University of Idaho Executive Vice President and Provost Torrey Lawrence showcased a strategic plan for the 2021-2022 academic year at an Idaho State Board of Education Meeting.
An emphasis for part of the plan is innovation. Lawrence said this would highlight the research conducted at UI. He showed the yearly expenditures from research, with 2020’s spending increasing to $113 million from $102 million in 2017.
“This contributes significantly to the state’s economy,” Lawrence said. “It allows us to engage our industry partners as well as our federal partners.”
Lawrence said President Scott Green has allocated $3 million to support additional Ph.D. and post-doctorate research. Another part of innovation includes recently developed webinars, trainings and in-person classes to increase creation and learning.
The second emphasis of Lawrence’s strategic plan was engagement, largely through the UI extension offices throughout Idaho. Lawrence said Zoom has provided an increased opportunity to reach students and others in the community.
The third part of the strategic plan is transforming. This part of the plan is focused on teaching students and maintaining student retention at UI. Lawrence said the university understands one of the main challenges for students is finances. He said scholarships will be a large aspect going forward.
The goal to transform also considers graduation rates. Lawrence said there have been steady increases in reaching benchmark graduation rates.
“We’re still trying to improve and continue to see these numbers go up,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence said two of the main goals from the strategic plan is pursuing quality and accessibility.
Sierra Pesnell can be reached at [email protected]
Erin Fanning
Another excellent article by Sierra Pesnell!