strategic plan 2010-2015southwestern christian university

This strategic planning document is the culmination of many hours of work by a host of groups and individuals. Input was gathered

from students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni and community constituents to secure the most comprehensive, global view of the institution possible. The Southwestern Christian University Strategic Plan lays the foundation for institutional progress which will be made during the current decade and into the future.

As with many higher education institutions, the history of Southwestern Christian University has been infused with trials and triumphs, failures and successes, and moments of darkness balanced with times of great enlightenment. Since its founding in 1946, the concepts of scholarship, spirit and service have been promulgated. Having been founded in the traditions of Pentecostalism, the conservative principles of a Christian heritage have provided a measure of uniformity and consistency which has been both comforting and enigmatic. The desire to grow the University is always counterbalanced by the greater desire to be true to the institution’s mission and Christian roots.

The strategic planning process is a continuous one. It should be an ever-changing process which allows the institution to be relevant to the needs of its constituents. We desire for our strategic plan to be a living document which enables us to grow, to transform as needed, to become more than we are, to be a liberal arts institution which will thrive because of our ability to adapt…yet maintaining the firm foundation of our Pentecostal, Christian heritage.

Message from the president

This Strategic Plan has been developed in conjunction with our current North Central Association/Higher Learning Commission self-study process. This allowed for the plan to be significantly influenced by our “S.W.O.T.” analysis of internal and external strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. As a result of these assessments, the university’s mission statement has been updated and new goals and objectives have been identified. Each department is in the process of defining and redefining specific actions which will be taken to meet the goals and objectives set forth in the plan.

As defined in our mission statement, our focus has always been…and will continue to be…educating students who will serve their God, serve their communities, and serve their fellow man. We desire to be an institution which will continually accomplish this goal, while providing an outstanding liberal arts education in a caring and nurturing environment.

I would like to express my appreciation to Dr. Reggies Wenyika, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, who served as the “shepherd” for the process, to Linda Garrett, Professor of Business, who chaired the Strategic Planning Committee and conducted many of the individual interviews and focus groups, and to the countless students, staff and faculty members who participated cooperatively in the process, allowing for the gathering of the necessary data. This data-driven approach allowed us to identify our strengths and weaknesses, and enabled the committee to forge ahead with a definitive plan.

It is our desire that this plan will serve as a pathway…a template which will provide guidance for the next five years, but, more importantly, lay the groundwork for a bold and vibrant future for Southwestern Christian University in the 21st Century.

Blessings,

Dr. Ed Huckeby, President

executivesummary

Southwestern Christian University enters 2011 with momentum ignited by increasing enrollment. This momentum is captured by the development and implementation of a strategic plan. The strategic plan that will guide our forward motion contains the university’s mission, core values, goals and objectives. The strategic planning process offers to the Board of Regents, faculty, staff, students, and community an opportunity to review the university’s mission and commitments and revise them, as needed, to reflect changes in the institution and the larger world.

the process

In June 2010, efforts to engage the entire university community in the strategic planning process were made. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, Board of Regent members, and other community representatives were involved. Community representatives included the Chamber of Commerce, individuals from Bethany and Broken Arrow, as well as business leaders. Input into the strategic plan was sought in a number of ways, including open-ended one-on-one interviews, electronic surveys, and forum-type groups utilizing the Delphi Technique.

Subcommittees were encouraged to meet to provide input on the internal environments. These meetings culminated in the production of preliminary goals. Further responses to the preliminary goals were solicited from the university committee. The following four areas represent the benchmarks that emerged from the triangulated data.

learningThe strategic plan reflects SCU’s commitment to current and future students. Specifically, the goal of strengthening enrollment management underscores efficient, effective and personable student services. The plan focuses on the need for appropriate faculty, staff, and student opportunities for maximum success.

identityThe plan stresses regional stewardship, community engagement and service. It focuses on the expansion of collaborations and partnerships with business and industry, regional schools, and community organizations. It emphasizes a commitment to maintaining an institution of Christian character and influence.

leadershipThe plan emphasizes shared governance, which contributes to strategic decisions and the alignment of mission-critical resources. The plan addresses the need for an accessible and transparent environment and includes expansion of specific offices in accordance with societal demands for greater accountability and effectiveness.

infrastructureThe plan recognizes that resources are limited and must be leveraged in order to achieve the desired level of excellence and to provide for the ongoing improvement of the university. The plan pinpoints the needs required, within an institutional framework, to secure additional revenue in support of optimal staffing, sustainable technologies, and other emerging needs.

who we are

Southwestern Christian University is a private, four-year Christian university located on a beautifully wooded campus in the Bethany area of metropolitan Oklahoma City.  SCU was founded in 1946 by the International Pentecostal Holiness Church and embraces the Holiness, Pentecostal, and Charismatic traditions.  A growing Christian liberal arts university, Southwestern currently offers an Associate of Arts degree, eighteen Bachelors degree options, and a Master of Ministry degree with six areas of concentration. 

a growing universityAs we move forward with anticipation for growth and expansion, our focus is centered on fostering a quality, holistic, educational experience, personal, professional, and spiritual growth, vital community and church engagement, and a broadened perspective and global outlook. SCU graduates will continue, as they have done for 65 years, to be life-long learners who impact their spheres of life with the truth of Jesus Christ.

