Penn State Berks Vision

Strategic Plan

Agenda for Growth: The 2005 to 2008 Strategic Plan

Penn State Berks Strategic Plan (PDF)

Vision

A nurturing, learning-centered environment that integrates teaching, research, and service inside and outside of the classroom and seeks to enhance the quality of life within the community. Read more on vision »

Mission

The College, known as Penn State Berks (BK), provides a Penn State education in a small campus setting that integrates individualized teaching, research, and dynamic community outreach. As part of a premier land-grant institution, the College stresses excellence in all areas while providing opportunities for student from a range of abilities to reach their full potential. BK is committed to engaged-learning that encourages individual growth, cultural awareness, ethical decision-making, and civic responsibility for all members of the community.

Introduction

Historical Background

In 1996, as a function of the vision, ?one University geographically dispersed,? Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College (BKLV) became one of several regional centers and stand alone colleges created to enhance efforts to meet local community needs. In the intervening years, BKLV matured. The College now offers full, baccalaureate degree programs and established partnerships with other entities to offer master?s degree programs. BKLV expanded its services and programming to include eleven baccalaureate programs and eight associate degree programs along with a variety of minors and degree options. In addition, through Continuing Education and Outreach, a partnership exists the University of Turabo to offer an English as a Second Language master?s degree program to provide some of the 400 level classes. Our outreach to the communities that we serve continues to expand and diversify, truly upholding the Land Grant mission. In July 2005, as part of the University?s restructuring initiative, the Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College was separated into Penn State Berks and the Lehigh Valley campus. As a stand-alone college, Penn State Berks will continue the progress established by BKLV.

As we look to the future, it is clear that additional degree options will be considered and new ways to serve the community developed. With the support and backing of University Park, BK will face the future ready to respond to changing socio-economic needs, forge into the new fields of science and technology, and be a positive example of student learning and service leadership.