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Shaping the World

UCM introduces a new strategic positioning platform.

Chief Learning Officer, Dr. Deborah Curtis

Deborah Curtis on Strategic Positioning

The strategic positioning platform was announced shortly after UCM's provost and chief learning officer Deborah Curtis arrived on campus during the summer of 2012.

Curtis recognizes the four attributes that contribute to "Learning to a Greater Degree" will help the university graduate students who not only are well prepared for their careers, but also are ready to become actively engaged in society.

Internships, field experiences and hands-on opportunities incorporated into the traditional learning environment are examples of engaged learning, she said. Student art exhibits, student-led groups such as Innovative Public Relations and the Integrative Business Experience also provide future alumni with skills to succeed in a world outside of academia.

A "future-focused" academic environment goes beyond the university's online courses. Faculty members are always learning, giving students access to professors who understand new developments in their professional areas.

"Faculty who stay on top of their fields in the various programs inform us on a regular basis how our curriculum needs to grow," Curtis said. "We must provide a living opportunity to engage in what will be the future and make sure our students are prepared with the right experiences."

UCM's strategic position promises a "worldly perspective," with an international student population of approximately 550 students from nearly 60 countries. Opportunities to live and study in other countries, study tours, faculty members who can share their international experiences, and degree programs in international studies and modern languages create these opportunities.

The culture of service is consistent with initiatives such as the joint Habitat for Humanity project between UCM and the Warrensburg R-VI School District and numerous student-led community service projects.

"We are actively involved in keeping our students connected to our campus, the community and the world," Curtis said. "We believe that the experiences students gain while engaging in the community and what they learn from them are things they can take with them as they move on with their lives."

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