Looking Good

It wasn't as fantastical as a trip to see "the great and powerful Oz" or as intimidating as testifying before a congressional panel, but my first budget presentation to the USG Chancellor and his staff was a little stressful.  Last week, I joined President Linda Bleicken and Business & Finance VP David Carson to review Armstrong' current budget situation and to pitch our funding priorities for FY14.  Although the budget for higher education is far from certain at this point, I believe we made a strong case for how Armstrong has used its resources responsibly and why we should be confident in our prospects for further accomplishments and success.

While we face challenges, we are a strong institution with many opportunities for development.  We are living within our means and making good use of our resources.  We are focused on the success of our students and making strides toward creating new pathways for students to pursue an Armstrong education.  

Our success is due to the commitment and extraordinary efforts of our faculty and staff and, of course, by the hard work of our students.  I want to say thank you to our many Armstrong colleagues who have, for example:

• Taken on new teaching loads and responsibilities
• Undergone training to teach online effectively
• Taken on interim administrative roles
• Served on strategic planning committees
• Expanded hours in student services areas
• Worked efficiently within department budgets
• Participated in important process improvement efforts, such as Banner revitalization, and implementation of new systems like Desire2Learn and DegreeWorks
• Put off personal priorities to contribute extra effort to departmental and university priorities

Just as Dorothy's friends learned they already possessed the qualities they sought, I believe the people at Armstrong have the abilities and determination to overcome our obstacles and thrive, not just survive, in these changing times.  I knew that before last week's trek to Atlanta, but it was nice to have that confidence reinforced by feedback from the Chancellor and his staff.  Proud to be a Pirate!

Have a great week,

Carey