CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Cleveland State Community College seeks to expand academic programming and engage innovative technology and teaching concepts in the classroom as part of its "Cleveland State 2020 Community First Plan."
"It honors our past while boldly looking into the future," said Cleveland State President Bill Seymour.
On Thursday, Seymour presented plan highlights to an audience of faculty, staff, students and community stakeholders.
He described the "intentionally inclusive" plan as one that was "uniquely developed by the community for the community."
The college will continue to serve as a source for workforce training and development in partnership with the business and industrial community, Seymour said.
A number of objectives will dovetail as part of that goal, including new or expanded programs for advanced manufacturing, agriculture and health sciences, and a strong campus presence outside of Bradley County.
The five-year strategy calls for Cleveland State to firmly establish its Athens Center in McMinn County as a northern hub, both "physically and programmatically," Seymour said.
In addition to this, talks are under way to re-establish the college's Monroe County training center, he said.
The proposed Athens Center growth was praised by Sherry Crye, director of workforce development for the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, who played a role in creating the Community First Plan.
"The Chamber of Commerce does support this community plan because we see how ... we can work together with them in areas such as workforce development and enhancing the workforce and manufacturing opportunities here in Cleveland and Bradley County," said Crye.
Proposed renovations to the main Cleveland campus include a new building, Seymour said. The last new facility on campus was built in 1974.
Student retention and goal-driven achievement also are key goals of the plan, he said.
The objective is not to become the biggest college, he said, but one where quality weighs more heavily than size. He cited the need to increase the student body above 4,000 students, increase high school dual enrollment and continue to embrace a modern learning environment.
Bo Marshall, a Cleveland State pre-health student, said he liked the plan's attention to dual enrollment opportunities that would allow students "who are very driven" to graduate high school with an associate's degree already in hand.
Special attention will be given to Cleveland State's 50th anniversary during the 2016-17 school year, Seymour said.
The Community First Plan calls for increased visibility through alumni and community events, and the anniversary will play a key role in that, he said.
Cleveland State will "power our plans" through efficient financial management and a five-year "comprehensive campaign" to raise $20 million, including funds brought in for scholarships, endowments and grants, Seymour said.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.