Knowledge

While the creation of knowledge (research and scholarship) remains the basic responsibility of a research university, the way in which knowledge and expertise are shared defines the successful land-grant institution. Iowa State University shares knowledge and expertise with students (learning and teaching), communities, (engagement and service) and business and industry (technology transfer and economic development). Based on internationally prominent research programs, specifically in the biological sciences, material sciences, information sciences, nanosciences, social sciences (as they apply to understanding rural America), and based on excellent scholarship in the arts and humanities, Iowa State continues to build exceptional academic programs on the undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate level. Many undergraduate programs contain components of research experiences for undergraduates (REUs), a distinguishing feature of the research university.

Iowa State’s strong commitment to and experience in community and economic development informs the creation and sharing of knowledge at the institution: preparing for a life of learning in a diverse society; designing and delivering outstanding distance education and workforce development programs; implementing a variety of internships, exchanges and international experiences for students and faculty; and encouraging collaborative research that is oriented to societal priorities. Implementation of these plans requires a flexible promotion and tenure system as well as appropriate incentives for faculty and staff.

The synergy between creation of knowledge and cooperation with key constituencies also points the direction for new initiatives. Ideally these are developed as a consensus between the knowledge-driven interests of scholars and societal needs and priorities. Over the last three years, Iowa State has engaged in a successful process to develop major research initiatives that are quickly becoming important key economic development forces in the state. Nurturing this synergy is an ongoing process that constantly promotes institutional change and, in turn, improves the quality of life of our constituents.

Iowa State excels in creating, sharing, and applying knowledge. Several examples demonstrate achievements in these areas. Faculty are highly productive in terms of scholarship and sponsored funding. The University’s efforts in technology transfer and economic development make Iowa and the world a better place. The establishment of centers enhances Iowa State’s ability to achieve its mission by facilitating interdisciplinary programs, generating visibility for scholarship, and enhancing the ability to respond to external funding opportunities.

The University recognizes the importance of using knowledge to improve the quality of life for current and future generations. Several recently developed programs promote social responsibility and hold the promise of making a global impact. Recent evaluation efforts resulted in the adoption of significant university-wide curricular initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge that students need to function in society (e.g., ISUComm, and the U.S. Diversity and International Perspectives requirements).

Despite reductions in state allocations, the University maintains its commitment to excellence in the acquisition, discovery, and application of knowledge. Efforts to reorganize colleges, departments, and programs have reduced costs and enhanced the ability of the institution to allocate resources toward critical initiatives.

In order to continue our excellence in the creation, sharing, and application of knowledge, the institution must maintain its ability to attract outstanding faculty. Several factors that will influence this ability include offering competitive faculty salaries, providing an enhanced infrastructure for research, and developing additional resources for start-up packages.

Efforts to generate and share knowledge will require continued attention to ideals like freedom of inquiry, academic integrity, and social responsibility.

While the establishment of multiple centers enhances the flexibility of the institution, the expansion of centers and institutes should align with institutional priorities. A recent review indicated the need to resolve several organizational barriers, which limit the ability to consistently evaluate centers and institutes. Successful evaluation of centers and institutes will enhance the ability to allocate resources to areas that achieve strategic goals.

The University will seek to expand on its strengths by translating discoveries into viable technologies, products, and services to strengthen the economies of Iowa and the world.

In an effort to remain responsive to changing needs and the availability of resources, the University will continue to review academic programs and its curriculum. Similarly, it will evaluate and refine Extension and distance education programs to promote a life of learning and the application of knowledge to a broad constituency.

The institution will continue support for faculty and staff professional development in an effort to invest in people. The establishment of an ombuds office will foster discussion and understanding as a way to resolve problems or disputes.

The development of a new budget model for the University will enhance the ability to allocate resources to efforts that support the institutional mission and enhance the creation, sharing, and application of knowledge. The coupling of budget development with the new strategic enhances linkages between planning, budgeting, and setting of university priorities.