Throughout the past year, Southwestern board members, administrators, and employees have invested a tremendous amount of time and effort in developing a vision to drive the college forward. The first key pillar was the development of a new master facilities plan during 2023-24. This process was instrumental in identifying a blueprint and vision for future renovation and construction projects with input from students and employees. Several top priority projects and themes emerged from this process, and this issue of the SWCC Mag will provide you with a glimpse into the projects that are moving forward, as well as several other key emerging themes. It has been exciting to see the progress!
Another key planning pillar has centered-around the development of the FY2026-29 strategic plan. Work began in August 2024 with a college-wide workshop to identify internal and external challenges and opportunities and conduct a thorough review of demographic trends across our region. From there, five key initiatives emerged with actionable plans. While the plan will not be finalized until late this spring, I am confident the plan will offer a simplified approach to fulfilling the college’s purpose/mission, vision, and core values.
While much time and energy has been invested in planning for the future of Southwestern, it is important to note our purpose/mission remains unchanged. Southwestern remains committed to providing students and community members with opportunities to gain skills and knowledge for workforce preparation, transfer achievement, and lifelong learning. Recent data reports continue to provide validation of our clear focus on student success. According to recent data compiled by the Iowa Department of Education, Southwestern continues to be a state leader among Iowa’s community colleges in transfer, graduation, success, and employment rates.
Your ongoing support of the college is greatly appreciated and together, we are excited to accomplish much in 2025!
With warmth and pride,
Lindsay Stoaks, College President
2024-25 SWCC Mag
This article was part of the 2024-25 SWCC Mag. Take a look at the other web content from the issue below.
- 2024-25 SWCC Mag
- ORBIT Center quickly changing the Osceola landscape
- SWCC in the Community
- Professional music students receive DownBeat Magazine awards
- Jensen wins $10K for #DunkdChallenge
- SWCC’s new Transportation Training Center
- College Vision Now in Focus
- From the desk of the president
- Two SWCC employees announced as outstanding community college awardees
- We are ONE advertising campaign is underway
- Southwestern president receives Paragon Award for New Presidents
- Spartan student-athletes shine in classroom
- Automotive programs receive IADA Grant
- SWCC one of two Iowa community colleges to qualify for federal program