Pittsburg State University is rolling out a new strategic plan called “Access PITT State,” a plan aimed at simplifying campus operations and strengthening student success.
University President Thomas Newsom said the plan builds on a previous strategic plan but focuses on making it easier to actually put into action.
“It was a great plan… but it was just a little clunky with implementation,” Newsom said. “So, we took that plan, and we really just distilled it down into one page.”
According to Newsom, the goal of Access PITT State is to better use university resources to support students and the region.
“In simple terms, really what it is, is it’s a plan for us to become a university that really just capitalizes on all of our resources to be a driver for student success, for community success, for regional success and state success.”
A major focus of the initiative is preparing students for life after college by giving them more real-world experience during their time at Pitt State.
“I’m a true believer in the best way to prepare students for successful futures and careers is to put them in real world situations,” Newsom said.
Newsom explained that the plan will also rely on campus wide involvement, with departments and student groups working toward shared goals.
“We’re asking every department, every college, every individual who may be interested in developing one strategic initiative that they can achieve in one year that will support Pitt State’s Access plan.”
Students may also notice more collaboration across campus as departments and organizations work together under the new plan.
“I think what it’s gonna also mean for students is they’re gonna see a lot more collaboration across campus and a lot more ability for us to be a university that doesn’t operate in silos,” Newsom noted.
The plan includes a goal of increasing enrollment by 700 students over five years, which would generate about $6 million in additional revenue.
“That $6 million is not targeted toward anything other than helping us combat inflation and cost increases and maintain the level of service and support that we give our students,” Newsom explained.
Newsom also clarified that focusing on high-demand programs does not mean other programs will be left behind.
“It doesn’t mean we’re going to leave those programs behind… we’re just going to support areas that have immediate growth potential.”
Newsom emphasized that the initiative is ultimately centered on student outcomes, both during and after college.
“Our true only metric of success as a university is what our students do when they leave us.”