Culver-Stockton has undergone significant change in the past year alone, with the appointment of a new president and the promotion of new individuals to key positions. One notable shift, which has captured the attention of both students and faculty, is how the college plans to market itself to the public.

As a student at Culver-Stockton, many of us are unaware of the details surrounding this shift and the direction in which the college is heading. Recently, we saw new posters hung in prominent locations, such as Johann and Herrick, each delivering a refreshed message that speaks to the college’s evolving identity. 

On social media, we’ve observed a more personal approach. Students now have the opportunity to manage and post on Culver’s official social media pages, giving them a voice in how the college presents itself to the outside world. 

This shift aligns with the college’s mission of experiential learning, which strives to better prepare students for real-world professional environments. This approach ties closely with Culver’s vision of creating well-rounded, career-ready graduates.

I had the chance to speak with Jack and Ryan, both entrusted with managing the college’s social media and creating campus graphics as undergraduates. They emphasized how gaining this level of responsibility has given them valuable experience and made their resumes stand out in today’s competitive job market. Similarly, Esteban Velez has taken the initiative to start a podcast at school, allowing him to develop his communication skills and connect with a broader audience. Kai Maurice has also made an impact by commentating on sporting events, honing his public speaking abilities while fostering school spirit. These examples highlight the diverse opportunities for students to engage actively in their campus community and enhance their professional development.

Furthermore, a unified mission and vision at a school is crucial. It fosters collaboration among students and faculty as they work toward a shared goal. 

Research supports the importance of a clear and well-communicated mission and vision in higher education. From the readings I’ve done, Culver-Stockton’s updated mission and vision can positively impact five key areas:

1. Student Engagement and Satisfaction: According to the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), having a clearly defined mission increases student satisfaction and engagement.
2. Alumni Success: The 2020 Gallup-Purdue Index Report shows that alumni from institutions with strong, well-communicated missions tend to experience better career advancement. 
3. Faculty Retention and Recruitment: The Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC) found in 2021 that institutions adhering to their missions attract and retain faculty whose values align with those of the institution.
4. Donor Confidence and Philanthropic Support: According to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) in 2020, schools with a well-defined mission and vision attract more support from donors and nearby organizations.
5. Accreditation and Recognition: The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in 2021 evaluates schools based on how well they align with their mission and goals.