Kent Barnds

This strategic framework for the Office of Vice President for Culture and Connection outlines a roadmap for inclusive cultural transformation at Augustana College, aiming to cultivate an equitable environment for student thriving and community belonging. It is guided by three core pillars: Equity-Minded Learning & Leadership, focusing on developing intercultural fluency and inclusive professionalism; Institutional Capacity for Belonging, which seeks to transform policies and cultures to support dignity and purpose for all members; and Community Engagement as Equity Practice, emphasizing civic partnerships to advance justice and collective flourishing.

The strategic framework for Augustana College's Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Division focuses on providing visionary leadership and strategic guidance for inclusive initiatives. It aims to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging among all members of the Augustana College community. The plan is grounded in Lutheran values and emphasizes equity-minded learning and leadership, institutional capacity for belonging, and community engagement as an equity practice. Key initiatives include embedding DEI themes in education, transforming policies, and leveraging civic partnerships to promote justice and mutual transformation.

Augustana Forward, an addendum to Augustana 2020, outlines objectives to guide the college through 2022 and beyond. The plan focuses on four key areas: preparing for growth by increasing student enrollment while maintaining efficient cost management; maintaining its position as a best-value college by preserving its strong reputation and outcomes; strengthening faculty/staff, board, alumni, and student engagement to ensure agility and sustainability; and enhancing diversity and inclusion to create a welcoming environment for all students. Specific goals include improving student career preparation (80% of graduating class completing 80% of the Viking Scorecard by 2022), enhancing student well-being, achieving a 90% student retention rate, and increasing the number of employees of color to better reflect the student body.

Augustana 2020 is a strategic plan designed to enhance student success before and after graduation. It focuses on four key areas: Enhanced Preparation (improving career and graduate school outcomes), Integrated Experiences (transformative learning through holistic education), Affordability and Value (increasing access and opportunities), and Diversity and Inclusion (creating a welcoming and equitable environment). The plan aims to improve student outcomes, including graduate school acceptance rates, employment rates, and a stronger sense of belonging for all students. It also seeks to increase affordability, expand access to students from diverse backgrounds, and strengthen the college's financial position.

The strategic plan of Augustana College focuses on prioritizing engaged learning through interdisciplinary, hands-on experiences to prepare graduates as impactful leaders. It aims to maximize student potential by identifying individual strengths and needs, fostering a supportive network to build confidence and provide access to opportunities. The plan also emphasizes connecting with Rock Island through partnerships to enhance neighborhood vitality and create an engaged presence in the region, aligning with student desires and future needs.