State of the Campus: President's Meeting

More than 300 faculty and staff members gathered in September to celebrate a record-setting summer, including recognition of the university for the fourth straight year by U.S. News & World Report. President George E. Martin shared what's next for St. Edward's. Here are the highlights.

Pardon Our Dust
Summer 2006 saw a record number of campus construction projects, from road and parking expansion to landscaping and classroom additions:

• Construction crews put the finishing touches on the John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center–North Building in time for its grand opening in September.
• The road connecting the South Congress entrance with Main Building was reconstructed, providing easy access to the heart of campus.
• Landscaping projects near East and Moody halls added more shade and native plants to campus — and increased the number of spots for studying and relaxing.
• Crews expanded the parking lot east of the softball field to add more than 300 parking spaces.
• The university's north location, the Professional Education Center, gained seven new classrooms, dining facilities and additional parking spots.

And, the momentum of A Special Destiny continues. Architect Rick Joy is finalizing the renderings for the new chapel, and plans are beginning for the John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center-South Building.

Academics: Records & Recognition
This fall also marked the fourth straight year the university has been named one of “ America's Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2007 list released this past August, St. Edward's was one of only four Texas universities to rank among the top 25 master's-granting institutions in the West.

The honor came just as St. Edward's welcomed 699 freshmen — the largest and most academically talented class in university history with an average SAT score of 1129. In addition, graduate enrollment passed 1,000 students, boosted by a new MA in Teaching and MS in Project Management.

One statistic didn't change though: the 14-to-1 student-faculty ratio. To ensure classes remain small and personal, the university hired more than 20 new full-time, tenure-track faculty members this fall. In addition, five professors who previously taught part time accepted full-time positions, while nine new temporary instructors came on board.

New Image Campaign
The marketing office unveiled its new image campaign, which was designed to underscore the value St. Edward's places on critical and creative thinking. Building on the popular and recognizable “Learn to Think” tagline, the ads highlight the distinct qualities of St. Edward's University, specifically its programs, campus and mission.

Launched in October, the integrated campaign features television, newspaper and radio ads, which drive to a unique web page (www.explorestedwards.com) for more information:

• Prospective undergraduates can read the success stories of current students.
• Parents can read a guide with tips and information that helps them with all aspects of their students' college search process.
• Busy working adults can learn more about how St. Edward's provides the support they need to earn their degrees.
• Potential graduate students can view details about the numerous master's-level programs that are offered and the benefits of a graduate education from St. Edward's.

The Classroom Connection
Student Affairs also kept busy, launching several new initiatives this fall:

• Students may soon request a formal transcript highlighting their campus activities and leadership positions. Complementing traditional academic transcripts, the document will be available for students to use when applying for jobs or graduate school.
• Students will take part in the national LeaderShape program this year as the first step in a new comprehensive campus leadership program. Through LeaderShape, they will each produce a “breakthrough blueprint” for improving their campus or community.
• Residence Life is developing living-learning communities to debut next fall. Students who share a common interest, like a commitment to health and wellness, will have the option to live together on campus.