Strategic Plan, 2005-2010
Mission
The College of Agriculture's mission is to
- discover and share science-based knowledge for the development of socially beneficial, economically successful and environmentally sound systems for food and other renewable resources;
- engage communities for enhancing the quality of life; and
- prepare students to become future leaders in agriculture and society.
Vision
Iowa State University's College of Agriculture will enrich the lives of people in Iowa, the nation and the world through excellence in education, scholarship, service and leadership in food, agricultural, environmental and social sciences.
Culture
We accomplish our mission
- through innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement;
- with honesty, integrity and professional ethics; and
- with sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of our state, nation and world.
Core Values
We value
- land-grant ideals;
- a diversity of ideas, peoples and cultures;
- intellectual freedom;
- leadership; and
- excellence in all we do.
Priorities
The College of Agriculture is one of the world's leading institutions of education, research and extension in agricultural, food, environmental and social sciences. The College will use this strategic plan to embody the spirit of the land-grant mission and to build on a strong foundation of excellence -- outstanding faculty and staff; nationally ranked programs; a commitment to innovation and technology transfer; a high success rate in securing competitive funds; a strong reputation for attracting top-notch undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral scientists; an enviable track record in placing graduates in their careers; and a commitment to service for Iowans.
Priority areas and accompanying goals for 2005-2010 have been identified to reinforce existing strengths and pursue our vision.
Education
Strengthen undergraduate, graduate and professional education to enhance students' success in the College of Agriculture and in their chosen careers.
Goals
- Improve the rigor, challenge and international reputation of academic programs.
- Strengthen students' critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, creative abilities and communication skills.
- Prepare students for working and living in a diverse, globally interdependent world.
- Create an environment that welcomes students to explore the variety of disciplines and career paths available in the College of Agriculture.
- Increase interdisciplinary, experiential and entrepreneurial learning opportunities, such as learning communities, service learning, internships, and research experiences.
- Strengthen strategic educational partnerships with institutions in other countries.
- Enhance programs for high-ability students.
- Develop new recruitment strategies to attract students from many backgrounds to the College.
- Partner with K-12 schools and community colleges to facilitate transfer to and student success in the College.
- Enhance services to enable College of Agriculture students find rewarding careers in their chosen field.
- Develop, recognize and reward excellent teaching.
Programs
Increase the number of research and graduate programs that are among the very best -- especially in areas that build on College of Agriculture strengths and address local and global critical needs.
Goals
- Recruit and retain outstanding faculty who are or will be leaders in their fields.
- Increase the number and elevate the overall quality of graduate and professional students.
- Leverage strengths in science and technology to enhance research and scholarly excellence with emphasis on interdisciplinary initiatives involving agricultural, food and life sciences; environmental sciences; and social sciences.
- Enhance research and extension programs in high-priority areas- air and water quality, bioeconomy, genomics, human health and wellness, food safety and security, and rural vitality.
- Improve facilities and support services for research.
- Enhance the visibility of outstanding faculty and staff, research accomplishments and graduate and research programs.
Economic Impact
Translate discoveries into viable technologies, products and services to strengthen the economies of Iowa and the world.
Goals
- Expand the use of intellectual property developed in the College of Agriculture and through the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station.
- Strengthen extension and outreach programs aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Iowa producers, businesses and individuals served by the College.
- Foster an environment that encourages faculty, staff and students to engage in transfer of technology and entrepreneurial activities.
Iowa Life
Elevate the state's appeal as a place to live, learn, work and play.
Goals
- Strengthen partnerships and communications with Iowans to better identify, address and solve problems.
- Enhance the vitality of Iowa's communities and well-being of its people through research and extension programs that help remove barriers to community development and improve quality of life.
- Promote the wise use of Iowa's resources and build a sustainable future.
- Expand learning opportunities for Iowans of all ages.
- Partner with Iowans to strengthen their communities' economies and entrepreneurial capacities.
University Life
Contribute to making Iowa State University a great place to learn and work.
Goals
- Recruit and retain faculty, staff and students who are dedicated to individual and organizational excellence and achievement.
- Expand the diversity of people, ideas and cultures, and nurture an environment in which diversity can thrive.
- Promote conservation of resources and enhance environmental quality.
- Advance the excellence of the College of Agriculture through enhanced connections between the College and its alumni, friends and stakeholder groups.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Vietnam Era Veteran.
