The president of Valley City State University says it is an “amazing” institution.
Tisa Mason was formally inaugurated Thursday. She’s been in the job since December.
"I've had an opportunity to get to know the faculty, staff and students on a much deeper level, as well as the community," said Mason. "I find we walk our talk. And our talk is is all about the community supporting the university, as well as really being student-centered."
Mason says she’s now working with faculty and staff on a strategic plan. She says the plan will address how VCSU stays student-centered – and to look at what an ideal enrollment would be.
"What do our enrollment metrics need to be?" said Mason. "How many students? How big is too big? How small is too small? What's the business plan around that?"
Mason says she will also look at the right mix between international students, domestic students and older-than-average students. She says she thinks more growth is coming, and she welcomes that."
"But at some point, you can't have that student ratio and relationships if you get too large," said Mason. "If we lose that, we've lost who we are as an institution."
Mason says she will also focus on relationship building – to keep VCSU involved in the community.
Mason replaced Steve Shirley, who is now the president of Minot State University.
