William Baldus

The strategic plan for Metro State University is designed to align the university's goals with the needs of its community through a deliberate and inclusive process. The plan focuses on student success, high-quality education, innovation, strong partnerships, respect, equity, and inclusion, and institutional effectiveness and stability. Key outcomes include increasing degree completion, enhancing learning experiences for post-traditional learners, fostering innovative teaching practices, building strategic partnerships, promoting equity, and improving institutional efficiency.

The Metro State University Alumni Association Board meeting included updates from the Advocacy and Membership Committees, discussions on the Week of Service and Commencement Expo, and a Foundation Board meeting update. The board discussed strategic planning, focusing on increasing alumni engagement, identifying a signature alumni-led engagement initiative, and establishing clear timelines and roles. Ideas were brainstormed to enhance alumni engagement and giving, including content for the buzz magazine, multiple ways of making gifts, incentives for donations, a TikTok channel, and various events. The next steps involve a survey to prioritize these ideas for execution.

The Alumni Association Board Meeting included discussions on legislative updates affecting higher education, such as the amendment to the mission statute allowing Metro State to offer an applied doctorate in cyber security, and potential tuition increases. Summer and fall enrollment trends were positive, but concerns were raised about the federal government's proposed changes to Pell Grant eligibility and risk-sharing plans. Updates were provided on the Advocacy Committee, Foundation Board, and Membership Committee, including potential new board members. The board also discussed officer nominations, the Commencement Expo, the Alum of the Year voting, fiscal year giving, volunteer appreciation, and plans for an end-of-year playlist. Upcoming events and the FY26 meeting schedule were also reviewed.

The 2025-2029 Strategic Plan for Metro State University focuses on transforming lives by advancing inclusive excellence and social mobility. Key priorities include empowering student success and equity through tailored support systems and innovative instruction, embedding equity, inclusion, and anti-racism principles throughout the university, strengthening institutional resilience and financial sustainability, and developing a comprehensive community engagement strategy to address local and regional needs.

The meeting included a university update covering a visit from the Deputy Director of the Office of National Cyber Security at the White House, a $2.5 million grant award, the annual Metro State Votes campaign, the Model Legislature program, fall enrollment increase, the Management Education Center remodeling, and the development of the Alumni Board's strategic plan. Future meeting locations were confirmed. The Board Expectations and Responsibilities document was updated. The Membership Committee update included plans for Zoom listening sessions. Foundation Board updates included investment income, conflict of interest discussion, Rise to Shine fundraiser update, and board recruitment. The Fall Retreat plans were reviewed, including discussion topics on alumni engagement, vision definition, and goal setting. Volunteer opportunities and Give to the Max Day initiatives were discussed. An Advocacy Workshop and FY25 events were also mentioned.