CSC president outlines goals as new school year begins

Park, who became the Chadron State president a year ago, said she waited to spell out her vision for the college until she had become acquainted with and it and the region it serves. She said she determined that the college has a reputation for academic quality that it can build upon.

Foremost, Park said she wants Chadron State to be a “destination campus,” one that is the first choice for area students because it is known for academic excellence. She said CSC should strive to develop “value-added” programs that will supplement the degree offerings. Some possibilities she listed include leadership, entrepreneurship, service-learning and volunteerism.

Park also said Chadron State needs to capitalize on its High Plains setting and make its location a positive. She also said CSC needs to improve or create additional amenities because today’s college students expect such things as high technology support and top-notch fitness and wellness opportunities.

She added that Chadron State must have attractive facilities and grounds because the college, like other entities, gets just one opportunity to make a first impression.

Another goal, the president said, is to increase the enrollment. She said within five years she hopes CSC will have between 2,500 and 3,000 residential students compared to about 1,900 at the present time. She said the college should always be known for its small, intimate environment where faculty and students interact and student services remain first-rate, but said the facilities are available to accommodate a larger student population.

In addition, Park said she wants the college to have 4,000 online students by the time it celebrates its centennial in 2011. She noted that the college has taken several steps to improve its online services and this fall will offer all the coursework for 12 degrees via the internet.

Park also said she wants Chadron State to be “a publicly-engaged” campus that supports regional proposals and programs, utilizing the wealth of talent that is available. Another goal, she said, is low faculty and staff turnover because “people love to work here.”