By Piya Sarawgi-Fenn ’94, ’02 M.B.A.

Johnson & Wales University launched its current strategic plan, FOCUS 2011, in October 2006. By design, the four areas of Experience, Student Potential, Career Opportunities and the Foundation were closely intertwined. As we enter the fourth year of the plan, meshing of the areas is unmistakable.

In our stories highlighting FOCUS-in-action, affordability, accessibility, retention, recruitment, experiential education and careers are being addressed in a proactive, cross-functional manner.

The interplay among the initiatives demands that university and campus-specific administrators, faculty, staff, students and friends work as a cohesive community to attain shared goals and reap shared successes.

JWU is also giving thought to strategy around the effects of the current economic and financial landscape. The test of a community is in how we work shoulder-to-shoulder to meet and emerge from these unprecedented times. Our mission and student-centric strategic plan will continue to be our compass, and each of you is asked to engage as we continue the work of strengthening our university.

For more in-depth information about the strategic goals of FOCUS 2011, view:
Strengthening the Experience
Strengthening Student Potential
Strengthening Career Opportunities
Strengthening the Foundation

Top: On April 23, JWU marked the ceremonial transfer of the university mace — symbol of academic authority. Celebrants saluted University Provost Emeritus Richard Kosh, Ph.D., center, and his many accomplishments as first university provost. University President John Bowen ’77, right, inducted new University Provost Veera Gaul, Ph.D., ’91 M.S., left, as JWU’s next chief academic officer. This significant milestone is a tribute to the university’s legacy, and heralds the next level of maturity in JWU academics.

Send feedback to focus2011@jwu.edu.