PHASE I VIKING BOLD 2019-2022
ACADEMICS
OVERALL GOALS: Establish new academic structures and centers that sustain excellence, facilitate growth, and cultivate innovative and impactful teaching, learning, and research in order to provide an education of enduring worth; establish new academic programs grounded in the liberal arts that challenge the intellect while responding to the needs and interests of students. These programs will grow enrollment, diversify revenue and address workforce priorities of the local community and region.
- Established the Sharon Lust School of Education, with Dr. Laurie Daily announced as the inaugural dean
- Established the School of Music, with Dr. Peter Folliard announced as the inaugural dean
- Established the Center for Interdisciplinary Programs and approved two new programs: medical humanities and society, and environmental studies
- Developed and approved the curriculum for the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program, led by Dr. Matthew Volansky
- Approved the MBA program and launched the program Fall 2020
- Established the School of Business, with Dr. Marcia Entwistle announced as the inaugural dean
- Established the School of Health Professions, with Dr. Matt Volansky announced as the inaugural dean
- Approved the Multimedia Entrepreneurship major, which launches this Fall 2021, and established the Midco Media Center
- Enrolled full cohort in the MBA program for Fall 2021
- Secured a major gift for academics associated with behavioral health and wellness and launched
feasibility studies for mental health, school counseling and social work programs - Expanded programming for instructional technology through the Center for Excellence in Teaching
and Scholarship to strengthen the focus of instructional technology integration
ENROLLMENT AND STRATEGIC SCHOLARSHIPS
OVERALL GOALS: Enroll 3,000+ undergraduate and graduate students and provide a welcoming and inclusive environment as different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking encourage learning, acceptance and service; make Augustana’s education more affordable and accessible for more students with innovative scholarship partnerships among alumni and regional organizations while adapting the university business model and operations to ensure financial sustainability.
- Developed a comprehensive student recruitment plan to elevate brand awareness and increase enrollment
- Established impact scholarships to provide fully expendable annual scholarship support
- Celebrated the first graduates of Augustana’s Diversity Advocate Certification Program
- Adopted retention software to enhance effective collaboration among faculty, student success, and student life
- Enhanced the Human Resources support structures around diversity policies, practices and initiatives to reflect institutional commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Implemented a predictive analytics and modeling tool to develop budget scenarios and
sustainable financial plans for the university
PHYSICAL CAMPUS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
OVERALL GOALS: Transform the physical campus to include new and enhanced facilities that serve the educational, spiritual and holistic needs of Augustana’s students, faculty and staff, and inspire others in the community who utilize our campus; transform Augustana into a dynamic digital campus through emerging technologies, excellent connectivity, and best practices in cyber security that serve student learning, enable innovative teaching and research, and support the university’s business processes and overall mission.
- Developed and approved holistic Campus Master Plan
- Established criteria for decision making, setting priorities, and resource allocation to implement the Campus Master Plan
- Established sustainability plan, landscape master plan, campus heritage plan and historic preservation management plan
- Created redundant connectivity and implemented cybersecurity initiatives
- Implemented the Canvas learning management system
- Obtained investment grade rating and secured bond financing to move forward with student housing and infrastructure project
- Completed evaluation of options for a university customized app to enhance communication and engagement with current and prospective students
ATHLETICS
OVERALL GOALS: Recruit and retain exceptional student-athletes to maintain academic and athletic excellence and enhance their collegiate experience through academic and wellness support, community engagement, and service opportunities; transition to NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics by December 2020 to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a higher level, elevate the profile of the university, and inspire Sioux Falls to enthusiastically embrace Augustana University as the hometown team by serving the community and integrating our mission with its needs.
- Launched student-athlete nutrition program
- Created athletic administration internships and programming with an emphasis on identifying female and diverse students
- Implemented new A-Club and season ticket structure
- Strategically pivoted from actively seeking Division I multi-sport conference invitation during Phases 1 and 2
- Completed feasibility studies to add Division II men’s swimming and diving Fall 2021; women’s diving Fall 2021; and acrobatics and tumbling Fall 2022
- Developed financial proforma for men’s ice hockey to compete at the Division I level beginning in 2023 and secured largest gift in Augustana’s history to launch the program
- Piloted biomechanics and performance-based programming with the Augustana baseball program and Sanford Sports Science Institute
To learn more about Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030, and to see the latest updates, visit augie.edu/VikingBold.