Strategic Plan
Nerita L. Hughes, Ed.D.
President
CB 201E
(906) 217-4244
nerita.hughes@baycollege.edu
Laura L. Johnson
Executive Administrative Assistant to the President
CB 201F
(906) 217-4022
lauralee.johnson@baycollege.edu
Bay College Strategic Pillars
Amplify Institutional Value and Brand Identity
This strategic pillar focuses on amplifying Bay College’s unique brand identity and value proposition to transform the institution's perception at both local and regional levels, reinforcing its role as a pivotal driver of educational excellence and economic progress.
By effectively communicating its value and impact, Bay College will strengthen its influence and standing in the region as a leader in delivering quality education and driving economic development.
Tailored, strategic communications will increase engagement among all college partners, fostering a vibrant community committed to supporting the institution's goals.
- Unify Brand Strategy
- Develop Targeted Communication Strategy
- Enhance Reputation for Inclusive Excellence
Develop and implement an integrated brand strategy under the theme "One College" that clearly articulates Bay College's core values and strengths. Highlight distinctive aspects such as innovative programs, successful alumni, and significant community impacts. This approach will firmly position Bay College as a unique and vital entity within the higher education landscape.
Design a communication strategy tailored to meet the specific expectations and needs of all key partners, including current and prospective students, faculty, the board, industry partners, and the wider community. This strategy will ensure that all messages are relevant, engaging, and effectively convey the college's value to each audience segment.
Amplify Bay College's public image through marketing and public relations initiatives that spotlight the institution's commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and community involvement. By strategically highlighting real-world successes and outcomes, we will enhance the college's reputation, making it a top choice for prospective students and partners.
Brand Identity: Foster a unique brand identity that resonates with a diverse audience base, attracting more students and partners while dispelling outdated perceptions.
Strengthened Regional Influence: By effectively communicating its value and impact, Bay College will strengthen its influence and standing in the region as a leader in delivering quality education and driving economic development.
Reputation as a Forward-Thinking Institution: Through active promotion of its innovative and inclusive initiatives, Bay College will be recognized as a forward-thinking institution that not only meets the current educational and economic needs but also anticipates future challenges and opportunities.
Design a Holistic Student Experience
Bay College is committed to designing and implementing an adaptive and responsive educational journey that recognizes the diverse backgrounds and goals of our student body whether online, on-campus or hybrid.
This pillar focuses on refining all aspects of the student experience—from initial enrollment to graduation—to ensure a seamless and supportive experience. Streamlining administrative procedures will reduce unnecessary complexities and enhance overall efficiency.
- Design Student Enrollment Pathways
- Develop Student-Centered Advising Model
- Expand Academic Support Services
Design a streamlined, intuitive enrollment process that meets prospective students at their current stage—whether they are in the community, in high school, attending another college, returning to education, or arriving from another state.
Develop and launch a tailored advising system that focuses on individual student goals, academic pathways, and career aspirations to ensure personalized guidance throughout their educational journey.
Increase the availability and variety of online and on-campus support services, including tutoring, career counseling, and mental health resources, to address a wide range of student needs and challenges and support them through graduation.
Enhanced Student Engagement and Satisfaction: Streamlined enrollment and personalized advising increase student connection and satisfaction, boosting engagement.
Improved Academic Success and Completion Rates: Customized advising and robust support services lead to better grades and higher completion rates.
Increased Retention and Reduced Dropout Rates: Comprehensive support and fewer administrative hurdles enhance student retention and reduce dropout rates.
Cultivate a Culture of Care and Well-Being
At Bay College, our employees are the cornerstone of our educational mission. This pillar is dedicated to cultivating a supportive work environment that values the health, well-being, and professional growth of every employee.
This pillar aims to foster an inclusive and positive organizational culture. By implementing support systems, flexibility, and professional development opportunities, we strive to ensure that all employees are empowered to contribute to our community's growth and success.
- Enhance Institutional Culture
- Prevent and Address Employee Burnout
- Promote Professional Growth and Development
Implement ongoing DEIB initiatives and foster a workplace environment that celebrates diversity and encourages open dialogue and mutual respect among all employees.
Develop and promote wellness programs that address both mental and physical health, alongside flexible work arrangements that help maintain work-life balance and job satisfaction.
Provide continuous learning and development opportunities tailored to the needs and career goals of staff and faculty, ensuring they remain at the forefront of educational excellence and innovation.
Improved Employee Satisfaction and Engagement: Through targeted cultural enhancements and supportive policies, employee satisfaction rates will rise, leading to greater engagement and a lower turnover rate.
Reduced Incidence of Burnout and Increased Productivity: By actively addressing factors that contribute to burnout and promoting a healthier work-life balance, employees will experience less stress and higher productivity levels.
Strengthened Institutional Reputation as an Employer: As Bay College becomes known for its commitment to employee well-being and professional development, it will attract and retain top talent, enhancing its reputation as a leading employer in the educational sector.
Build Industry-Responsive Partnerships
Bay College is dedicated to building strong, mutually beneficial local, regional and national partnerships with K-12, business sectors, community organizations and the community at large.
This initiative seeks to closely align the college’s educational programs with the evolving needs of the local and regional economy, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to fill existing and emerging job roles.
Through these strategic collaborations, Bay College aims to enhance practical training opportunities for students and directly contribute to addressing the skills gap in the region.
- Strengthen Employer Partnerships
- Enhance Work-Based Learning Opportunities
- Align Programs with Market Demands
Build robust collaborations with local businesses to tailor academic curricula and training programs, ensuring they meet the specific needs of current and emerging industries, enhancing student readiness and employer satisfaction.
Significantly increase opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on project collaborations, giving students valuable real-world experience that directly complements their academic pursuits.
Regularly update and adapt academic offerings in response to evolving industry feedback and labor market trends, ensuring that programs remain relevant, and graduates are highly employable.
Job-Ready Graduates: Students graduate with skills that meet current industry standards and demands.
Enhanced Economic Impact: The college's role in workforce development strengthens the regional economy.
Increased Industry Involvement: Greater engagement from local businesses in curricular design and student training.
Adopt Future-Ready Technology
This pillar aims to integrate the latest technologies to revolutionize the educational landscape and administrative functions.
This initiative focuses on adopting the digital infrastructure to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and daily operations, positioning the college as a leader in educational innovation.
By adopting new technologies, Bay College will not only streamline its processes but also create an attractive environment for tech-savvy students and faculty, ultimately elevating the college's profile as a forward-thinking institution.
- Upgrade Educational Technology
- Improve Operational Efficiency
- Enhance Digital Literacy
Integrate state-of-the-art digital tools and platforms across the curriculum to enhance the interactivity and effectiveness of both teaching and learning experiences, ensuring students and faculty benefit from the latest educational technologies.
Streamline all administrative processes by implementing automation and digitalization strategies, thereby reducing manual efforts, enhancing accuracy, and freeing up resources for more critical educational functions.
Develop comprehensive programs aimed at boosting technological proficiency for both students and employees, equipping them with essential digital skills necessary for success in today’s technology-driven world.
Enriched Learning Experience: Students benefit from state-of-the-art educational tools, improving engagement and outcomes.
Increased Administrative Productivity: Automation reduces manual workload, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
Attractiveness to Tech-Savvy Recruits: Modernized facilities and programs draw tech-oriented students and faculty.
Nerita L. Hughes, Ed.D.
President
CB 201E
(906) 217-4244
nerita.hughes@baycollege.edu
Laura L. Johnson
Executive Administrative Assistant to the President
CB 201F
(906) 217-4022
lauralee.johnson@baycollege.edu