After more than
five years in existence, the Health Sciences Alumni group is
approaching an important crossroad. As we assess our operating
environment, we recognize and confront significant challenges which
show no signs of abating, including but not limited to, the current
and proposed state budget cuts. American higher education has become
increasingly competitive, especially in the private sector-alumni.
Across the spectrum, resources are shrinking as demands for services
are increasing. These challenges are surmountable if we face them with
a disciplined and confident plan of action.
We must resolve to create a plan of action to meet the challenges
to alumni affairs to place us in a mission-critical position. Our
five-year strategic plan was developed in 1998 aligned with the
overall Health Sciences vision, taking into account goals of
individual Schools and units. This 2003 revision reflects the progress
we have made with respect to meeting our goals and attaining our
vision, and will define our direction for the future.
National and State issues of the economy and post 9/11social issues
present us with new challenges to change the way we meet the needs of
our alumni and our Schools. We must aggressively look for economies of
all resources, combining efforts and developing new partnerships.
Alumni associations will be pressed to provide more financial support
for programming and personal services and staff will be held more
accountable for efficient use of time and resources.
As Alumni Affairs at the Health Sciences Center moves forward into
the next five years, 2003 will be a year of adjustment and change-a
gateway to a higher level of mission critical service.
