Report is road map for Millennial Initiative

A committee tasked with conducting a rigorous examination of Western Carolina University’s Millennial Initiative and developing a road map for how the regional economic and community development effort should move forward has completed its work and issued its final report.

Among the recommendations of the Millennial Initiative Select Committee, appointed by WCU Chancellor David O. Belcher, is the appointment of “a strong and energetic leader” whose sole task will be to manage further development of the initiative.

The committee’s recommendations include selecting only future private business and industry partners that are “a good fit for the university,” stressing the importance of faculty involvement in the initiative, and linking WCU student learning to the activities of private partners.

The entire report can be found at the website www.wcu.edu/31324.asp.

“Of particular significance from my perspective is the committee’s clear (and welcome) statement that the Millennial Initiative must be grounded in the academic mission of the institution with buy-in from the faculty if the endeavor is to be successful,” Belcher said. “This guidance resonates with my own vision for our Millennial Initiative efforts, and I look forward to digesting this report and exploring appropriate next steps in order to take advantage of the extraordinary opportunity that our Millennial Initiative affords us.”

Belcher had charged the committee, which first met in January, with three tasks: evaluate and propose strategic uses and objectives of the Millennial Initiative paying special attention to its mission and Western North Carolina’s opportunities, challenges and strengths; recommend a process that will engage the institution and outside constituents in considering and evaluating Millennial Initiative possibilities; and propose both short- and long-term goals.