Transcript Welcome [www.wcu.edu]

Welcome
Carol Burton, Ed. D.
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies
Douglas R Keskula, PT, PhD, LAT, ATC
Dean, College of Health and Human Sciences
Chancellor’s Charge…..
to undertake an inclusive planning process which
results in the articulation of a strategic plan for
Western Carolina University’s Biltmore Park
instructional site which represents an appropriate,
mutually beneficial vision both to meet the current
and anticipated professional and graduate program
needs of the greater Asheville-Hendersonville area
and to strengthen Western Carolina University’s
position as a cornerstone of economic and
community development in Western North Carolina,
generally, and the Asheville-Hendersonville area,
specifically.
Discussion
1. What are the trends you see in the development of the
region?
2. What does WCU and WCU’s BP instructional site mean
to the surrounding community?
3. What are the most important contributions WCU can
make to the current and future needs of the AshevilleHendersonville area?
Focus Group feedback…
Population
More retires and empty nesters (implications for health care)
Less families moving to the area (related to cost of living and job opportunities)
Livable cities and “walkable” communities are increasing
Sectors
• Advanced manufacturing requires a broad range of skills/technical talent
• Entrepreneurial activities
• Tourism and hospitality
• Health care related to change in opportunities and increase in technical skills
• Construction is coming back (related to tourism)
Attractions to the area
• Recreation/lifestyle
Deterrents to the area
• Increased cost of living not consistent with wages and salaries for much of the
workforce
• Low paying, seasonal positions. Potential exists for advancement with appropriate
training.
Focus Group feedback…cont’d
Needs
Training a workforce as the “old guard” retires
Alternative medicine
Training creative arts/artists as entrepreneurs, business practices
Large non profit sector and need for Continuing Education opportunities
Regulation and compliance training
Climate services
Considerations for WCU
How do we fit with other educational institutions? Collaboration?
Being unique in the area
Non traditional educational opportunities
Become quick to change and adaptable to the situation
Leadership to develop a hub for business related learning across sectors
Stimulate partnerships with other communities/organizations
Discussion
• How should WCU take advantage of the Biltmore Park
location to maximize enrollment?
• How will WCU organize its Biltmore Park offerings,
faculty, and operations with those on the main campus in
Cullowhee to ensure efficient coordination?
• How will WCU ensure that it meets the co-curricular
needs of Biltmore Park students?
WCU Biltmore Park Strategic Planning Committee
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Arthur Salido, Associate Professor – Chemistry & Physics
Craig Fowler, WCU Chief Information Officer
David Brown, Director of Fine Art Museum
Judy Neubrander, Director of School of Nursing
Kellie Monteith, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
L. Alvin Malesky, Psychology Department Head
Lisen Roberts, Associate Professor – Human Services
Mimi Fenton, Dean of the Graduate School and Research
Patrick Gardner, Director of Center for Rapid Product Realization
Patsy Miller, Director of WCU Programs at Biltmore Park
Susan Fouts, Interim Director of Educational Outreach
Susan Swanger, Professor – Accounting
Todd Collins, Associate Professor – Political Science/Public Affairs and
Public Policy Institute Director
QUESTIONS???
THANK YOU!!!!
Discussion
1. What does WCU and WCU’s BP instructional site
mean to the surrounding community?
2. What is the economic impact of WCU in your
community? Other impact?
3. Is WCU significant to a specific company/entity doing
business in your community?
4. What additional professional and graduate programs
should WCU offer to assist the Asheville-Hendersonville
area with its economic and community development
agenda?
5. How can WCU maximize use of the Biltmore Park
location to best meet the needs of students and
residents from the region?
Discussion
6. What are the trends you see in the development of
the region?
7. What are the most important contributions WCU can
make to the current and future needs of the AshevilleHendersonville area?
8. In what areas/issues do you believe WCU and
Biltmore Park may have the largest impact?
9. In what capacity do you believe that WCU’s Biltmore
Park location could be useful in your organization?