Volume IV: What works, what matters, what lasts

Visions from the PKAL Leadership Initiative

The colleges and universities collaborating in PKAL’s Leadership Initiative have been involved in shaping their vision as a prelude to developing goals appropriate to their distinctive mission and current circumstances.

LI campuses are encouraged to have discussions about “vision” that involve many members of their community in exploring the future of their undergraduate STEM learning environment. Grounded in the institutional mission, these discussions are a means to connect that mission to the changing context which offers the institution new opportunities to achieve distinction. Such explorations of the future connect strategic planning at the institutional level and strategies for developing, financing, and assessing STEM programs. Thus, informed decisions can be made about the appropriate policies, practices and resources that must be in place to realize that future. Carefully orchestrated discussions of vision lead to:

  • a greater sense of community, emerging from agreement of common goals and of the means to achieve those goals
  • an increased level of trust between and among faculty and administrators built on visions of the future that are clearly articulated and communicated
  • more productive use of limited resources: securing, allocating and reallocating time and dollars
  • a visible commitment to attracting, nurturing and retaining a first-rate faculty responsible for building and sustaining a program of excellence.
A Vision from Lewis and Clark College: Adapting to the Landscape of Ideas
In this vision statement, Lewis & Clark College aims to become "a national leader among primarily undergraduate institutions in the education of students and the development of teacher-scholars by creating a community that adapts quickly to changes in the landscape of ideas."
A Vision from Washington & Jefferson College: Science and Math as Liberal Arts
This vision of STEM education from Washington & Jefferson College aims to teach science and mathematics as liberal arts. Included are several specific objectives and goals to achieve this vision.
Mission and vision for the sciences at Brooklyn College
Transforming the undergraduate STEM learning begins with a clear vision grounded firmly in the institutional mission. This statement of mission and vision from Brooklyn College illustrates the power of a driving vision to mobilize a community to dream big about its future, in the context of planning new spaces for science. Brooklyn College is a PKAL Leadership Institution.
Vision for the Sciences at St. Olaf College