Board members leaving Oakwood's new motor coach at Lake Guntersville State Park and Resort

Guests included Dr. Belle Wheelan from Oakwood's regional accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and Mrs. Leslie Marquard, a consultant with Marble Leadership, the group that conducted the Strategic Actioning Session in September, 2012.

SACS President Dr. Belle Wheelan educated the Board on its role in the success of Oakwood University.

Leslie Marquard (from Marble Leadership) helped Trustees envision Oakwood University in the 21st Century.

OU sophomore Mallory McHenry provided special music during the Sabbath evening, lakeside, worship.

On October 23, President Dr. Leslie Pollard and the Administration updated the staff on the weekend's Board of Trustees Retreat.

Various topics were presented concerning Oakwood's future, the most important of which was the confirmation of the Strategic Plan for the next five years.

President Pollard also mentioned the renovation of Carter Hall. This freshman female residence hall's complete renovation will have a tremendous long-term impact on our young women for years to come. It is Oakwood's desire to nurture the minds and spiritual lives of the students, as well as to provide them with the necessary living environment. This grand project of $5.5 million will be completed by spring 2014.

He also discussed the transformation of Ford Hall, which is necessary to consolidate the Communications Department, as its offices, studios, labs, and classrooms are now located in multiple campus buildings. The projected nine-month construction of the 11,700 sq.ft., $4 million Media Center will enrich the academic lives of our students, by providing an environment where art and technology come together. By expanding the Center's Oakwood University Broadcasting Network (OUBN), we will be able to share the story of God's love to all the corners of the Earth. This is the first step in spreading the gospel message to places that others cannot reach.

The President also presented Oakwood University's revised: 

1. Mission Statement: The mission of Oakwood University, a historically black, Seventh-day Adventist institution, is to transform students through biblically-based education for service to God and humanity;
2. Vision Statement: Oakwood University graduates leaders in service to God and humanity; and
3. Goals* (now referred to as the "Seven Organizational Priorities at Oakwood University," and within each, seven five-year goals are enumerated).

While Oakwood's Motto "Enter to Learn; Depart to Serve" remained unchanged, the Aim was modified to "God First!".

These revised Mission, Vision, Goals and Aim statements resulted from: 

1. The three-day Strategic Actioning Retreat, September 18-20, 2012, which produced a wide range of recommendations; and
2. That Retreat's subsequent mandate for the Office of Institutional Effectiveness to present specifically for feedback and recommendations to senior administration the mission, vision and goals statements to the various stakeholder groups.

As students, we are looking forward for many exciting things to happen on Oakwood's campus; but all of this requires a financial investment. Last year, it was reported, there was a five percent increase to the LEAP tuition, to insure a growing program. This year, a three percent increase will be added across the board for all students, and a three percent rebate for those students living off-campus. With all the building projects, employee raises, and the need for a revitalization of campus industries, the three percent will help maintain tuition for the following: on-campus students - $16,000; off-campus students - $16,700; and LEAP students - $10,000.

Oakwood is moving in a very good direction. For example the establishment of the new Division of Research & Employment Services, led by Dr. Prudence Pollard, voted to commission a grievance policy which will avert any conflict of interest. All of the other campus Divisions gave outstanding reports from the Board of Trustees Retreat. President Pollard then had everyone in the audience read the covenant that the Board signed:

"In fulfilling the mission of Oakwood University, we will pursue dreams that will never materialize, goals that we will never reach, and plans that are destined to fail; except for divine intervention."

We are all to embrace this same covenant, because this is what God will do through us and our ministry on a daily basis here, as we contribute to the momentum of Oakwood University.

* Click here to read the complete Oakwood University Strategic Plan Overview Fall 2013.

Nathan L. Anderson Memorial Scholarships Awarded

Nathan L. Anderson

The Nathan L. Anderson Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. recently completed the Calendar Year 2013 Scholarship Awards Cycles after providing scholarship assistance to nine (9) Oakwood University (OU) students.

For the Spring-2013 and Fall-2013 Semesters, funding assistance was provided to five students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Veeron Fleming, Stephanie Harris, Anisa Ogboenyiya, Antonia Primus, and Adrian Rolle. Assistance was also given to four students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Music: Justin Brown, Eleejah Kitchell-Bush, Alain Gervais, and Devin Morrison.

Total scholarship assistance provided from the Foundation for OU students during the Calendar Year of 2013 amounted to $25,500. During Calendar Year 2012, OU students received $18,500 in assistance from the Foundation.