History

Our History

The Strategic Horizon Network began in 2004, in response to shared organizational development needs defined by a group of community colleges and their interest in forming a collaborative effort to work to address these.  The Network was coordinated by the Center for Community College Development and operating out of the University of Michigan Center for the Study of Postsecondary and Higher Education, under the direction of a Design Team composed of presidents and liaisons from each member college.

The Network was originally managed by Patricia Carter, Executive Director of the Community College Development and Richard Alfred, Professor in the Center for the Study of Postsecondary and Higher Education at Michigan University. Under their direction, and with the support of the Design Team, an initial agenda was developed to address competencies in seven strategic areas:

• Change Design & Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Process Management
• Creating Value
• Communication
• Organizational Culture Mapping & Change
• Leadership Development

Cross college teams have since developed tools and modules to share through cross college experiences and resources. In 2010 the Design Team established that: Member institutions are the heart of the Strategic Horizon Network that constitutes an active learning community focusing on "pushing the envelope" while exploring new trends.

In 2016, following the retirement of the Strategic Horizon Network's founders "Dick and Pat", Dr. Randall VanWagoner, President of Mohawk Valley Community, and liaison Stephanie C. Reynolds, LMSW, Vice President for Student Affairs of the same institution, took reigns as Facilitator and Co-Facilitator of the Network. By taking a fresh approach while honoring the same mission, the Strategic Horizon Network embarks on the next generation of cross college collaboration.