Sept. 27, 2012
The Maryland Way: Strategic Plan 2012-2017
COLLEGE PARK, MD. - The University of Maryland Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced today the release of its five-year strategic plan. This strategic plan focuses on creating the best intercollegiate athletic program for our student-athletes and all others who are touched by athletics at Maryland. The plan states strong and clear commitments to creating a program that will exceed the expectations of all constituents.
"I would like to thank the our staff, faculty, alumni and supporters who were involved throughout this strategic planning process," said Kevin Anderson, director of athletics. "Our first step was to ask `Why are we committed to intercollegiate athletics?' We are passionate about providing our student-athletes with an experience that will help them become outstanding leaders. The resources and commitment of the University of Maryland support our efforts to educate and develop our student-athletes. They are our `WHY': the reason we come to work each and every day."
President Wallace D. Loh also supported the implementation of a new and innovative strategic plan.
"Athletics play an important role in building a strong and vibrant campus culture," said Loh. "The Maryland Way provides a strategic roadmap for the department of intercollegiate athletics."
The launch of the strategic plan marks the end of a year-long process that involved hundreds of individuals from the athletic department, campus, supporters and community. The committees worked to identify innovative ways to help the department build on its mission and achieve the vision the entire department has embraced. The planning effort focused on moving the department ahead strategically. Anderson said, "We have a strong and unwavering commitment to developing and serving our student-athletes."
During the final phase of the process, and in the spirit of transparency and full engagement, the work of the strategic planning subcommittees was shared with Dr. Loh, the athletics department staff and coaches, and key constituent groups. Every member of the staff was invited to participate in round table discussions to explore how each one of them plays a role in achieving the mission and moving the department toward actualizing the vision. Further, every staff member made a commitment to rely on our core values, The Maryland Way, each day. The Maryland Way has been defined to mean that every person associated with the athletics department will demonstrate Maryland Pride each day by being: Passionate, Responsible, Innovative, Determined and Excellent.
The release of the strategic plan is an important milestone for the department. All units will be engaged this fall to develop actionable plans to ensure we keep our `WHY' at the center of all our decisions and actions. Key partners such as the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, the Athletics Council, the Faculty Senate, M-Club and the Terrapin Club Executive Board will also be engaged in action planning.
As a department, everyone is committed to the strategies and tactics embodied in this plan.
"The University of Maryland is fully committed to supporting the concepts outlined in the plan," said Anderson. "The Maryland Way strategic plan will shape our efforts to perpetuate a legacy that will support our university, community and state."
