As SMU strives to become a Tier One Research University, Simmons School of Education and Human Development has already achieved this. Learn how the leadership, faculty, and staff embraced interdisciplinary learning and position itself as being a field innovator.
Background
In 2022, Southern Methodist University’s Simmons School of Education and Human Development (Simmons) embarked on a comprehensive strategic planning project facilitated by Creation In Common. The objective was to reaffirm and expand the school’s commitment to helping SMU become a Tier One Research University, emphasizing diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion across all departments and centers.
Project Scope and Process
Creation In Common’s engagement began with extensive preparatory work, including the collection and review of organizational documents and initial meetings with Simmons’ leadership to define the project’s scope. The strategic planning process was designed to include all Simmons’ departments, centers, and administrators focusing on harnessing existing strengths and identifying new capabilities for investment. The approach was holistic, ensuring all voices within the institution were included, from department chairs to instructors, students and alumni.
Strategic Outcomes
The finalized strategic plan laid out a vision for Simmons from 2024 to 2028, focusing on five main goals:
1. Delivering relevant educational experiences through evidence-based and accessible approaches.
2. Leading interdisciplinary integration of technology, emphasizing ethical AI use and innovative learning methods.
3. Amplifying community impact through strengthened research-to-practice pathways and community collaborations.
4. Asserting Simmons’ role as a top educational institution through enhanced interdisciplinary research and public policy influence.
5. Strengthening organizational capacity to support strategic objectives, including aligning hiring practices and enhancing technological and operational systems.
Impact and Evaluation
Creation In Common provided Simmons with a clear framework for implementation, including evaluation indicators to measure progress. Follow-up sessions were planned and implemented to ensure effective implementation and to adjust strategies as needed based on real-time feedback and outcomes.
The strategic planning process demonstrated a robust example of how collaborative planning techniques could be employed effectively in higher education settings. It underscored the importance of inclusive planning and the ability to adapt strategies to meet evolving educational landscapes.
Conclusion
This strategic planning initiative not only set a course for Simmons to achieve its ambitions but also exemplified the principles of shared creativity and strategic facilitation championed by Creation In Common. The process was marked by a high degree of stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the resulting strategic plan was comprehensive, forward-thinking, and aligned with the broader goals of Southern Methodist University. The engagement demonstrated how strategic planning could be a transformative process, paving the way for significant institutional advancements and community impact.