ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Daniel J. White was pleased to announce the Knights' new strategic plan starting in 2017 on Friday. The plan includes the mission, vision, core values and priorities for UCF Athletics moving forward.
"When I arrived at UCF a little over a year ago, I said we needed to have a strategic plan to guide us," White said. "We have been working hard on this and we're very close to finalizing the entire plan. We have several elements of the plan in place and I wanted to share those with our fans as I am very excited about our Mission, Vision, Core Values and Goals."
In our pursuit of excellence, these CORE VALUES serve as a foundation for the operation of the UCF Athletics Association.
STUDENT-ATHLETE SUCCESS
In support of UCF's commitment to student success, we invest in our student-athletes as individuals and maintain an environment that encompasses their holistic development, empowering them to achieve their personal best in all facets of life.
INTEGRITY
In support of UCF's commitment to excellence, we maintain an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of character and sportsmanship in all we do.
PARTNERSHIP
In support of UCF's role as America's Partnership University, we are committed to fostering teamwork on campus and engaging the community through collaboration and mutually beneficial relationships.
INCLUSION
In support of UCF's commitment to inclusion, we embrace diversity and champion a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of our community.
ACCOUNTABILITY
In support of UCF's commitment to excellence, we set high standards, are reliable and hold ourselves responsible for our actions and results.
MISSION STATEMENTTo positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University.
VISION STATEMENTTo be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as… "Orlando's Hometown Team"
GOAL STATEMENTS
- Student-Athlete Success: We will enhance the student-athlete experience through the promotion of health and safety, experiential learning, and academic success.
- Resources: Our goal is to enhance our resources to allow our coaches and student-athletes to compete at the highest levels by engaging all stakeholders.
- Branding/messaging & Communication: We will develop meaningful connections to the University and the athletics program by telling the UCF story locally and globally.
- Competitive Success: We will create a championship culture that propels UCF to compete successfully at the highest level in all facets of athletics.
- Culture: We will recruit and retain highly-talented individuals with strong character to enhance our team-oriented, innovative and creative environment.
"As you'll see, we plan to be aggressive and aspire to be a top-25 program," White said. "With our university, fan base, and the Orlando community, we know we can achieve our vision. I especially want to thank all the members of the steering committee, who gave their time to assist us in this process."
Steering Committee
Dr. Manoj Chopra, UCF Engineering Professor and Faculty Athletics Representative – Chair
Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, Head Women's Basketball Coach
Dr. Gordon Chavis, UCF Associate VP, Enrollment Services
Micky Grindstaff, Partner, Shutts & Bowen Law Firm
Grant Heston, UCF Vice President, Communications & Marketing
Faron Kelley, Vice President, Disney Sports & Water Parks
Phyllis Klock, Philanthropist
Alex Martins, CEO, Orlando Magic
Mike Morsberger, Vice President/CEO, UCF Foundation
Mike Palmer, Co-Founder, Pinnacle Laboratory Services
Christal Peterson, Former UCF Student-Athlete
John Pittman, UCF Associate VP, Debt Management
Dr. Dale Whittaker, UCF Provost
Anne Marie Williams, Financial Advisor, Raymond James
John Williams, Owner, Wayne Densch Distributing, Inc.