At the Center for Education Support, our unwavering dedication is to advocate for education as the essential tool for economic and social advancement. We stand firm in our commitment to support the School of Education and the region through targeted educational programs and events. This dedication inspires us to provide an accessible, inclusive, student-centered, transformative, high-impact environment. By curating initiatives that bolster teacher recruitment and lifelong learning, we aim to cement our role as a vital contributor to our university. Our commitment is to deliver educational experiences that are engaging, innovative, and authentic, consistently going the extra mile to exceed expectations and make a lasting impact.

Comprehensive Framework for Priorities, Strategy, and Goals

Mission Statement

The Center for Education Support (CES) advocates for education as the foundation of progress by delivering impactful programs that inspire teacher recruitment, lifelong learning, and regional development through innovation and excellence.

Vision Statement

The CES aspires to be a leader in educational support, transforming learning experiences through collaboration, innovation, and partnerships that promote lifelong learning and regional growth.

Core Principles

Support the School of Education
Curate events and programs to promote teacher recruitment, professional development, and lifelong learning while cementing CES’s regional impact.

Exceed Expectations
Deliver exceptional service that outperforms and over-delivers, setting new benchmarks for education support and community engagement.

Foster Lifelong Learning
Build a culture of continuous learning by supporting students, teachers, and education leaders through innovative and effective programs.

Strengthen Regional Impact
Expand initiatives to build impactful partnerships and resources that support regional growth and community development.

Advocate for Education
Champion education as the cornerstone of societal progress through innovative, high-impact programs and strategic collaborations.

Promote Unreasonable Hospitality
Embrace a culture of exceptional hospitality, ensuring every interaction is memorable, welcoming, and exceeds expectations.

Prioritized Focus Areas

Supporting Current Students

  • Enhance resources, programs, and advising systems to improve student success, retention, and satisfaction.
  • Build community and morale through events like Student Appreciation Day and Wellness Wednesdays.
  • Support programs such as the W-BEST initiative.

Recruiting New Students

  • Expand recruitment to Mississippi and Alabama community colleges, emphasizing unique School of Education offerings.
  • Develop high school dual enrollment opportunities for education-focused courses.
  • Create engaging recruitment materials featuring graduates and the teaching profession to inspire future educators.

Supporting Current Partners

  • Deepen collaborations with local schools, districts, and organizations through CEU offerings, professional development, and joint projects.
  • Provide enhanced resources for partner organizations to ensure mutual success.

Engaging New Partners

  • Cultivate relationships with new schools, districts, and organizations.
  • Collaborate with committees such as the Columbus Early Childhood Council, Excel by Five, the Lowndes County Foundation, United Way, and the Chamber of Commerce on education and family initiatives.

Strategic Framework

Deliver Exceptional Service
Prioritize a culture of hospitality, ensuring impactful and memorable interactions.

Foster Innovation and Creativity
Leverage experimental approaches and data-driven insights to redefine education support.

Utilize Comprehensive Planning
Employ systematic strategies to align programs with institutional goals and stakeholder needs.

Commit to Lifelong Learning
Encourage continuous professional growth and adaptability within CES, the broader School of Education, and among its stakeholders.

Enhance Reflective Decision-Making
Use data and ethical practices to guide decisions that align with CES’s mission and vision.

Goals

Primary Goals

Operational Clarity and Sustainability

  • Establish a clear understanding of job functions and responsibilities within CES.
  • Regularly evaluate programs to ensure effectiveness and alignment with institutional priorities.
  • Develop a sustainability plan and identify diverse funding sources for long-term success.

Enhancing SOE’s Reputation

  • Improve marketing, programming, and candidate services.
  • Create compelling recruitment materials and SWAG to engage potential students.

Establishing an Office of Family Education

  • Explore feasibility and partnerships to support families from birth to age 21.

Aligning Grants with Priorities

  • Review current grants for alignment and secure new funding to support innovation.

Expanding CEU Offerings

  • Develop targeted CEUs and free coursework for new teachers, with a goal of a 5% increase in revenue.

Securing Funding and Partnerships

  • Plan innovative improvements for Governor’s School 2025 and build strong partnerships with stakeholders.

Secondary Goals

Program Development and Innovation

  • Launch Elementary MAT programs and CDA credential cohorts.
  • Add experiential learning opportunities funded through grants.
  • Develop new programming standards that meet best practices for curricular development and online learning.

Expanding Recruitment Efforts

  • Increase community college outreach and high school dual enrollment initiatives.
  • Re-engage students through robust advising and early alert systems.

Enhancing Technology and Infrastructure

  • Add new classroom technology and pursue grants for software needs.

Faculty Support and Development

  • Add faculty positions for Early Childhood programs.
  • Create a faculty handbook.
  • Develop service-based projects to enhance community impact.

Outcomes

  • Enhanced student success and recruitment.
  • Strengthened partnerships and new collaborations.
  • Expanded programming and advocacy efforts.
  • Elevated reputation and community impact for the School of Education.
  • Sustainable growth and alignment with institutional goals.

Together, the CES will redefine educational support by creating transformative experiences and making a lasting regional impact.