Recognizing the need for a strategic plan that holds an overarching vision and goals for the Center for the next five years, The Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good undertook a strategic planning process beginning in Fall 2011.
The last strategic plan the Center had was a three-year plan that was followed 2003-2006. The 2011-2012 process was facilitated by Dr. Kathleen Rice, and included input from a wide variety of stakeholders. The Design Team met regularly from fall 2011 until October 2012.
Design Team
- Jeff Betcher, Co-founder and Organizer, Quesada Gardens
- Christopher Brooks, Associate Dean of Sciences and Associate Professor, Computer Science
- Corey Cook, Director, McCarthy Center and Associate Professor of Politics
- Karin Cotterman, Assistant Director for External Relations, McCarthy Center
- Sheryl Davis, Executive Director, Mo’ Magic Youth Agencies
- Amie Dowling, Assistant Professor of Dance, Coordinator, Dance Program
- Star Moore, Associate Director of Community-Based Learning
- Megan Owens, First Avenues at Hamilton Family Center, Associate Program Director, and USF recent graduate
Stakeholders
A variety of stakeholders were consulted through out the strategic planning process. Stakeholders from all of the groups listed below were invited to contribute by attending day-long planning meetings, responding to specific queries at pre-existing meeting times (e.g. Steering Committee or Board of Advisor meetings), answering on-line surveys, or providing insight during individual conversations.
- Community Partner Agency Staff
- Community Partner Community Members
- Students
- McCarthy Center Staff
- Administrators
- Faculty
- Collaborating Departments
- Alumni
- McCarthy Center Board of Advisor members
- McCarthy Center Faculty, Staff, Student, Community Partner Steering Committee Members
Focus Question and Visioning Questions
As we gathered insights from stakeholders, we presented the following questions for their responses:
Overall Focus Question
What is the McCarthy Center's 5 year vision and plan for advancing the University’s core mission of offering students the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as persons and professionals, and the values and sensitivity necessary to be men and women for others while we ensure positive community outcomes?
Vision Question
In 2018, when the McCarthy Center has advanced the University’s core mission of offering students the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as persons and professionals, and the values and sensitivity necessary to be men and women for others while developing mutually enriching relationships that foster community and build capacity to support positive outcomes, what will we SEE?
- What will be new and innovative?
- What will be established and strong?
- What will we see students, faculty, community partners, community members, administrators, staff doing 5 years from now?
Publication of Strategic Plan
As of September 2012, the Strategic Planning process is in its final stages. This fall the Design Team will review the proposed plan, including the Strategic Directions and Goals, and develop a plan for disseminating the plan. The plan will be posted to our website once it is promoted publicly.
