{"id":511,"date":"2018-03-12T11:59:30","date_gmt":"2018-03-12T11:59:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakerlog.lssu.edu\/spring2019\/?p=511"},"modified":"2019-03-01T13:04:21","modified_gmt":"2019-03-01T13:04:21","slug":"president-rod-hanley-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lakerlog.lssu.edu\/spring2019\/president-rod-hanley-update\/","title":{"rendered":"A Word from LSSU President Rod Hanley"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear LSSU Alums:<\/p>\n

As I approach a full year at Lake Superior State University, I find myself reflecting on the amazing accomplishments we have achieved in such a short time. \u00a0Growing enrollment continues to be one of the top priorities at LSSU.\u00a0 The university has revamped its marketing and recruitment capabilities, particularly with respect to data and analytics, target marketing and scholarship awarding.\u00a0 Given the overall slowing rate of college applications nationwide and in Michigan, attracting students with a strong interest in our university has become more important than ever in our recruiting efforts.<\/p>\n

Last year, LSSU increased its First-Time-in-College enrollment by 12.2% primarily through increasing applications through mass marketing.\u00a0 LSSU was one of the only universities in Michigan to do so.\u00a0 In hindsight, this strategy required an unsustainably high rate of applicant growth due to a much lower yield dynamic than has been historically present at LSSU.\u00a0 Going forward, we are seeking to focus much more on attracting high-interest applicants to generate more yield per applicant.\u00a0 While total application numbers have declined from last year, the quality of the applicants has increased as indicated by the number of applicants who have filed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).\u00a0 This year, we are experiencing a 12.5% increase in applicants who filed a FAFSA over last year, indicating a greater number of high-interest applicants so far this year.<\/p>\n

\"Hanley

Lake Superior State University students Josh Dykema (left) and Derek Hartline \u2013 along with LSSU President Rodney Hanley (center) \u2013 size up a male Atlantic salmon netted for science and future anglers on the Upper Great Lakes.<\/p><\/div>\n

Fundraising and planning for the Richard and Theresa Barch Center for Freshwater Research<\/a> and Education continues this year.\u00a0 This $13.2 million project requires a $4,350,000 match from LSSU, making it one of the most substantial projects in the university\u2019s history.\u00a0 Fundraising gifts, grants, and pledges for CFRE have exceeded $3,300,000 as of January 25, 2019.\u00a0 Phase 400 (Design Development) planning was completed in January and Phase 500 work (Construction Documentation) is underway.<\/p>\n

\"Female

Lake Superior State University Fisheries and Wildlife Management student Cassidy Fritts holds a female Atlantic that she netted for science and future anglers.<\/p><\/div>\n

Locating CFRE in Sault Ste. Marie\u2019s Alford Waterfront Park will create a unique educational, recreational, and fishing venue for citizens and tourists.\u00a0 The impact of CFRE on the Eastern UP will be significant in terms of enhancing LSSU\u2019s academic reputation and enrollment; expanding quality research and the vitality of fish populations; creating innovative education and outreach to teach K-12 students about the Great Lakes; and serving as an economic driver for the area.\u00a0 Construction is expected to begin in mid-to-late summer of 2019.<\/p>\n

\"SmartThe opening of the state-of-the-art Simulation Center for Nursing and Healthcare Programs center occurred on September 21, 2018.\u00a0 War Memorial Hospital (WMH) committed $500,000 to transform the first floor of an existing building on campus into a sim center that overlooks the International Bridge to Canada.\u00a0 Collaboration between LSSU and WMH will create opportunities to expand our nursing program and develop new healthcare programs of study.\u00a0 This partnership will enable the two institutions to utilize other facilities on campus to sponsor large conferences drawing medical professionals from Canada, the U.S.A. and beyond, generating new revenue streams for both LSSU and WMH.\u00a0 The sim center expands capacity for teaching, thereby increasing enrollment in the LSSU nursing program by over 30%.<\/p>\n

In response to Governor Whitmer\u2019s State-of-the-State address on February 12, 2019 and Governor Snyder\u2019s address to the Public University Summit in September 2017, LSSU reaffirms its commitment and roots as a career-oriented and experiential-learning educational experience.\u00a0 Building on our national reputation in robotics, engineering, fisheries and wildlife management, criminal justice, and fire science, our strategic direction continues to foster academic innovation among our programs.\u00a0 LSSU is currently expanding associate and certificate programs to emphasize growing employment areas and jobs readiness.\u00a0 Recent programmatic additions include culinary arts<\/strong>, geographical information systems<\/strong>, e-marketing<\/strong>, international business<\/strong>, and cannabis chemistry<\/strong>.\u00a0 Additional jobs-ready programs are currently being developed and will be rolled out in the coming months.\u00a0 The result of our strategic direction and new programs focused on jobs readiness will prepare LSSU graduates for the jobs of tomorrow.<\/p>\n

The 2019 Commencement Ceremony will quickly be upon us.\u00a0 I look forward to the conclusion of another successful academic year and shaking the hands of the graduates walking across the commencement stage on their big day.\u00a0 I also hope to get the chance to meet you, if I have not done so already.<\/p>\n

Thank you for your support of Lake Superior State University!\u00a0 We are doing great things for our students!<\/p>\n

Best regards,<\/p>\n

Dr. Rodney S. Hanley<\/p>\n

President<\/p>\n

Over 34,000 Alumni Around the Globe!<\/span><\/h2>\r\n