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Southwest Minnesota State University and the City of Marshall have shared a special relationship since the university's founding. Marshall is the birthplace and home of SMSU, and the university's history, growth, and future are closely connected to the community that has supported us along the way. As we begin developing our next strategic plan, we recognize that our future is not something SMSU will shape alone. It is something we must build together.
We are beginning an important conversation about the future of SMSU, including our mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities for the years ahead. To ensure our plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the people we serve, we are inviting feedback from across our entire community. Whether you are a student, employee, graduate, parent, business owner, community member, or simply someone who cares about the future of Marshall and Southwest Minnesota, we want to hear from you.
I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete our online Strategic Planning Survey at [https://tinyurl.com/SMSU1]. The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and provides an opportunity to share your thoughts on SMSU's strengths, the challenges we face, and the opportunities we should pursue. Your feedback will help us better understand what we must preserve, where we need to grow, and how SMSU can continue to contribute to the vitality of our region.
SMSU has always been an important part of Marshall's identity, and Marshall has been an important part of ours. Our success is interconnected, and a strong university helps support a strong community through education, workforce development, cultural opportunities, partnerships, and economic impact. As we look to the future, we want to ensure that our strategic plan reflects not only the aspirations of our campus but also the hopes and priorities of the community we call home.
Thank you for your continued partnership, your support of SMSU, and your willingness to help us think boldly about what comes next. The future of this university belongs to all of us, and I believe our best path forward begins by listening to one another. Together, we can build a future that strengthens both SMSU and Marshall for generations to come.
-- David Jones is president of Southwest Minnesota State University