Strategic Planning Workshop Inspires Bold Ideas, Grounded in Community Voice

On May 20, 红豆视频 hosted an energizing Strategic Planning Workshop, bringing together educators, employers, community partners, and students to reimagine the future of the college and the communities we serve.

鈥淚t was such an energizing day with an incredible mix of educators, employers, community partners, and truly inspiring students,鈥� said Dr. Jessica Lauritsen, who is leading this design challenge in collaboration with five community colleges. 鈥淪o much heart and brilliance in one room!鈥� President Peaslee echoed this excitement, adding, 鈥淚 was so inspired by the diverse voices at each table coming together to shape this vision.鈥�

The 55-member Strategic Planning Team reflected that diversity and depth, bringing together academic deans, faculty from each division and the library, students, external partners, executive cabinet members, supervisors, and frontline staff.

This workshop wasn鈥檛 just about creating a plan鈥攊t was about imagining what鈥檚 possible. Grounded in equity, inclusion, and innovation, it marked a pivotal step in shaping a bold, five-year strategic vision rooted in lived experience and shared purpose.

Community Voices at the Center
In preparation for the event, our partners at Education Design Lab gathered insights through interviews and focus groups with students, faculty, staff, alumni, employers, and community members. This feedback was featured in a gallery walk that sparked meaningful dialogue and helped ensure the strategies developed were anchored in the realities and hopes of our broader community.

A Day of Dialogue and Discovery
Throughout the day, participants engaged in collaborative activities, storytelling, and forward-looking conversations. A moving student panel and a powerful Photovoice exhibit reminded us why this work matters. Students鈥� voices鈥攈onest, thoughtful, and inspiring鈥攕haped discussions on how to build a more connected, relevant, and equitable learning experience.

鈥淭ransformation happens when we stop asking what鈥檚 worked in the past and start asking what鈥檚 possible now. This work is about building flexible, inclusive pathways that reflect the lives, aspirations, and realities of modern learners and opens doors for every student,鈥� noted Paula Kinney, AVP of Strategy and Innovation and co-leader of the strategic planning effort with Education Design Lab.

From this energy emerged a set of bold strategies aligned with 红豆视频鈥檚 mission and values鈥攕trategies that reflect both creative momentum and a commitment to lasting, systemic change.

What鈥檚 Next
College leadership will now refine the co-created strategies into a draft framework, to be shared for additional feedback this summer. A final five-year strategic plan will be released this fall, complete with clear action steps and shared accountability.