Designs for Distinction
2004 - 2009 Strategic Plan
Message from ARCC President, Patrick M. Johns
Dear Friends of Anoka-Ramsey Community College,
In his poem, "The Road Not Taken", Robert Frost
wrote about two roads, one of which “made
all the difference.” Your community college
is embarking on two roads – we’re taking
both, confident that both will make “all the
difference” to
our students and the community. Those roads
are institutional distinction and increased collaboration.
One road provides programs unique to ARCC,
while
the other road provides programs
resulting from collaboration with other
institutions. Both roads serve students. |
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While distinction and collaboration may sound oxymoronic, both are necessary pathways to provide access and increase efficiencies. The college already enjoys a distinct reputation for excellent teaching and learning, especially in popular programs such as liberal arts, transfer curriculum, nursing, biomedical, and computer networking. The college also enjoys collaborative relationships with many institutions, including St. Cloud State University, Metropolitan State University, the University of Minnesota-Duluth, North Hennepin Community College, St. Cloud Technical College, and Anoka Technical College, to name a few. However, ARCC is embracing the opportunity to advance both its distinct and collaborative programs!
To map our journey, the college community has updated its strategic plan. During a six-month planning process, the college involved more than 300 community members, business and industry partners, alumni, K-12 school administrators and counselors, members of ARCC’s foundation boards and advisory committees, students, faculty, and staff in conferences, focus groups, and personal interviews. Participants affirmed the validity of ARCC’s existing vision, mission, values, and institutional goals developed during the college’s 1996-1998 planning process. From this year’s process emerged six strategic objectives – the result of valuable input from you and others whom the college serves. The strategic plan, Designs for Distinction, calls for ARCC to constantly seek input, evaluate research and programs, and implement programmatic changes that reflect community, workforce, and internal needs. Sometimes the changes will strengthen the college’s uniqueness, while other times, the changes will strengthen collaboration. But all will benefit students.
Developing articulate, responsible, critical, creative thinkers and contributors to the community is what ARCC
is all about. To that end, the college will embrace opportunities – including the challenging ones – to help our students reach their educational, career, and personal goals. Designs for Distinction will be our map.
If you were involved in the process that led to this map, thank you for your valued input. Your continued
participation is invited so that Designs for Distinction remains dynamic, our mission is realized, and the
community and students are served!
Patrick M. Johns, President
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Testimonials
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Anoka-Ramsey Community College was still new in 1969, and so was I. My two years at ARCC gave me not only an excellent start on my post-high school education, but also an opportunity to develop my leadership skills through a Student Senate VP role, singing in the college choir, and performing on stage. Today, I am a successful business owner with an advanced degree, a published columnist, an active volunteer on state and regional boards, and a sought-after keynote speaker. |
ARCC was the start that helped me become the woman I am today. ARCC prepared me well for my road to success, so I am confident their strategic plan will help future students reach their goals too!
Colleen Watson, CEO and Founder Career Professionals, Inc. |
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Students from Anoka-Ramsey Community College are a strong testimony to the college's mission and the quality of its faculty and staff, plus the high importance ARCC plays in the region's medical technology and health care industry. Anoka-Ramsey consistently leads in the development of highly focused programs that supply well trained and highly motivated workers. |
Don Gerhardt, President and CEO Medical Alley |
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