An Analysis of BU Goals for 2022-2023

Hello BU family. You guys want to know what the plan is for the future of our university? You want to know what new upgrades are coming to campus? Want to know what to expect for the school? Well, if you’re curious, I have the answers because I know the plan that our president, Dr. David Olive, has put in place. 

Dr. Olive came to Bluefield University in 2007, and over the last 15 years he has developed multiple strategic plans and led the construction of two new residential facilities and several renovation projects. On the academic side, he started several masters programs and led the school from college to university status.

Dr. Olive has more than 25 years of experience in higher education. He started first as an executive vice president and chief operating officer for adult programs at Pfeiffer University. He also served in various roles at Carson-Newman University, Tennessee Tech University, and the University of Tennessee.

In his most recent Strategic Plan for Bluefield University, he talks about raising $2 million for upgrading male and female dorm rooms. So the guys might finally get air conditioning in their rooms so the summers won’t be so hot. He also talks about how he wants to use some of that money to upgrade athletics, so the soccer team might have a field of their own, or the wrestling team might finally get the uniforms they are looking for. 

In another section of the most recent Strategic Plan, he talks about how he plans to get students more money, including more grants and more scholarship money. He also spoke about adding on to the Science Center and adding new student wellness facilities, which he has already done.

Just off this little bit we have a lot to be excited about and a lot to thank our new president. He’s doing everything from new add-ons to buildings, to upgrading our dorms, to improving student wellness.

What’s even better is in the present day we see things happening, including construction going on everywhere on campus and athletic teams being sponsored by new and better brands. As BU students we should be excited for our future and excited that we have a president with a plan.

The president’s specific goals for 2022-2023 are listed below:

• Ensure a positive change in net assets from operations on the University’s Statement of Activities for June 30, 2023, that enables reinvestment in our people, programs, and property in 2023-24.

• Define clear marketing and recruitment strategies that lead to increased enrollment at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the fall of 2023.

• Continue academic program growth and realignment that appeal to students’ interests and aligns with the global marketplace, while ensuring a well-rounded education that values truth, goodness, and beauty.

• Further an environment that is grounded in our faith beliefs that is welcoming to students and supportive of their needs, that also engages them in meaningful ways of activity and fellowship, as well as invites and grows their faith in God.

• Facilitate a review and revision process of the Strategic Plan that encompasses and leverages our relationships with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Appalachian College of Pharmacy and emphasizes the University’s highest priorities.

Photo by student Rampage photographer Nathan LePere.