Implementation of the RSCA Strategic Plan
A four-person committee, led by the Interim Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, will coordinate implementation of the RSCA Strategic Plan and work closely with departments, offices and individuals executing specific actions.
Dr. Christine Hendren, Interim Vice Provost of Research and Innovation
Grace Marasco-Plummer, Interim Managing Director of Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics (RIEEE)
Karen Fletcher, Director of Grants Resources and Services
Dr. Gabriele Casale, Faculty Fellow in the Office of Research and Innovation and Professor in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
Prioritizing Action Items in the RSCA Strategic Plan
Sixty-three action items were identified during the RSCA strategic planning process. These items are presented in Appendix A of the RSCA Strategic Plan. In coordinating implementation of these action items, the implementation committee will focus on the following five priority areas, which emerged from campus stakeholders and external feedback received during development of the strategic plan:
processes and faculty engagement and support;
student support;
capacity building;
partnerships; and
communication.
Each priority area features specific actions that will be completed during the four-year implementation. You can access details of the implementation — including the list of specific actions organized by priority area and the timeline for those actions — on the RSCA Strategic Plan Implementation document.
Opportunities to Engage in the Implementation
In the near-term, the implementation committee invites employees to help identify App State’s existing, emerging and potential Areas of Excellence in research, scholarship and creative activities. The campus community can share their ideas for these Areas of Excellence via an online submission process. This opportunity will be available through May 2, 2024, so faculty and staff are encouraged to take the necessary time to discuss potential Areas of Excellence within their departments and units before finalizing their recommendations.
Faculty and staff have additional ongoing opportunities to engage in the implementation of the RSCA Strategic Plan.
In February, the implementation committee will give campus presentations that will allow employees to ask questions about the implementation and provide feedback. Learn more about these presentations and register to participate.
Interim Vice Provost for Research and Innovation Dr. Christine Hendren will also visit academic department and unit meetings to discuss the implementation and solicit input. Department chairs or unit leaders can complete this form to invite her to attend one of their upcoming meetings.
A successful implementation of the RSCA Strategic Plan relies on the diverse perspectives of the campus community. Ongoing dialogue will help improve the implementation process and broaden participation. Faculty and staff can engage with and provide feedback on the implementation at any time.
Employees who are interested in receiving periodic communications from the Office of Research and Innovation — including updates about implementation of the Strategic Plan for RSCA and calls for volunteers to assist in this effort — should join the Research Google group.