| Dear State Family,
Coming off a successful Homecoming, we must now refocus our energy toward the work of transforming our University.
Our strategic plan, Future State, is about being future-ready and future-proof. It is about ensuring West Virginia State University (WVSU) adapts to today's realities while positioning us to lead in the years ahead. With the shared commitment of our community, we are shaping an institution that matters not only to our students but to the entire state and beyond.
This is a pivotal moment for West Virginia State University. To move boldly into the future, we must:
- Transform the way we conduct our business operations,
- Reimagine how we prepare students for a changing world,
- Inspire our students to fall in love with WVSU, and
- Redefine how we show up as a University within the broader landscape of higher education and beyond.
Earlier this semester, I appointed Discovery Teams who have been working diligently since August, engaging deeply with the University's opportunities and challenges. These groups are not only listening and exploring but are now forming thoughtful recommendations that will help define the future of WVSU. The responsibility for this work rests with our team members, who collectively serve as a voice on behalf of the entire campus community.
To ensure broad representation, Discovery Teams are organized around the five key pillars identified through Future State:
Pillar 1: Student Engagement and Success Team Members: Roy Simmons, Dr. Christopher Jackson, David Hicks, Jodi Johnston
Pillar 2: Academic Excellence, Research, and Innovation Team Members: Provost Debbie Williams, Dr. Naveed Zaman, Dr. Kerri Steele, Dr. Robert Wallace, Dr. Frehot Hailou
Pillar 3: Financial Sustainability Team Members: John Beckvold, Eric Jackson, David Hicks, Sydney Prince, Trey Jones
Pillar 4: Operational Excellence Team Members: Dr. Micheal Fultz, Dr. Ami Smith, Dr. Clinton Arnold, Dr. Leighann Davidson, Eric Jackson
Pillar 5: Community Engagement and Partnerships Team Members: Trey Jones, David Hicks, Jack Bailey, Curtis Johnson, Belinda Fuller
Through their diligence and collaboration, these teams are ensuring that the vision for our future is not simply a directive from leadership but a shared and thoughtful path forward.
The Discovery Teams are to submit their final recommendations to the President's Cabinet by Friday, October 10. Once received they will be thoroughly reviewed and discussed. The final set of recommendations will be shared with the University community in November, and ultimately submitted to the WVSU Board of Governors for their approval.
As we move ahead, we remain committed to engaging our community and alumni while also making the necessary decisions to protect the University's long-term sustainability. Together, we will strategically drive innovation, prioritize growth and stability, and ensure that every step strengthens the student experience and secures WVSU's future.
As I have said throughout this process, we must embrace transformative change and seize this pivotal moment to propel our University forward, and ensure its legacy of excellence continues for generations to come.
Thank you for your continued support and for all that you do to advance West Virginia State University's life-changing mission.
Sincerely, | 
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