OA-FALL 2023 MAG-LINKS 1

October 2019 Building on momentum gained from its Aspire Higher Strategic Plan, King publicly announced the second phase of its strategic plan, Aspire Even Higher, at the President’s Gala. The Aspire Even Higher Strategic Plan had three distinctive and interconnected priorities focusing on advancing SMWC in the areas of academics, environment and the College’s outreach locally, regionally and nationally. The concepts of spirituality, enrollment and innovation were woven across the three priorities. One initiative under the plan was the launch of a refreshed brand strategy including a new brand positioning statement and a new College logo — a circle with the College name against a solid background featuring the College’s brand colors.

June 2020 Clad in hard hats and with shovels in hand, King and the leadership of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College broke ground on a new $15 million residence and dining hall. The groundbreaking for the last residence building, Le Fer Hall, was in 1920, and housing had not been added to campus since. Due to growing enrollment, King said this was the next logical step to accommodate the influx of students and to be supplementary to Le Fer Hall.

August 2020 SMWC created an Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and made firm its commitment to values that have long been a part of The Woods’ fabric.

October 2020 SMWC was approved for membership in The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Under NAIA, student-athletes have the opportunity for post-season championship competition and are provided opportunities to become more involved in the community as part of the Champions of Character programming.

16TH PRESIDENT DOTTIE L. KING, 2010-2023

October 2020 SMWC received a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to fund growth in new academic programs. The College launched its first doctoral program, added new programs in kinesiology and exercise science and developed a faculty fellowship to support innovative and strategic ideas.

October 2020 SMWC was approved for River States Conference (RSC) membership by the Council of Presidents. The RSC is the first

athletic conference membership since scholarship athletics began at the College. SMWC competes in 14 of the 17 RSC championship sports.