Mission statementSouthwestern Christian University is a Christ-centered liberal arts institution equipping students for a life of learning, leadership, and service; integrating faith, learning, and living; and empowering graduates to excel and to positively impact their world for Jesus Christ.

our visionSouthwestern Christian University will be a life-transforming, world-class university of excellence.

core values

scholarshipScholarship at Southwestern Christian University is pursued from the perspective of a Biblical-Christian worldview. The integration of faith, learning and living is central to every academic discipline and is led by dedicated faculty members who are committed to academic excellence, the elevation of critical thinking skills, and personal, spiritual and intellectual growth. SCU is committed to:

Wholistic Christ-centered academic excellence

Embracing change, diversity and emerging technologies to ensure relevance and the establishment of strategic and collaborative partnerships

Research and inquiry in an assessment and data-driven academic culture

Being an organization centered on lifelong learning, social skills and servant-leadership development

spiritSouthwestern Christian University is dedicated to cultivating a Spirit-led environment where students grow in their spiritual relationship with God and their interpersonal relationship with others. SCU is committed to:

Building a Christ-centered community

Honoring our holiness, Pentecostal heritage

Respecting diversity and various Christian backgrounds

A campus culture where His Spirit and school spirit are prevalent and powerful

serviceSouthwestern Christian University is focused on serving both Christ and others. Through the development of servant-leadership, SCU empowers graduates for a life of learning, leadership and global impact. SCU is committed to:

Developing and modeling servant-leadership

Fostering an environment of relevant social- and self-awareness;

Ethics, respect, and integrity

Instilling the value of stewardship in all aspects of life

goals and objectives

learning

Enable effective instruction by providing

the essential tools necessary

Provide experiential opportunities

for students

Provide appropriate opportunities for faculty and staff development

Develop and expand new and diverse degree

programs

Provide opportunities for student and faculty

research

Maintain and enhance assessment programs

goals and objectives

infrastructure

Provide the facilities necessary to

accommodate and sustain anticipated growth

Provide appropriate resources for constituents

Provide appropriate technology to assure

institutional excellence and effectiveness

Provide necessary support services to assure effective daily operations

Demonstrate effective internal and external

communication practices

goals and objectives

leadership

Establish a clear and concise strategic vision

Hire and retain experienced and knowledgeable faculty, staff, and

administration

Seek a diverse population of employees

Provide an environment of transparency and accessibility

www.swcu.edu • (888)418-9272scholarship • spirit • service

goals and objectives

identity

Establish a consistent, recognizable, and marketable brand

Market itself to the appropriate

constituents

Maintain and promote its Christian character

Uphold the Pentecostal / charismatic traditions

Develop and maintain strategic community

partnerships and collaborations

This is MYuniversity.

conclusion

The strategic plan guides Southwestern Christian University’s quest to be a life-transforming university of world-class excellence. The plan reflects our core values, goals, and objectives. The plan’s flexibility and creative undertones enable Southwestern Christian University to respond to the changing structures of global higher education and national economic imperatives. Committed to our heritage and historical identity, our plan strategically aligns all resources for the qualitative and quantitative on-going success of Southwestern Christian University.

Ed Huckeby, Ed.D. President

Reggies Wenyika, Ed.D. Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs

Jon R. Chasteen, Ed.D. M. Ed. Vice-President for Advancement and Development

J. Mark Arthur, M.Ed. Athletic Director

Wallace Hamilton Vice-President for Fiscal Affairs/CFO Human Resources

Jeffrey K. Keeney, Ed.D. Vice-President for Student Development

Gary Burchette, M.A. Lead Professor, School of Professional Studies

Jessica Burpo Executive Admin. Assistant/President’s Office

John R. Chasteen, M. Min. Executive Director, SCU LifeCoaching Institute

Patricia Chavez-Anaya, Ph.D. M. HR., LPC Chair, Behavioral Sciences

Cassie Duffle, B.S. Program Coordinator, Professional Studies

Linda Garrett, M.B.A Strategic Planning Committee Chair, Business Professor

Kasey Gardner, B.A. Director of Public Relations/Sports Information

Harve Griffin, M.S., ATC, LAT Professor, Sports Management/Athletic Trainer

Shelley Groves, M.Ed., M.A. Chair, English

Adrian Hinkle, Ph.D. (Candidate) Chair, Theology and Missions

Marilyn A. Hudson, M.L.I.S. Director, Library Services

Kirk Jackson, M.B.A. Chair, Business

Ashley McCauley, B.S. Financial Aid Counselor

Isabelle Tellkamp-McClung, M.A., M.B.A. Professor, Business & Foreign Languages

James Poteet, Ed.D. Education/Physical Education & Sports Management

Chad Pugh, B.S. Director of Admissions

Lorena Ray, M.S. Program Director, Professional Studies

P. David Roman, M.M., M.B.A. Chair, Fine Arts

Sheri Sherrill Enrollment Mgt. Adm. Assistant

Billie Stewart, B.S. Financial Aid Director

Terry Tramel, D.Min. Dean, Graduate School of Ministry

Teresa Thornton, B.B.A. Bookkeeper

Ken L. Young M.T.S. Professor, Theology & Mission

David Wiggins II, M.B.A. Director, Information Technology

Paul Williams, D.Min. Professor, Intercultural Studies

Wesley Doub Student Senate President

Naomi Bates

Geordan Kanelopoulos

strategic planning committee

Southwestern Christian University is a Christ-centered liberal arts institution equipping students for a life of learning, leadership, and service; integrating faith, learning, and living; and empowering graduates to excel and to positively impact

their world for Jesus Christ.