Academic Master Plan 2016-2021

I AM HONORED TO present the Montgomery College 2016–2021 Academic Master Plan (PDF, ) . We are surrounded by very dynamic circumstances. Montgomery College is challenged to offer relevant education to a changing student population that must be prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world. This 5+5 plan focuses our efforts during the next five years and sets the stage for the following five years, allowing for the flexibility and resiliency that the next decade will demand.

This plan is the culmination of the work of the Academic Master Plan steering committee and the tremendous efforts of many, Collegewide, who provided feedback throughout the open and iterative process. I am deeply grateful to the co-chairs of the steering committee. Dr. Deborah Preston, Dean of Fine, Visual, and Performing Arts, spent a year working in my office leading the Academic Master Plan development process in collaboration with Dr. Carolyn Terry, Associate Senior Vice President (ASVP) for Academic Affairs. They guided the process to identify themes from the bounty of ideas and prioritize needs and opportunities. Members of the Steering Committee appointed by governance councils and all of those who participated in work groups, subcommittees, focus groups, a four-day think tank, forums to solicit feedback, all contributed generously to crafting a document that reflects MC2020 goals, the Academic Affairs Division goals, and provides a roadmap that leads the institution forward. We engaged external communities, including USG and local business and industry partners, to ensure that both our short and long term vision aligns with collective vision that addresses our region’s higher education and economic development needs.

In anticipation of their successful efforts, I thank the leaders of our implementation teams —Vice President/Provosts Dr. Kimberly Kelley, Ms. Margaret Latimer, Mr. George Payne, Dr. Brad Stewart; Dr. Mike Mills, Vice President of E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching Excellence (ELITE); Ms. Elena Saenz, Director of Academic Initiatives, and ASVP Carolyn Terry—as well as the members of each workgroup, who have been appointed by our governance councils. Their challenging and vital work lies ahead. With our mission, vision, values, and seventy-years of adaptation, we are well position to implement this plan that anticipates the continuing impact of globalization, demographic changes, economic uncertainty, and the agility needed to align curriculum with changing workforce needs, content delivery, and assessment. I am confident that this Academic Master Plan will provide the structure and focus to sustain what we do well and make gains through targeted initiatives to ensure that Montgomery College remains an affordable, accessible and relevant model of excellence in community college education.

Sanjay Rai, PhD
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs