In January, Durham Technical Community College's Board of Trustees approved an ambitious strategic plan. Developed over nine months with input from more than 150 faculty, staff, students and community members, the plan will guide the institution for the next decade by articulating five major initiatives. I am delighted to share some of the plan's highlights.

Our first initiative focuses on learning and student success. Learning-- an intentional process of acquiring knowledge or skills -- is the centerpiece of our strategic plan. Learning requires students' active engagement and leads to changes in the way they relate to their environment. Students enroll to develop new skills, knowledge, or a better understanding of the world. They come to Durham Tech to learn and change. We will work to ensure our graduates acquire the knowledge they need for success in future academic or career pursuits. We will also ensure that all our graduates acquire a common set of skills related to effective communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, ethical decision-making, an understanding of diversity, required workplace behaviors and civic participation. And we will continue offering programs that prepare students for success in critical, high-demand fields in our service area: allied health, high technology, public service and the emerging "green" economy.

Applying technology is our second initiative. Our information infrastructure enhances learning by supporting clear communication and streamlining internal operations. Technology, used properly, helps us connect with our constituents in new and different ways, enables students to engage in learning activities at times and places of their choosing, and provides our employees with tools they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.

Our third initiative emphasizes globalization. In today's world, our students need to understand how global issues affect them locally. Students must also understand that workplaces in Durham and Orange counties are multicultural and multinational. And Durham Tech can be a portal to other higher education institutions for people from around the globe.

Sustaining the learning environment constitutes our fourth initiative. Students, faculty and staff must be safe and feel safe for effective learning to occur. We must also be prepared to recover quickly from disruptions to our operations. Three years ago, we opened the centerpiece of our campus, the Phail Wynn Jr. Student Services Center. We will continue developing our campus around this signature building to create an environment that is welcoming, easy to navigate and sustainable.

Our fifth initiative focuses on partnerships. Our ability to support student transitions along the education continuum and in particular to provide access to those in our community who don't see college as an option will be enhanced by strengthening our community partnerships. We will continue to partner with employers and economic developers to provide training that prepares our workforce for 21st century success.

These five initiatives constitute a plan that is worthy for the world-class communities we serve. We at Durham Technical Community College look forward to carrying out this common vision for uncommon success.