Optimism at CSC as new term nears

As applications for admission continue to arrive, indications are the enrollment will remain stable. In addition, a couple of major physical improvement projects on campus are nearing completion and there’s a collective sigh of relief that the string of state-imposed budget reductions appear to have ended.

“We have many reasons to be optimistic this fall,” said CSC President Tom Krepel. “This is the first time in five years that we’re not confronted with a bleak budgetary situation. In addition, we’ve been fortunate in attracting outstanding students and new members to our faculty and professional staff.

“People will also notice important improvements to the physical facilities and the campus infrastructure, including a new campus trail and major renovation to the Edna Work Hall residence facility. I’m looking forward to a great year.”

Admissions personnel report that new student applications from the region are higher than a year ago. They said the applications are impressive in another way, too.

“We won’t have the complete information until October, but by studying the grade point averages, class rankings and ACT scores, this year’s freshman class appears to be outstanding academically,” said Terie Dawson, assistant vice president for enrollment management. “We have enrolled 31 students who were the valedictorians or salutatorians at high schools in the four-state region this spring. Many of our new students also appear to be very gifted in areas such as athletics, music and the other arts.”

Krepel said the high caliber of the incoming students is an endorsement of the college’s programs. He also compliments the teachers, counselors and administrators of regional school systems for the outstanding job they do in preparing students for college.

Dr. Joyce Hardy, senior vice president for academic and student affairs, added that the approximately 15 new faculty members who have been hired will bring diverse backgrounds, experiences and knowledge to the campus, complementing what she calls, “an already dynamic faculty.”

New minors in wildlife and water resources management have been added, and should be particularly valuable to those working in related fields, Hardy said. CSC is also beginning a paralegal program to train assistants for the legal system.

The college will be placing much emphasis on its role and mission this year. It will begin the process for re-accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and start implementation of its new strategic plan, Vision 2011.

Chadron State’s current HLC accreditation runs through 2007. CSC President-emeritus Sam Rankin, now a board of trustees professor of history, and Dr. William Roweton, director of institutional research and assistant to the president, will head the re-accreditation efforts.

Krepel said the process will give the college the opportunity to assess “where we’ve been and where we want to go.” Nearly every aspect of the college will be evaluated.

The strategic plan is designed as a guideline to take the college to its centennial in 2011. Eighty-four activities that were submitted by college departments and units to strengthen the institution have been approved for implementation.

Krepel said he’s impressed by the way the college personnel remained focused on the future while developing the strategic plan during a period of sustained budget reductions.

“Vision 2011 will set the course for both our academic mission and our service functions,” Krepel said. “A lot of emphasis will be placed on bringing the proposals to reality. They will make Chadron State an even stronger institution.”