Date: April 9, 2010
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC Strategic Plan Update Presented to Purdue Trustees

Westville – An update of the Purdue University North Central Strategic Plan for 2008 – 2014 was presented to the Purdue University Board of Trustees by PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin as part of the Board of trustees meeting that took place at PNC on April 9.

“Our strategic plan is the most valuable tool we have. It guides our decision making and helps us plan for the future,” Dworkin told the trustees.

The strategic plan addresses four core areas: Student Access and Success, Communication and Collaboration, Community Involvement and Resources. The document reflects the current and future needs of Purdue North Central, its students, faculty and staff as well as how it interacts with the community, the state and Purdue University as a whole. The strategic plan includes input from all of these constituency groups.

“We've made tremendous progress in accomplishing our goals,” Dworkin reported. “We continue to move forward to reach other goals that we have established for PNC.”

Included in the strategic plan is construction of the planned Student Services and Activities Complex. That project has been approved by the General Assembly and is currently awaiting final funding approval. The strategic plan anticipates the facility to open in 2013.

The strategic plan also sees PNC playing a vital role in educating the young people of Northwest Indiana long before they graduate from high school. The PNC College Bound program was created to reach out to eighth grade youngsters to attend Purdue North Central and get them on the path to college. The first group of 18 College Bound students from Michigan City and one from LaPorte High School are preparing to graduate this spring and each plan to attend college. These students will also be the first generation college attendees in their families. Students who complete the five year College Bound program, who graduate from high school and who are accepted to one of PNC's degree programs, will receive a full scholarship to attend PNC. College Bound has grown to include students from Michigan City, LaPorte and Portage and is supported solely by donations from area businesses and individuals.

PNC also gives area high school students a head start on their college education by offering dual enrollment opportunities at 27 area high schools. This allows high-achieving students to enroll in upper-division courses in the high schools and not only earn credits that count toward their high school graduation, but they will also earn Purdue University credits that they can apply toward their college education as well.

In 2007, PNC had 127 dual enrolled high school students. During the 2010 spring semester there are 896 students, far exceeding the strategic plan goal of 250 students. It is anticipated that the program will include as many as 1,000 students in the fall of 2010.

The students who take advantage of dual enrollment pay a reduced tuition fee while getting started on their university degrees and the dual enrollment program has saved students and their families about $629,500 in tuition and fees. Students who are on free or reduced lunch can take classes tuition free.

PNC also plays a continuing role in Northwest Indiana economic development. It has fulfilled its strategic plan goal of establishing the Center for Economic Development and Research (CEDaR) which presents regular workshops on various aspects of economic development. PNC also has opened an office of the Purdue University Technical Assistance Program (TAP) which will work with local businesses and industries to solve specific problems they are facing. PNC continues to be a major player in the economic development arena.

Dworkin also shared other PNC accomplishments that have taken place during his 10 years as chancellor:

•  Enrollment has grown from 3,355 students in 2000 to 4463.

•  The number of full-time students has grown from 1,734 to 2,761.

•  The number of traditional age college students has increased dramatically bringing the average age of students down to 25.

•  The ranks of f ull-time, tenure track faculty has increased from 77 to 121.

•  The number of b accalaureate degree programs has increased from six to 19.

•  The percentage of minority students has improved from 7.3 percent to 16.9 percent and has become a more accurate reflection of the minority population in the PNC service area.

 

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