Excellence Through Transformative Education

1. Achieve academic excellence
   1. The department will build on its unique strength of “cow to table” programs.
   2. Continually review and refine the curriculum for Dairy Production, Dairy Manufacturing, and Food Science in response to contemporary needs.
   3. Foster professional development in faculty by encouraging application for leadership positions in professional organizations such ADSA, IFT, Central Plains Dairy Association, etc., and participation in workshops.
2. Affirm student success as a foundational priority
   1. Develop leadership skills in students through educational, training, and Extension program activities.
   2. Invite prospective employers to the department to interview students for internship and permanent positions.
   3. Engage industry partners in Dairy and Food Science program development.
   4. Promote high-quality advising and support system for students. Continue to engage with students through an established “open door” policy.
       
3. Increase recruitment, retention and graduation of professionally prepared global citizens
   1. Increase undergraduate and maintain graduate student enrollment to meet the growing needs of the regional and national dairy and food industries.
   2. Recruit and retain high-quality staff and faculty with expertise in dairy cattle nutrition, dairy herd management, dairy product processing, food science, plant management and food safety.

Goals and Strategies

• Achieve Excellence Through Transformative Education
• Cultivate and Strengthen Community Engagement
• Foster Innovation and Increase Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity (RSCA)
• Be a Growing, High-Performing and Healthy Department