Wildly Important Goal 1: Rural Health & Wellbeing

By the conclusion of the strategic plan, Mount Marty will strive to: 

• Be a preeminent Catholic University, with a special focus on rural health and wellbeing
• Establish a formalized partnership with Avera Health, with a commitment to successfully launch an expansion of the BSN program
  • Grow the standard BSN cohort size, year-over-year
  • Optimize the use of our current simulation labs
  • Hire a VP of Nursing and Health Sciences by fall 2024
• Establish the RHEACH Center (Rural Health, Education, Access and Change)
• Design three additional graduate programs (degrees or certificates) to support Mount Marty’s niche in rural health and wellbeing
• Create at least three service opportunities to assist rural or tribal residents

LEAD MEASURES

As a transformational lead measure, Mount Marty will foster a partnership with Avera Health, working jointly to expand nursing cohort sizes year over year. This symbiotic partnership will lead to a growth in student enrollment (WIG #2) and advancement stability (WIG #3) for Mount Marty, while providing Avera with mission-focused nurses prepared to serve in rural communities (a critical staffing need for Avera Health). 

Additionally, Mount Marty will work to foster intentional research partnerships with other academic institutions, which will lead to growth in student and faculty research, internships, clinical placements, and training programs. To contribute to holistic rural wellbeing, Mount Marty will also invest in the expansion of our degree and certification offerings in graduate programs, helping to prepare students that are ready to serve in a variety of rural, high needs areas.