ITTA BENA, Miss.—Retention and persistence are the “one goal” for the upcoming academic year, said Mississippi Valley State University President Dr. Jerryl Briggs to the hundreds of MVSU faculty and staff members attending the Fall 2019 Faculty and Staff Orientation.
“All of what we’re going to be doing this year will focus on retention and persistence, and it’s going to be written into all of our expectations because we all play a part in that,” said Briggs to the hundreds of MVSU faculty and staff members attending the Fall 2019 Faculty and Staff Orientation Monday.
“One of the important things about us as an institution is that we don’t dismiss our students, we help them…we’re going to do everything to ensure our students’ success,” he added.
Themed, “Keeping Valley in Motion: Retention and Persistence”, the event was presided by MVSU’s newly appointed Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kathie Stromile Golden.
The event kicked off in high energy with performances, including the University’s fight song “Devils Gun” by a portion of the Mean Green Marching Machine University Band. There were several presentations, including “Five Components of Extraordinary Teams” by motivational speaker Lee Rubin.
Following a complimentary lunch, employees were re-energized with light exercise and stretches under the direction of Valley in Motion (a health initiative sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation) Project Coordinator Shayvonne Ford, MVSU Fitness Center Director Martin Davis and members of the Satin Dolls majorette squad.
The full-day event was highlighted by Briggs’ State of the University Address.
“There are a lot of different universities out here and everyone says they’re the best. For me, it’s not always being the best, but are we the best at what we do?” said Briggs. “I’m not chasing a number or a ranking—I’m chasing some graduation numbers and student success. That’s why a university like ours is so important.”
Briggs encouraged faculty and staff members to become more passionate about expressing the great things that they’re doing.
“Let’s show and have documented proof that we’re not just speaking these words. Our students are thriving and being very successful,” he said.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Briggs said that MVSU faculty and staff members have the power to help keep some students on the right track.
“There were people in my life that saw something in me even when I didn’t see it. They said, ‘You know what young man, you are too valuable to lose.’ I want you all to remember that. Our students are too valuable to lose. Everything that we do is geared towards them achieving,” Briggs said.
Briggs said that although MVSU is the youngest and smallest within the University system, it is among the top when you consider financial viability and success.
“Mississippi Valley State University is doing some outstanding work. You see that from a financial viability standpoint, from the productivity of our graduates and from the solid dedication that you all provide this outstanding University,” he said.
“I’m not going to let anyone challenge our existence, and I’m not going to let anyone say that we’re not because WE ARE.”
Briggs said that although the University has challenges, it’s not uncommon.
“Every organization has challenges. The question is are you going to let those challenges define you, or are you going to rise above those challenges and turn them into successes,” he said.
“I assure you, as I did two years ago, that this University will continue to thrive. This University will continue to be successful. This University will continue to grow. This University will continue to graduate outstanding students. None of this could be done if it wasn’t for our collective hard work. Working through challenges and opportunities is what we do and who we are. But at the end of the day, it’s about our students,” he added.
Noting several of the University’s recent successes, Briggs highlighted MVSU’s new partnership with a subsidiary of one of the largest corporations in the world—FedEx Logistics.
According to Briggs, the University currently has 32 MVSU students working for FedEx Logistics through its HBCU program.
“We’re not just the first but currently the only university to have this partnership in this country right now, and that is outstanding,” he said.
Briggs noted that MVSU is setting the model for other HBCUs who will join the company’s HBCU program.
Briggs also highlighted the University’s successful 5-year accreditation review.
“Our report was so good that SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) has asked us to let our report be that prototype for the second year in a row,” Briggs said. “These are just examples of the great work and the great people that we have here at the University.”
Briggs told employees that the tagline, “One Goal. One Team. One Valley…In Motion” are not just words but speak to who the University is and where it’s going.
He said that he envisions the University becoming known for exemplifying enrollment success, which includes not only recruiting, but retaining students after their freshmen year.
“We will become the prototype for enrollment success. That means that this year, all you will hear me talk about is retention and persistence. That’s the number one goal for us this year.
Briggs noted that attaining enrollment success can help the university provide more raises and personal development opportunities as well as improve infrastructure.
“This university is so important to our region. This university is so important for the state. This university is so important for us, and I commit to you, as the eighth president of Mississippi Valley State, that we are going to work together and be passionate about our students’ success.”
Click HERE to view more photos from the event on MVSU's Facebook page!