools.

After hearing comments like these, the task force that wrote the plan reworded some of its components. To that end, the vision now calls for "advancing quality in all areas while leading the world in the basic and applied sciences and engineering."

"I think the plan reflects the fact that all the schools in the University are important and that they all will be assisted in becoming better in following the plan," said Richard Cosier, dean of the Krannert School of Management.

Timothy McGinley, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said the nature of the plan is comprehensive.

"Every department, every school is expected to get better," he said. "And there are certain ones who are expected to be world class."

Larry Huggins, associate dean of the Schools of Engineering, said he's happy the plan was reworded because engineering is broader than just science and design.

"We've got to be a comprehensive University if we're going to achieve preeminence as an institution," Huggins said.

Nicholas Giordano, assistant dean of the School of Science, said implementing the plans will change the way Purdue's been run, but that the change would be positive.

"I think this attempt to get better in a quantum leap is very encouraging for all of us," he said.

Within the next year, each of Purdue's 12 schools will develop its own strategic plan to serve that school's interests. President Martin Jischke said the plans would be distinct, but they would all be consistent with Purdue's campuswide document.

"It places a heavy burden on faculty to get to work right now," Jischke said, and he added that most schools have already been working on the documents.

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Campus editor: Laura Pelner

Assistant campus editors: Kurt Esposito, Dave Stephens

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