PRESIDENT'S BLOG - JUNE 2013 - THE VALUE OF CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY IS AFFIRMED FOR US (1949 hits)
Each time we spend several intensive days with students, the value of Cheyney University is reaffirmed for us. Recently members of the Collegiate 100 Black Men Chapter demonstrated what they valued about Cheyney University. These talented, bright, well-mannered, and appealing students conversed with us about their classes, their relationships with specific professors and staff, and they told us their personal triumphs and how Cheyney University is helping them to pursue their American dreams. Moreover, I observed with some amusement how pleased these students were to travel with my husband, to participate in an International Conference hosted and flawlessly executed by members of the 100 Black Men, Inc. For the CU students, this conference offered many opportunities to network, to become exposed to many other successful African Americans, and to reassess personal goals and strategies. There were approximately 1,000 adults, Collegiate members, and younger students in attendance.
As we continue our plans to adjust the University’s organizational structure, it is essential that we realize that students come to Cheyney University for specific reasons—to acquire academic knowledge in specific areas and to learn from us as role models, guides, mentors, and citizens how to become confident, resilient, and contributing global citizens. My observations also suggest that many Cheyney University students choose Cheyney University because they want the small, quality learning environment that we offer with intensive faculty/staff interactions.
As we prepare for the April 2014 Middle States reaffirmation of accreditation visit in April 2014, it is important to remember that the Middle States Association on Higher Education will be reviewing our self-study in which we: 1. Affirm our mission and measurable goals 2. Establish through a strategic plan the conditions (resources, staffing, and organizational structure) in which our mission and goals will be realized 3. Assess the institution’s effectiveness in meeting our mission and measurable goals, and 4. Demonstrate that we are engaging in continuous improvement to continue to accomplish our mission and goals.
Although it is often not as obvious, it is also important to communicate clearly and convincingly, the value that Cheyney University has been furnishing to thousands of families in the Commonwealth.