Lincoln College reveals outcome of long-range planning         

[March 02, 2007]  Abraham Lincoln said it best when planning for the future. In addressing the Republican State Convention in 1858, he said, "If we could first know where we are and whither we are tending, we could better judge what we do, and how to do it." Lincoln College is following its namesake's wisdom by creating a new long-range plan with an updated mission statement, vision statement and six goals that support both statements.

The Lincoln College Long Range Planning Committee -- consisting of students, faculty, staff, trustees and community members -- started meeting in the fall of 2006 to discuss the future of the institution.

The group, with the help of a consultant, Dr. Gary Davis of Lincoln, created a new mission statement for Lincoln College:

Lincoln College uniquely empowers students to realize their full potential.

Consistent with a long history of assisting students who desire a more personal educational environment and robust academic support structures, this mission statement highlights the cutting-edge efforts of the college in helping students succeed.

The vision statement, which is primarily used for internal communications, reminds employees of the purpose of Lincoln College. The new vision statement is:

By 2012, Lincoln College will be recognized as uniquely student-focused, innovative and entrepreneurial. Lincoln College will offer a campus community that engages students with opportunities for educational, personal and professional success.

Six goals were established to support the two new statements. The first is a program to help faculty and staff understand how the students of today learn. The second is to update and offer a new curriculum to engage students and improve their chances for educational, personal and professional success. The third and fourth goals will create an effective retention plan and provide a stronger financial position for the college. The fifth goal focuses on upgrading the physical facilities at LC, and the final goal encourages an effective internal and external communication program.

The Lincoln College board of trustees at its most recent meeting in February approved the work of the committee.

Representing the community was Rob Orr, executive director of the Lincoln & Logan County Development Partnership, who appreciated being asked to participate in the process. "Lincoln College has a significant impact on Lincoln's economy, and this plan will help guide its continuing success in the future," he said. "I am especially intrigued by the 'entrepreneurial' vision taken by the college. The potential for exploring new opportunities that not only better serve the college's educational mission but also positively impact our community is exciting for me."

Lincoln College President John Hutchinson said the rapid changes in higher education have prompted restructuring the mission statement. "Every college and university should be engaged in long-term planning in order to accommodate the changing needs of students for today and tomorrow," he said. "In the past, long-range plans in higher education had a 10-year horizon, but with the rapid changes both in society and how young people learn, I anticipate Lincoln College going through the process again within the next three to five years."

[Text from file received from Lincoln College]

Past related article

• Lincoln College adds impact to area economy