The University of the Virgin Islands has plotted its course for the next few years with a new 5-year strategic plan titled "Pathways to Greatness," which is scheduled to be launched with activities on three islands. The public is invited to attend launch events at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, in the St. John Academic Center; at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, in the Great Hall on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix; and at 1 p.m. in the Administration and Conference Center on the St. Thomas Campus.

UVI President Dr. David Hall called the plan "bold" and "ambitious," as its 50 performance goals and 96 measurable objectives are far-reaching.

"UVI's new strategic plan, 'Pathways to Greatness,' is a bold and ambitious declaration by the University that it will achieve great things despite the challenges we face," Dr. Hall said. "The plan will be our guiding light for the next five years. This light will brighten our pathways to success and greatness in regards to the students we produce, the facilities we build, the quality of research and teaching we cultivate, and the safe and humane work environment we facilitate," Dr. Hall continued.

The plan is divided into six areas of focus - Academic Quality and Excellence, Student Development and Success, Community Engagement and Globalization, Modern and Safe University Environment, Organizational and Human Development, and Financial Sustainability and Growth.

Among the plan's 50 performance goals, one states that, "UVI will produce graduates who are academically excellent, globally sensitive, entrepreneurially focused, emotionally and spiritually balanced, and committed to serving the world." Another goal calls for the University to explore the feasibility of establishing a School of Medicine. Other goals aim to develop and implement UVI's first Ph.D. program, and direct that UVI serve as a resource to the Virgin Islands in addressing critical community issues - such as crime, gang violence and economic development.

"I encourage the public to come and see what their University is attempting to accomplish. I believe they will be inspired by our dreams and our goals for UVI," said Dr. Hall. "The public will learn a lot and see how some of their concerns are being addressed. I also hope that in the future more of them will invest in this wonderful plan for the future," Dr. Hall added.

"Pathways to Greatness" was developed over the course of two years with input from UVI's internal and external stakeholders. "It was a classic example of shared governance as all university stakeholders engaged in rigorous work guided by a planning task force," said Special Assistant to the President Dr. Haldane Davies. "This is not only a plan that speaks to the future of the University, but also one that focuses on responding to the needs of the community," Dr. Davies said. The strategic plan was approved by the UVI Board of Trustees in June.

For more information about UVI's Strategic Plan "Pathways to Greatness" call the Office of the President at (340) 693-1000 or visit http://strategicplan.uvi.edu.