{"id":378,"date":"2025-08-07T09:51:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T15:51:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/?page_id=378"},"modified":"2026-06-12T02:02:21","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T08:02:21","slug":"priority-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/priority-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Priority 1: Increase the institution&#8217;s creative and research profile and be a top choice for students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-standard-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-standard-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategy 1.1: Deliver impactful academic offerings and experiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-block accordion expandable-group expandable-group-lightblock\" id=\"Strategy1_1\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headinginitiatives\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseStrategy1_1initiatives\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseStrategy1_1initiatives\">Initiatives<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseStrategy1_1initiatives\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headinginitiatives\" data-bs-parent=\"#Strategy1_1\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:15%\">\n<p><strong>Initiative 1.1.1<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:85%\">\n<p>Continually refine the inventory and delivery of dynamic curricular programs to ensure ongoing and emerging needs are met<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:15%\">\n<p><strong>Initiative 1.1.2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:85%\">\n<p>Solidify our reputation as a recognized leader in instructional excellence through enhanced faculty professional development and innovative pedagogies<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:15%\">\n<p><strong>Initiative 1.1.3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:85%\">\n<p>Continuously update campus facilities, equipment, and technology<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingmetrics-indicators\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseStrategy1_1metrics-indicators\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseStrategy1_1metrics-indicators\">Metrics\/Indicators<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseStrategy1_1metrics-indicators\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingmetrics-indicators\" data-bs-parent=\"#Strategy1_1\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Comprehensive portfolio of majors\/concentrations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Undergraduate enrollment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Graduate enrollment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Annual number of on-campus instructional development programs delivered<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faculty participation in instructional development offerings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Funds spent on facility additions\/improvements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Funds spent on instructional technology infrastructure and equipment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingimplementation-committee\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseStrategy1_1implementation-committee\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseStrategy1_1implementation-committee\">Implementation Committee<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseStrategy1_1implementation-committee\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingimplementation-committee\" data-bs-parent=\"#Strategy1_1\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p><strong>Academic Year 2025-2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Amy Aldridge, Chair (Vice Provost, Academic Programs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brian Hinote (Vice Provost, Faculty &amp; Strategic Initiatives)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yvette Clark (Vice President, Information Technology Division)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deb Zsigalov (Associate Vice President, Information Technology Division)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>David Edgar (Manager, Academic Space Planning)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trey Martindale (Associate Vice Provost, Online Learning)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jennifer Vannatta-Hall (Chair, Academic Quality Pillar, Strategic Plan Development Committee)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Michael Federici (Faculty Senate President)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jameson Spray (SGA)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingactivity-plans-and-progress-reports\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseStrategy1_1activity-plans-and-progress-reports\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseStrategy1_1activity-plans-and-progress-reports\">Activity Plans and Progress Reports<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseStrategy1_1activity-plans-and-progress-reports\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingactivity-plans-and-progress-reports\" data-bs-parent=\"#Strategy1_1\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-border-color has-mtsublue-border-color has-fixed-layout\" style=\"border-width:2px\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Activity Plans<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Annual Progress Reports<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/85\/2026\/05\/Strategy-1.2-Action-Plan-2025-2026.pdf\">2025 &#8211; 2026 Activity Plan<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/85\/2026\/05\/Priority-1-Strategy-2-Annual-Report-25-26.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/85\/2026\/05\/Priority-1-Strategy-2-Annual-Report-25-26.pdf\">2025 &#8211; 2026 Annual Progress Report<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/85\/2026\/05\/Strategy-1.2-Action-Plan-2026-2027.pdf\">2026 &#8211; 2027 Activity Plan<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2026 &#8211; 2027 Annual Progress Report<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2027 &#8211; 2028 Activity Plan<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2027 &#8211; 2028 Annual Progress Report<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2028 &#8211; 2029 Activity Plan<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2028 &#8211; 2029 Annual Progress Report<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2029 &#8211; 2030 Activity Plan<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2029 &#8211; 2030 Annual Progress Report<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-standard-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-standard-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategy 1.2: Elevate the institutional research infrastructure and reputation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-block accordion expandable-group expandable-group-lightblock\" id=\"Strategy1_2\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headinginitiatives\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseStrategy1_2initiatives\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseStrategy1_2initiatives\">Initiatives<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseStrategy1_2initiatives\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headinginitiatives\" data-bs-parent=\"#Strategy1_2\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:15%\">\n<p><strong>Initiative 1.2.1<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:85%\">\n<p>Fully support development of new research \/ scholarship focused degree programs<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:15%\">\n<p><strong>Initiative 1.2.2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:85%\">\n<p>Invest appropriately in faculty and their scholarship<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:15%\">\n<p><strong>Initiative 1.2.3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:85%\">\n<p>Adjust policies and staffing structures to support excellence in research and creative activity<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingmetrics-indicators\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseStrategy1_2metrics-indicators\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseStrategy1_2metrics-indicators\">Metrics\/Indicators<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseStrategy1_2metrics-indicators\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingmetrics-indicators\" data-bs-parent=\"#Strategy1_2\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Number of new research\/scholarship programs developed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research-track faculty positions (change)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research\/creative activity funds allocated to faculty<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research and development (HERD survey) funding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Terminal degree research\/scholarship graduates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingimplementation-committee\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseStrategy1_2implementation-committee\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseStrategy1_2implementation-committee\">Implementation Committee<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseStrategy1_2implementation-committee\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingimplementation-committee\" data-bs-parent=\"#Strategy1_2\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p><strong>Academic Year 2025-2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>David Butler, Chair (Vice Provost, Research)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Becky Cole (Vice Provost, Academic Administration &amp; Resources)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brian Hinote (Vice Provost, Faculty &amp; Strategic Initiatives)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Racha El Kadiri (Co-chair, Academic Quality Pillar, Strategic Plan Development Committee)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Michael Federici (Faculty Senate President)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hannah Ferreira (SGA)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingactivity-plans-and-progress-reports\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseStrategy1_2activity-plans-and-progress-reports\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseStrategy1_2activity-plans-and-progress-reports\">Activity Plans and Progress Reports<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseStrategy1_2activity-plans-and-progress-reports\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingactivity-plans-and-progress-reports\" data-bs-parent=\"#Strategy1_2\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-border-color has-mtsublue-border-color has-fixed-layout\" style=\"border-width:2px\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Activity Plans<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Annual Progress Reports<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/85\/2026\/05\/Strategy-1.2-Action-Plan-2025-2026.pdf\">2025 &#8211; 2026 Activity Plan<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/85\/2026\/05\/Priority-1-Strategy-2-Annual-Report-25-26.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/85\/2026\/05\/Priority-1-Strategy-2-Annual-Report-25-26.pdf\">2025 &#8211; 2026 Annual Progress Report<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/85\/2026\/05\/Strategy-1.2-Action-Plan-2026-2027.pdf\">2026 &#8211; 2027 Activity Plan<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2026 &#8211; 2027 Annual Progress Report<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2027 &#8211; 2028 Activity Plan<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2027 &#8211; 2028 Annual Progress Report<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2028 &#8211; 2029 Activity Plan<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2028 &#8211; 2029 Annual Progress Report<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2029 &#8211; 2030 Activity Plan<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2029 &#8211; 2030 Annual Progress Report<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-standard-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-standard-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\" \/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Strategy 1.1: Deliver impactful academic offerings and experiences Strategy 1.2: Elevate the institutional research infrastructure and reputation<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":212,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-378","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/378","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/212"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=378"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/378\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":949,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/378\/revisions\/949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/strategicplan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=378"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}