As our University’s new president in 2018, I outlined in my first SCSU Magazine message a commitment to building on the good work underway on campus, taking charge of our future and leading St. Cloud State to new heights of excellence, reputation and extending our reach into new student markets. The goal? To become the university of choice for students near and far, traditional and nontraditional. The plan? To create It’s Time, a strategic framework to lead and coordinate a campus-wide approach to reimagining how we serve a changing student demographic with skills that will last them a lifetime.
Five years later, I’m delighted to report exciting progress in these efforts. Our It’s Time approach has successfully helped us evolve and reach greater numbers of students as a campus community that is bold, innovative and focused. We have accomplished our first year-to-year student enrollment increase since 2015. Our enrollment numbers were up significantly over last fall in every key demographic category. We are more than 10,000 Huskies strong!
Our It’s Time framework has contributed to these positive enrollment trends. Through this redefinition of how we operate, and despite the setbacks and upheaval of an unprecedented pandemic, we have continued to build on our academic distinctions, support teacher-scholars and individualized success of our students and extend our regional reach.
We could not have accomplished these intentional planning and implementation efforts without the ingenuity, creativity, hard work and dedication to student success of our incredible faculty, staff and administrators and all the committed, hard-working professionals who are involved in making our campus a welcoming, stimulating environment.
I also can’t say enough about the quality and character of our students who amaze us with their enthusiasm for learning and discovering their own potential for becoming the thinkers, doers and leaders who take on the challenges and opportunities of generations to come. They inspire us to continue making St. Cloud State University the best we can be.
In this issue of the SCSU Magazine, you will find stories about some of the programs that are supporting our students in greater numbers as they strive to achieve their hopes and dreams of having a wonderful college experience, fulfilling their potential and taking their careers to the next step.
Our feature about the positive aspects of living in a St. Cloud State residence hall are sure to take many of you who are alumni back to the days when you first arrived on campus, found the room that was to be your home for your freshman year and discovered how new friends from different places could enrich your view of the world and of your future. Then and now, living on campus can be a turning point in student life and the beginning of lifelong friendships that never would have happened without that on-campus living experience.
The article about the impact the online MBA program is having on graduates’ professional lives and satisfaction with their experience is reflected in the 350 percent enrollment growth in this great program, as well as the enthusiastic support from those who have benefited from it.
The advancements and enhancements we continue to make in our academic and support programs are aimed at helping us achieve our mission of preparing all our students to succeed in life and in the careers they will have.
We have so much to celebrate, and celebrate we did at this year’s joyous Homecoming 2023 events. In this issue see the images and stories about our vibrant week that pulled out all the stops as we honored traditions old and new. It also was a special time to recognize the tremendous importance of our alumni and friends. Their support and, in some cases, incredible vision and generosity are responsible for creating amenities that greatly enhance St. Cloud State’s impact on students and the community.
We are so very grateful for the support that our alumni and community partners offer on behalf of our students. These ambassadors powerfully share the special experience of a St. Cloud State University education and our role in strengthening their communities wherever they are in the world.
Thank you for your interest and support.
— St. Cloud State University President Dr. Robbyn Wacker
