Quarterly Updates:
Fall 2006

An article from Strategic Directions, Fall 2006, quarterly newsletter:

VISION 2012, Many Paths One Destination

Now that the Board of Trustees has approved Strategic Plan VISION 2012, the question everyone associated with the University should ask is; what do we do to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in VISION 2012?

In her Fall 2006 Convocation address, President LaVerne E. Ragster explained that in order to accomplish the goals and objectives set forth in VISION 2012, UVI must first develop an extensive training program to address professional and cross-functional development. The University must invest in the required technical infrastructure to utilize systems that will optimize operations at all levels of the University. In simpler terms, "Every person at UVI should have the opportunity for training and professional development," said Dr. Ragster.

To begin the initial implementation of a training and enrichment plan, Dr. Ragster has developed a project called "Leap-Frog." The Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands (FUVI) was established to assist the University with developing and identifying revenues to support its mission. A proposal to the Foundation funded the project at the level of $1.5 million to be spent over two and half years. The project will launch this fall. "Leap-Frog means we are going to seek improvements that will take us many steps ahead. These improvements will occur in a dramatic way as opposed to an incremental way," said Dr. Ragster. "It gives the University the opportunity to build its own capacity. We have to value and invest in our human and technical potential."

The audience received copies of the new VISION 2012 brochure and two-year calendar explaining the goals, objectives and priorities of UVI's VISION 2012. "It is an excellent representation of the wonderful process that was undertaken," said Dr. Ragster. All managers will receive a planning kit with all VISION 2012 documents as well as the Closeout Report for the 2000-2005 Strategic Plan.

An integral part of VISION 2012 is the University's core values. One of the more complex core values is collegiality and shared governance. Mutual respect for differing opinions and constructive participation are at the center of collegiality. "It is not about likeability or sociability; it is about working together," said Dr. Ragster. "If we are going to complete VISION 2012, and do what the people of the Virgin Islands are asking us to do, we need to work more collegially." In closing she added, "I hope that all of you will find the time to discuss and come to some consensus about what we require as collegiality here at UVI."

Any employee who still needs a VISION 2012 brochure and/or calendar can obtain them by calling the President's Office at 693-1000 or sending an email to Velma Abramsen.

Download the Strategic Directions Fall 2006 Quarterly Newsletter here. Adobe Reader (a free download) is required to view PDF.