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
Our Strategic Foundation
At the foundation of Bay College's strategic vision is a deep commitment to empowering individuals, expanding opportunity, and delivering high-quality education for all. This foundation is crucial as it aligns with the evolving demographics of our community, the needs of our students, and employer demands for a workforce reflective of the broader society.
Our college initiatives ensure everyone, regardless of background, has access to educational opportunities. By embedding these principles into all strategic pillars—from Brand Identity to Technological Adoption—we create a comprehensive approach that impacts curriculum design, support systems, and partnerships, ensuring all college activities foster a learning environment.
This holistic integration guarantees that Bay College champions an educational model that is as empowering as it is exemplary, preparing our community to succeed in a 21st-century world.
Bay College Strategic Pillars
Amplify Institutional Value & Brand Identity
This strategic pillar focuses on articulating 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.
Goal:
- To position Bay College as a leading, innovative, and regionally influential institution through a strengthen brand identity and strategic communications.
- Develop and implement an integrated brand strategy under the theme "One Bay" 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
- Increase student enrollment by 3% and retention from 51.8% to 65%.
- Enhance partnerships with industry, community, and K-12 systems by 10%.
- Greater media visibility and positive public perception.
- Recognition as a model for rural innovation and inclusion in higher education by FY27.
Design a Holistic Student Experience
Bay College is committed to implementing an adaptive and responsive educational journey that recognizes the diverse backgrounds and goals of our student community.
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 efficiencies.
Goal:
- To improve student success by enhancing engagement, satisfaction, and support throughout the academic journey.
- Create 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 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.
- Higher term-to-term persistence, increase by 5%.
- Improve student experience metrics (i.e. satisfaction surveys, instructor evaluations).
- Greater credential attainment within expected timeframes.
Cultivate a Culture of Care & Well-Being
At Bay College, our employees are the cornerstone of our educational mission. “Cultivating a culture of care and employee-well-being” is dedicated to nurturing 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.
Goal:
- To cultivate a thriving and supportive work environment that enhances employee well-being, engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
- Implement ongoing supports and foster a workplace environment that celebrates 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
- Higher employee retention rates, the goal is 90%.
- Increase employee engagement survey scores.
- Attract more competitive applicant pools for open positions
Build Industry-Responsive Partnerships
Bay College is dedicated to building strong, mutually beneficial local, regional and national partnerships with K-12, business & industry 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.
Goal:
- To align education with workforce needs, producing job-ready graduates and driving regional economic development through strong industry partnerships.
- 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.
- Higher graduate employment and wage outcomes.
- Increase employer satisfaction with workforce readiness.
- Stronger curricula alignment with labor market trends.
- Expand apprenticeships and internship opportunities.
Adopt Future-Ready Technology
This pillar aims to integrate the latest technologies to revolutionize the educational landscape and administrative functions.
This initiative focuses on enhancing 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.
Goals:
- To modernize Bay College’s educational and operational infrastructure to enhance learning, increase efficiency, and attract tech-forward students, staff, and faculty.
- 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
- Higher student satisfaction and course completion rates.
- Reduce administrative processing times and operational costs.
- Increase enrollment and retention of tech-focused learners by 3%.
- Improve faculty and recruitment in STEM and digital innovation fields
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