Leadership Mail

Announcement: President's Innovation Fund
March 26, 2021 - 9:34 a.m.

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President’s Innovation Fund

Successful institutions of higher education are those which have learned how to rethink, update, innovate and overhaul how “business” is done, especially during the challenges of this last year or even the last decade. Wise investment – especially in difficult times – is what ensures successful pursuit and fulfillment of our academic mission. We must dedicate ourselves to exploring new program development, strengthening and growing current academic programs, investing in teaching and learning and improving student retention and success.

In a February 26, 2021 memo to campus, I announced the reinvestment of over $2.7 million in VSIP savings into academics. Also in that memo, was the listing of monies the Board of Regents designated as a “presidential strategic investment fund.” To continue investment in the academic mission of the university, I am pleased to announce that I am directing $100,000 of these monies to form the President’s Innovation Fund (see attached).

I firmly believe our faculty and staff have tremendous and innovative ideas that can advance SFA today and in the future. Our determination to try new approaches to solve complex problems will help us thrive. By investing in innovative ideas from our own faculty and staff, we will show how SFA can flourish in 2021 and beyond.

Note: Additional information on committee formation and a webpage for this internal grant program will be forthcoming.