I am
BECAUSE WE ARE
THE SPIRIT OF UBUNTU A Nguni Bantu term, the concept of “ubuntu” roughly translates to “I am because we are.”
A NOTE FROM THE
President
DR. JOSEPH A. MANICKAM
If you are at all familiar with Hesston College, you likely understand why the concept of ubuntu resonates so strongly with us. The heart of Hesston resides in relationships modeled on Jesus, who reminds us that we are to love our neighbors (Matt. 22: 37-40) and that our neighbors are anyone in need—even a stranger; even an enemy. As a Mennonite college for all, Hesston will “educate and nurture each student within Christ-centered community.” This strategic plan foregrounds that commitment. From strengthening our existing programs to the realization of an Ubuntu Village, our way of educating and nurturing takes place in community. This is the embodiment of ubuntu. Friends, I invite you to explore our strategic plan and imagine ways you might join us in realizing “the spirit of ubuntu.”
Our Mission Hesston College, a college of Mennonite Church USA, educates and nurtures each student within Christ-centered community, integrating thought, life and faith for service to others in the church and the world.
Our Vision Hesston College graduates change the world as they serve through their vocations, churches, families and individual commitments to follow Christ. Hesston College is a transforming community where students, faculty and staff dedicate their intellect, passion and skill to a future where: Hope replaces despair The poor are clothed and fed The sick are made whole Peace replaces war and conflict Justice replaces oppression Creation is renewed The gospel is proclaimed.
Our Values Excellence • Christian Community • Culture • Relationships • Creativity • Stewardship • Joy • Transparency • Caring
BECAUSE WE ARE Centered ON JESUS CHRIST
At Hesston College, we aspire to be a global community centered on Jesus Christ, where we start a distinct journey toward the healing of our relationship with God, ourselves, friends, enemies and creation, nurtured through an invitation to faith formation and service to the world.
1
Center our lives on Jesus Christ as the interpretive anchor to understanding the Bible, the norm for our ethics and the source of our spiritual vitality.
2
Develop our relationships in community by breaking down barriers and practicing a daring humility that retains our Anabaptist identity and includes others.
3
Commit ourselves to intentional faith formation, including the practice of nonviolence, prayer, mutuality, service and joy.
4
Develop leaders shaped by a Gospel ethic.
5
Seek mutual and respectful partnerships within and beyond MC USA, as we aspire to be the Mennonite College for all.
ASPIRATION 1
GOALS
BECAUSE WE ARE Dedicated
TO EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
At Hesston College, we aspire to be a global community dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning, where innovation, collaboration and individualized experiences prepare students to meet personal and professional goals.
1
Develop and articulate the unique characteristics that make Hesston College students distinct.
2
Identify common distinctions and innovative student experiences that will further develop our certificate, associate and bachelor's degree programs.
3
Create a collaborative system to gather data about student success following graduation that will measure and improve excellence within programs and market Hesston College to prospective students.
4
Examine, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of best practices in teaching that uphold the Hesston Experience across delivery platforms.
ASPIRATION 2
GOALS
BECAUSE WE ARE Engaged
THROUGH MUTUAL RESPECT
At Hesston College, we aspire to be a global community engaged through mutual respect, where diverse stories, experiences and perspectives are honored in authentic relationships.
1
Seek to discover the image of God in everyone we meet to become a rich community of interconnected diversity.
2
Actively listen with curiosity, seeking to understand the experiences and perspectives of others.
3
Speak with honesty, humility and vulnerability as we share our experiences and perspectives with others.
4
Act with compassion and grace, honoring the dignity of ourselves and others.
ASPIRATION 3
GOALS
BECAUSE WE ARE Devoted
TO CREATION CARE
At Hesston College, we aspire to be a global community devoted to Creation Care, where our physical and virtual spaces are welcoming, safe, accessible and environmentally sustainable.
1
Create a campus master plan that enables the realization of Vision 2025, while also intentionally reducing the campus carbon footprint.
2
Conduct a full audit of our campus safety practices and procedures, as it applies to both our indoor and outdoor spaces, in an effort to incorporate the needed enhancements that keep our students, faculty and staff safe, healthy and secure.
3
Audit spaces with the lens of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in an effort to better welcome and serve our students and guests, while also showcasing the institutional value of sustainability and all the Hesston Experience has to offer.
4
Ensure each student has equal access to the technology and space they need for educational purposes, community building and connection with nature.
5
Devise a strategy for updating our housing options for students that addresses not only the preferences of young people today, but also their need for connection with the natural world.
ASPIRATION 4
GOALS
BECAUSE WE ARE Energized BY GROWTH
At Hesston College, we aspire to be a global community energized by growth, where academic development, increased enrollment, financial stewardship and institutional partnerships lead to long-term viability.
1
Embed institutional values into messaging in an effort to ensure a focused strategy for describing and delivering the student experience.
2
Assess enrollment capacity and establish plans and strategies towards capacity achievement.
3
Establish a culture of external engagement that encompasses each area of the college in partnership with the marketing and communication department.
4
Tangibly launch the research and development features of Vision 2025, which is focused on creating and refining growth initiatives for the institution.
5
Increase endowment through targeted and strategic growth initiatives.
ASPIRATION 5
GOALS
BECAUSE WE ARE Integrity BUILT ON
At Hesston College, we aspire to be a global community built on integrity where faculty, staff, administration and board members are engaged in the constant improvement of transparent leadership, communication, mutual accountability and employee development.
1
Nurture a campus culture that encourages and motivates all employees to participate in continuous learning that supports and reflects the mission and values of Hesston College by communicating opportunities for participation and funding resources.
2
Welcome new employees and Board members with an onboarding experience that communicates the mission, message and operational structure of Hesston College and equips them with the resources necessary to fulfill their responsibilities as a valued part of the Hesston College community.
3
Seek out and foster relationships with alumni, constituents and other external individuals and organizations, building a mutually beneficial network of constituencies engaged with the Hesston College mission.
4
Increase collegial transparency and accountability by initiating specific formal and informal campus-wide employee communication systems that ensure timely and thoughtful information sharing and promote community.
ASPIRATION 6
GOALS
www.hesston.edu/strategic-plan
301 S. Main
•
Hesston, KS 67062
•
www.hesston.edu
•
620-327-4221