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WKU's Transformation August 09, 2003 "I hope that as many of you as possible, whether you're new to campus or nearing retirement, share this pursuit of a transformation with me," he said. "I want everyone, whether they are affiliated with Western or not, to swell with pride when they contemplate the widespread impact of the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make up this University family." By achieving many of the goals set forth in its "Challenging the Spirit" strategic plan, Western is redefining the term comprehensive university, Ransdell said at WKU's opening convocation. "There is an evolving responsibility for applied research at the undergraduate and master's level at comprehensive universities," Dr. Ransdell said. "More and more, we are becoming technologically driven and new economy focused. We have a growing responsibility to identify and solve problems in our region, to help business and industry in our region address the challenges which affect our lives." Everyone on campus plays a responsible role in Western's strategic plan, Dr. Ransdell said. "I want all of us to think daringly and execute steadily and consistently," he said. "We will progress while institutions around us continue to struggle. We may not solve every problem as timely as those directly involved might like, but with the right combination on patience and persistence, we will solve most of them and this university will be among the best comprehensive universities in America." Among the ways Western is setting itself apart are the following: *Enrollment growth that is the fastest in Kentucky. Western's enrollment is expected to top 18,000 this fall, another record total. *A successful capital campaign that has surpassed $78 million and $90 million goals. The Investing in the Spirit campaign total will be announced Sept. 19 at the President's Circle Gala. *$155 million in construction projects, including classroom buildings, athletic facilities, residence halls and campus dining facilities, that are transforming the physical look of campus. *Nationally prominent academic programs in journalism and broadcasting, forensics and civil engineering. And a national champion football team. *The addition of two initiatives – the American Democracy Project and the American Humanics Program -- to improve the Western experience and increase civic engagement as the University prepares for reaccreditation from the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges. *Numerous awards and honors, including poet laureate Joe Survant, outstanding Kentucky faculty member Erika Brady and outstanding state alumnus Terry Wilcutt. *Growth in sponsored research. Last year faculty and staff submitted 328 proposals seeking nearly $70 million in support. Of those proposals, 284 were successful and received nearly $30 million in grants and contracts. Despite the success of the past year and the emphasis on applied research, technology and new economy issues, Dr. Ransdell said Western will maintain a focus on providing a quality liberal arts education for its graduates. "Growing research support, growing enrollment, growing private support, physical plant improvements, championships, new academic programs, national awards are all important measures of progress, but these are not of optimum impact unless they significantly affect each of us as members of the University family," he said. "It is not the trappings of success that motivate us, rather the difference it makes in the lives of people in and near this University family." Among the challenges the University faces: *Coping with reductions in state funding. Unbudgeted revenue from enrollment growth will be held in reserve for an anticipated state budget cut, Dr. Ransdell said. *Ensuring campus safety and security. Western will heed recommendations presented by the Campus Safety Task Force, formed after the death of student Katie Autry. *Continuing to enhance diversity on campus, both in the workforce and in the student body. The text of Dr. Ransdell's speech is available online at http://www.wku.edu/news/releases03/august/ranspeech.html.
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