News Summary
Christopher Newport University, under President William Kelly’s leadership, has launched an ambitious five-year growth plan focused on community connections and inclusivity. The initiative aims to make CNU the most inclusive university in Virginia, establishing a President’s Council on Inclusive Excellence and engaging with local school districts to broaden accessibility. Additionally, CNU is introducing new education programs and enhancing research capabilities. The university is positioning itself as a leader in education innovation, while fostering community engagement and financial support.
Newport News, Virginia – Christopher Newport University (CNU) has set forth an ambitious growth plan and a commitment to inclusivity as outlined by President William Kelly in the State of the University address delivered on August 19. This address marked the commencement of CNU’s 64th academic year, spotlighting the institution’s goals for the future.
President Kelly announced a strategic five-year plan developed with input from 49 teams consisting of hundreds of campus members, emphasizing the university’s aim to strengthen its community connections and enhance opportunities for all students. The dedication to inclusivity is marked as a nonnegotiable goal, with aspirations for CNU to achieve recognition as the most inclusive university in Virginia.
To bolster this commitment, CNU is establishing the volunteer President’s Council on Inclusive Excellence. This initiative is part of the broader strategy to create an environment that supports diverse backgrounds and experiences within the university community.
In terms of affordability, CNU ranks fifth among Virginia’s 15 public colleges for tuition and fees, reinforcing its commitment to making higher education accessible for all. The current incoming class is a testament to this focus, with approximately 1,173 freshmen and about 200 transfer students—the largest cohort the university has seen since the onset of the pandemic.
Furthermore, the university is actively engaging with local school districts. This year witnessed the highest number of new students from Newport News Public Schools and An Achievable Dream Academy, alongside a collaborative agreement with Hampton City Schools designed to facilitate pathways for community students to attend CNU.
Highlighting the desire for a diverse student body, Kelly mentioned plans to recruit community college transfers, adult learners, and transitioning military members. In addition, CNU will be introducing new nursing and elementary education degree programs—a milestone not seen in over 20 years—developed in partnership with Riverside College of Health Sciences.
Moreover, several new initiatives are set to launch this year, including the School of the Arts and the Institute for Public Humanities. The university aims to embrace innovative technology in education, with the College of Arts and Humanities opening a new virtual reality lab this fall. Construction on the 83,000-square-foot Science and Engineering Research Center is scheduled for completion in January 2024, which will further enhance the university’s research capabilities.
President Kelly highlighted the need for integrating artificial intelligence education into the curriculum, focusing on ethical usage in various fields. In line with this educational innovation, CNU plans to apply for the prestigious Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose University distinction, a title currently shared by only 25 institutions across the United States.
The recent fiscal year saw CNU achieve over $15 million in philanthropic support and more than $5 million in research grants, solidifying its status as a leading research university in the region. This financial success plays a critical role in funding the university’s ambitious projects and plans for future growth.
Kelly encouraged the university community’s engagement by inviting attendees to join him for morning walks on campus, fostering connections among students, faculty, and staff. Expressing optimism about CNU’s direction, he assured that the strategic vision for the university is well-defined and ready for implementation.
Overall, Christopher Newport University’s State of the University address sets a proactive tone for the upcoming academic year, positioning the institution as a leader not only in educational excellence but also in commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- Virginia Mercury: Investigating Black Communities Displaced by Universities
- Wikipedia: Christopher Newport University
- Pilot Online: Task Force Examining Controversy Around CNU’s History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University
- WTKR: CNU Program Aims to Raise Social Workers
- Google News: Christopher Newport University
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