Plymouth continues to strive through tough times

President Sara Jayne Steen held her annual State of the University address on Wednesday, March 9^th.  In her address, President Steen was able to touch upon a myriad of issues that have affected the campus, both positively and negatively, such as the expansion of the University's academic curriculum, and the economic issues that continue to pressure Plymouth State University students. 

In regards to positive changes that have helped the University move forward, Steen said, "PSU is being recognized for engaged partnerships that are helping to sustain us." Some of the examples that were presented included the approval of a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing into PSU's academic offerings, which will continue to have benefits for students, and for the surrounding region.  She also brought up the work that many organizations on campus do with student collaboration, such as The Center for the Environment, The Center for Rural Partnerships, and the upcoming Enterprise Center at Plymouth, to name a few. 

These collaborations will continue to foster a strong learning experience for the students, but also adds a benefit for the area and region, as local families and businesses can take advantage of the skills that students are using in attaining their degree.

However, Steen did address that there are several challenges facing the University on the road ahead. She particularly noted the uncertainty of potential federal financial aid changes and cuts for students. The New Hampshire state deficit, was also on the forefront of Steen's mind. Steen, as a first-generation college graduate, said she understands what sort of problems that this can present to many students. "The campus remains committed to supporting students, and will increase funding for financial aid as much as possible within our limits."

 While these obstacles continue to be a difficulty for the university, there are still great areas of success happening on campus, particularly with the achievements that many faculty staff and students have made.  Some of the examples the President presented included Daniel Brevik, a senior in the Music department, who won the People's Choice Award in the national American Traditions Vocal Competition. Another student mentioned was Undergraduate Meteorology Student Brian Pevear, who won first place at a national weather forecasting competition, beating out graduate students, professors, and professional meteorologists. She also mentioned initiatives that students started, such as the Flood of Flags event in November,  headed by Senior Bryan Funk and Junior Sam Wisel, which benefited the alumni of the Pakistani Educational Leadership Project affected by the floods in Pakistan.

President Steen closed her remarks by saying that the community and the campus is what makes PSU a great university, and worthy of its many awards, and one in particular, receiving the Carnegie Foundation's classification of Community Engagement, which was only received by 311 institutions out of 4500 applicants. 

"What binds us is a belief that people matter, that education can transform lives, that collaboration and service are active verbs, and that the value of education is well beyond the cost."