College Leaders Approve New Strategic Plan Focused on Community Engagement and Employee Retention

In a pivotal meeting on September 3, 2025, the Southeast Tech School Board gathered to discuss a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at enhancing the educational environment and community engagement. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as board members outlined key strategies designed to foster a culture of trust, improve employee satisfaction, and strengthen ties with the local community.

Christine, appointed as the executive sponsor for the internal goals, introduced four primary strategies. The first focuses on cultivating a culture of trust and accountability, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and open communication among staff. The second strategy aims to bolster employee retention and satisfaction, recognizing the need to keep high-performing employees engaged and committed. A robust onboarding experience for new faculty is the third strategy, ensuring that educators are well-prepared from the outset and supported throughout the academic year. Lastly, the plan addresses operational consistency, highlighting the necessity for clear, documented policies to streamline processes and enhance the overall experience for both staff and students.

Eric, the executive sponsor for the external community goals, presented three strategies aimed at building stronger connections with the community. These include expanding the institution's influence in regional economic development, activating alumni as mentors and ambassadors, and forging strategic partnerships to broaden student opportunities. The board recognized the importance of maintaining relationships with alumni to enhance mentorship and support for current students, as well as to cultivate a donor base for future financial sustainability.

To measure progress, the board plans to implement an employee engagement and satisfaction survey, alongside a community engagement score to assess the effectiveness of their outreach efforts. The meeting concluded with a call for approval of the strategic plan and revised mission and value statements, setting the stage for a collaborative effort to implement these initiatives over the next five years.

As the board prepares to form goal teams and finalize implementation plans, the commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment and strengthening community ties stands as a testament to their vision for the future. The next steps will see these teams convening in October, ready to transform the outlined strategies into actionable plans that promise to benefit both the institution and the wider community.