He then outlined four strategies to achieve this objective :
• Expand program offerings in niche fields emerging within five general areas of study : health care sciences , engineering technology , business , education and criminal justice
• Maintain lower costs to students by launching an aggressive fundraising campaign
• Enhance online programming to include courses offered through an asynchronous platform that allows students to start and finish at their own pace
• Eliminate any bureaucracy that prohibits the ability of students to access certain programs
He quoted the writer William Faulkner , “ You cannot swim for new horizons unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore .”
President Capehart summarized the thrust of implementing these strategies , “ The approach to higher education in West Virginia has to be reformed to expand access to educational opportunities for all students .”
In addition to expanding current programs and adding new ones , he also announced several steps aimed at maintaining the quality of the College ’ s programs and personnel .
There are :
Bluefield State for four years .
• Salary Increases . Improved financial standing allowed for much-needed increases in 2020-2021 . These will continue in 2021-2022 .
• Good Neighbor Fund . These are monies provided to campus organizations that undertake projects to help the less fortunate within the Bluefield community .
President Capehart concluded his address by returning to his opening theme of different horizons affecting performances and outcomes . He identified a “ fear of failure ” that had become embedded in the College ’ s culture and prevented earlier leaders from trying new approaches to declining enrollments and financial stress .
He recounted the sustained failures of Thomas Edison at inventing the light bulb . Of Michael Jordan being cut from his high school basketball team . Of Abraham Lincoln failing at about everything until he was elected president .
“ While failure is but a temporary setback , not trying due to a fear of failure can keep you in an undesirable situation . It can allow you to atrophy . It can prevent success , rob you of happiness , kill your dreams .”
He quoted the writer William Faulkner , “ You cannot swim for new horizons unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore .”
President Capehart closed urging the campus community to work together “ with a focus on our mission and a bold confidence that there ’ s a bright future beyond the horizon .”
• Professional Development Fund . Loans to faculty or staff to acquire additional degrees or certifications . Loans are forgiven when the member stays at
FALL 2021
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