Dear MVSU Community,
As we embark upon the commencement of the 2023-24 academic school year, it is with a tempered optimism that we acknowledge the gradual abatement of the pronounced concerns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, largely attributed to the widespread administration of vaccines. Nevertheless, prudence dictates that we remain attuned to the ongoing undercurrents of these concerns as we initiate this new academic chapter. Amidst this backdrop, it is imperative to cast our retrospective gaze upon the preceding year, wherein remarkable strides have been made, and to set our sights on an even more promising trajectory ahead.
Even amid the celebration, it is incumbent upon us to continue to strategize, prioritize, and actualize our plans to address the formidable challenges persisting within our purview. Particularly the intricate challenges surrounding enrollment dynamics and the imperatives of addressing deferred maintenance, fortifying our infrastructure, and modernization of our campus facilities. However, it is precisely within the crucible of these challenges that the clarion call emerges for our collective unity, compelling us to metamorphose adversities into fertile grounds for transformative possibilities.
With a deep sense of gratitude, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed alumni and steadfast supporters, whose unwavering dedication has been a cornerstone of Mississippi Valley State University’s advancement. Through our shared commitment, we have traversed numerous milestones, the most recent of which was the auspicious visit of the SACSCOC team to our campus, marking a pivotal juncture in our ten-year reaffirmation process. Their preliminary assessment reflects the indomitable spirit of institutional excellence that permeates every facet of our university community. This accomplishment is a testament to our collective prowess, deserving of resounding applause.
Now that WE have achieved this milestone let’s continue to focus on prioritizing our most pressing needs and improvements.
Yes, Mississippi Valley State University is needed more today than ever!
What are our 2023-24 priorities?
- Strategic Enrollment Growth – given our last year’s enrollment decline, we immediately implemented our “Bounce Back” enrollment initiatives to not only recruit more new students but to also focus on our retention and persistence goals equally. As we saw from our IHL system’s enrollment report, seven out of the eight IHL institutions experienced an enrollment decline for the Fall 2022 semester, so the challenge is state-wide, but for us, IT’S PERSONAL. We must address this challenge immediately and with vigor, moving forward with achievable solutions. Our Strategic Enrollment Operations Council comprised of representatives from the university and MVSUNAA have been meeting regularly and have implemented attainable strategies for this year. Even still, this will remain our most important priority.
- Deferred Maintenance, Infrastructure Needs, and Campus Modernization Initiatives – Each year, before the convening of our state legislative session, I submit a priority request asking for funding to support our significant deferred maintenance challenges and campus modernization needs. From past year’s requests, we have already received funds for the Jacob Aaron Student Center, Lackey Student Recreational facility, and Academic Skills Parlor building. However, given the current construction climate and workforce challenges, as we put these projects out to bid, all recent bids came significantly over budget, resulting in the need for further conversation to increase our appropriations to continue to move the projects forward. We were successful in our requests to reallocate funds from projects to assure we will be moving forward with the complete renovation of the Jacob Aaron Student Center and Academic Skills Parlor building. We also will have funding for other campus projects, and I will remain steadfast and resilient in getting approval for the additional funding needs to address other campus modernization needs.
- Strategic and Master Planning for our Future – Strategic and master planning for MVSU’s future involves a comprehensive and forward-looking process that aims to define our long-term vision, goals, and initiatives. It will provide a roadmap for achieving academic excellence, fostering growth, enhancing the student experience, and advancing the university’s overall mission. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members, and industry partners play an important role in helping shape the planning process and ensure that diverse perspectives are considered.
- Academic Enhancements – Pursuit of Excellence – The pursuit of excellence in academia involves continuously striving for the highest standards of teaching, research, scholarship, and student engagement. The pursuit of excellence through academic enhancements requires a collaborative effort involving faculty, students, administrators, and external partners. By continuously refining and enriching educational practices, MVSU can provide students with a transformative learning experience, contribute to societal advancement, and maintain its position as a center of knowledge and innovation.
How can you continue to help?
It is of utmost importance that our esteemed MVSU Community rallies collectively behind our shared mission. We call upon each member of our community, including alumni, to wholeheartedly engage in our recruitment endeavors, contribute to our lobbying efforts with the legislature, and participate actively in our fundraising initiatives.
Furthermore, dear alumni, we implore you to proudly extol your cherished experiences at “The Valley”. May your voices resound with pride as you declare your distinguished status as graduates of our beloved MVSU. Our institution stands unparallel, offering an extraordinary blend of familial camaraderie and unwavering mentorship. The nurturing embrace extended by individual professors, dedicated staff members, and your esteemed selves, our accomplished alumni, is truly unrivaled. It is incumbent upon you to disseminate the narrative of the affection, benevolence, and backing that await those who choose the path of MVSU.
Throughout my tenure at MVSU, my journeys have taken me across the expanse of Mississippi and far beyond. A palpable surge of enthusiasm thrives within the diverse tapestry of our alumni chapters, affinity groups, and well-wishers. Let us harness this fervor, channeling it into concerted action as we diligently apprise our nation and the world of the monumental contributions made by our Valley alumni, students, faculty, and staff. These profound impacts reverberate throughout the global communities we touch.
Our students stand in need of your support – whether it manifests as a donation of your time. A showcase of your unique talents, or a contribution from your material resources. Alumni, you have etched an indelible benchmark that our current students strive to transcend. They require the vantage point from which they can glimpse the summits they too can surmount and surpass. Friends and advocates of the university, regardless of your MVSU pedigree, remember that this is the shared asset of our entire community. Let us continue our harmonious collaboration to radiate the resounding message that we are united under a singular aspiration – One Goal, One Team, One Valley…in Motion. With this synergy, we will without a doubt be able to Elevate V-State!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jerryl Briggs, Sr.
8th President