UOBAN holds annual board meeting and reveals new strategic plan

December 16, 2021

UOBAN holds annual board meeting and reveals new strategic plan


After several months of quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, September 24–27, 2021, welcomed the UOBAN Board back to Eugene. Campus was buzzing with excitement as families helped students move back into residence halls in preparation to return to in-person classes and UO fans awaited kick-off of the Oregon vs Arizona football game.

The weekend's schedule was packed. We welcomed nine new board directors, participated in a joint meeting with the UOAA board and President Schill, discussed and approved a new vision/mission and strategic plan, and began the planning for the 2022 Black Alumni Reunion. The weekend culminated with a Black Alumni, Student, Faculty and Staff Tailgate as the Ducks took on Arizona.

UOBAN’s new strategic plan is revealed

When UOBAN was established in 2016, founding board members were clear about the purpose of the network. Directors collectively established three core pillars that would guide how we fulfill the vision and mission. In June of 2021, the Executive Committee began updating the strategic plan to identify goals and objectives to set the direction through 2027. During the fall 2021 annual board meeting, the full board met to continue their work. The strategic plan discussion focused on vision, mission, and the three core pillars:

Pillar #1 - Scholarship
Pillar #2 - Mentorship
Pillar #3 - Relationship

Highlights included:
 

  • Scholarship fundraising efforts including the establishment of an endowment, with a goal to raise $500,000 by the close of the October 2022 reunion.
  • Creating a model for mentorship including processes, protocol, and training with a pilot beginning in 2022.
  • Developing a pipeline to career opportunities for Black graduates.
  • Utilize an engagement scoring model with the goal to increase active engagement.
  • Initiate committee changes to help facilitate the direction of the strategic plan.
  • Revise vision and mission to better articulate network purpose and goals.

The motion to accept the objectives from the strategic plan and newly adopted vision and mission carried unanimously.

VISION
Building a strong network for Black alumni and students for community and global impact.

MISSION
The Black Alumni Network’s mission is to foster community by providing opportunities to build strong personal and professional networks for Black Alumni and Students. We are committed to empowering our community through mentorship, scholarship, and the celebration of blackness.