Ashford University’s Clinton campus has a new “vision statement” as the result of a special meeting that brought together students, employees, and community leaders.

More than 150 people attended the collaborative meeting on January 8 to craft the University’s first local vision statement: “The vision of the Ashford University Clinton Campus is to be a transformative educational environment that nurtures academic and personal growth through meaningful relationships and empowers individuals to realize their full potential for careers and service in a diverse global community.”

“Almost since its beginning, Ashford University has had a mission statement, but the Clinton campus is a unique part of the organization, so we wanted to create a statement that defines what the campus is and does,” said Dr. Charlie Minnick, vice president and campus director. “We believe that the new campus statement certainly complements Ashford’s overall mission statement.”

That statement says: “The mission of Ashford University is to provide accessible, affordable, innovative, high-quality learning opportunities and degree programs that meet the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their lives, professions, and communities.”

During the January 8 vision session, participants collaborated in small groups to write vision statements that were then shared with a second group. Together, the two groups worked to create just one statement. These final statements were then posted and each person voted for his or her favorite. Finally, after the “winner” was determined, the group improved it until the final version was approved by the majority.

“It was important for everyone to have a voice in the writing of the vision statement,” said Dr. David Quinn, adjunct faculty member, who facilitated the session. “The participants’ passion for and commitment to the Ashford campus and its students was obvious throughout. The focus was clearly on the students from the outset of the group process.”

He added, “The goal of our time together was to compose a vision statement that is clear, concise, based on our values and beliefs, acknowledges our skills and competence, and provides inspiration for our future. I think the group accomplished that goal through its hard work.”

Minnick said the new vision statement will be used in the campus’s ongoing strategic planning and to guide campus initiatives.

About Ashford University

Where heritage meets innovation – that’s Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor’s, and master’s online degree programs, while the Clinton, Iowa campus offers bachelor’s programs. Whether on campus or online, Ashford students enjoy the same supportive community. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, www.twitter.com/AshfordU, or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.