Vision
2020 is Texas A&M University's
roadmap for attaining its quest to be recognized as a consensus "top
10" public university by the year 2020. Rather than merely establishing
a goal to be recognized for excellence, Vision 2020 identifies
12 specific areas in which the university should focus--and underscores
them with well-crafted "imperatives" that clearly define the
objectives. Attainment of those objectives, outlined in the imperatives,
entails continued enhancement across a broad spectrum of clearly articulated
academic and related endeavors, with the envisioned "top 10"
recognition being a welcome by-product.
Vision 2020 is now in its ninth year of "creating a culture of excellence." Initiated in 1997 by then-President Ray Bowen, it represents the diligent work and vision of a task force of more than 250 faculty, staff, students, former students, local residents, corporate and public-sector representatives, and others. The task force, co-chaired by Dr. Bowen and Mr. Jon Hagler '58, devoted more than two years to examining various aspects of the university and studying benchmark institutions before formally unveiling in 1999 the results of their study and making underlying recommendations.
President Robert M. Gates has enthusiastically embraced Vision 2020, noting it prominently in his October 3, 2002 convocation address shortly after his assumption of the Texas A&M presidency and on numerous subsequent occasions. More than just noting it, however, he has put into action his resolve to achieve the aspirations reflected in Vision 2020 planning and articulation. He has elected to focus initially on four areas that are embedded in the original imperatives, plus one new imperative:
- Elevate the faculty (Imperative 1)
- Improve graduate and undergraduate programs (Imperatives 2 and 3)
- Diversity and globalization (Imperative 6)
- Improve space (New Imperative 13)
To ensure that Vision 2020 remains a guiding light concerning the university's directions and actions, President Gates has appointed an 11-member council comprised of both on- and off-campus representatives. Mr. Hagler serves as its chair.
