Creating A Tiger s Roar That Everyone Can Hear! Savannah State University Athletic Strategic Plan

Creating A Tiger s Roar That Everyone Can Hear! Savannah State University Athletic Strategic Plan

Savannah State University Athletic Strategic Plan Mission: Savannah State University, the oldest public historically black university in the State of Georgia, develops productive members of a global society through high quality instruction, scholarship, research, service and community involvement. The University fosters engaged learning and personal growth in a student-centered environment that celebrates the African American legacy while nurturing a diverse student body. Savannah State University offers graduate and undergraduate studies including nationally accredited programs in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions. Vision: Savannah State University will become the institution of choice in our region, where students maximize their potential in a nurturing environment that embraces social and intellectual diversity. The university will create an efficient, student-centered culture, responsive to the needs of its stakeholders, supportive of ideals and ethical verities, and loyal to its rich legacy and heritage. University Goals: We have a One SSU approach in all decision making processes to create a culture where everyone is driven by a shared common vision. Our Athletic Mission: Maintain a culture that provides the opportunity to develop our student-athletes through success in academics, intercollegiate competitions and wellness experience to achieve excellence in life. We also intend to provide an excellent fan experience and create a culture of pride and excitement surrounding athletics. Athletic Department Mantra: Winning for SSU Athletics in the classroom and on the field of play is not everything; It s the right thing! Athletic Department Battle Cry: We do more with less and we are proud of it! #HailSSU SSU Athletics Strategic Plan 1

Five Athletic Department Goals A. Striving for Academic Excellence B. Developing Excellence on the Field of Competition C. Being Fiscally Responsible D. Galvanizing Our Fan and Support Base E. Developing a high quality system for customer service during game time to encourage a lifelong customer A. Striving For Academic Excellence Sustaining a culture within the SSU athletic department that embraces achieving academic excellence. The primary focus will be to promote academic excellence for every student-athlete in the classroom. 1. Recruit student-athletes who demonstrate a high commitment to academics 2. Ensure that we have realistic academic goals for every student-athlete to achieve 3. Provide the human and physical resources required to ensure excellence in academics 4. Acknowledge those student-athletes who demonstrate academic distinction 5. Require academic success for all coaching staffs programs through measurable goals, objectives, policies and procedures #HailSSU SSU Athletics Strategic Plan 2

B. Developing Excellence On The Field Of Competition Sustaining a culture of exceeding expectations in the areas of athletic performance, playing experience and sportsmanship 1. Winning conference championships in multiple sports and competing for NCAA National Championships 2. Winning the MEAC Commissioner s Cups for Men and Women 3. Develop and implement marketing strategies that engages the local Savannah community to create the highest level of attendance possible at all events 4. Developing a home field advantage at all of our athletic contests 5. Maintain the highest quality possible in the athletic facilities to ensure a safe and productive practice and playing environments 6. Develop a highly functional strength and conditioning program that develops our student-athletes to the highest level possible both physically and mentally 7. Maintain the sports medicine program to ensure that the medical care of student-athletes is maintained at the highest level possible at all times 8. Hire and retain excellent coaches who have demonstrated the quality of exceeding expectations 9. Hire and retain excellent administrators who have demonstrated the quality of exceeding expectations 10. Implement and enforce policies and procedures which ensure a drug-free and harassment-free environment for all of our student athletes #HailSSU SSU Athletics Strategic Plan 3

C. Being Fiscally Responsible Develop a culture for the athletic department that is strategic in its approach with its use of financial resources. 1. Continuously develop activities that will generate new revenue for our department 2. Position SSU Athletics to provide the most visibility for the institution on a local, regional and national level 3. Develop more signature at home athletic contests in all sports to increase concession, parking and ticket revenue 4. Develop a highly productive fund raising program which will grow the individual donor base 5. Begin to develop a program of endowed scholarships for all sports to assist with lowering the yearly cost of awarding athletic scholarships 6. Increase revenue for game guarantees 7. Increase corporate sponsorship and signage program opportunities 8. Increase revenue through a revised multimedia rights program 9. Increase booster group participation that will provide financial support for the department #HailSSU SSU Athletics Strategic Plan 4

D. Galvanizing Our Fan And Support Base Develop a department which embraces and recognizes its traditions while looking for opportunities to create new ones. 1. Create marketing and branding initiatives that connect with fans of all ages 2. Create and promote athletic activities for Alumni 3. Re-establish Athletic Hall of Fame induction on a two year cycle 4. Honor former teams for their accomplishments with reunion events 5. Promote recognition of past and present athletic and academic achievements 6. Establish an effective varsity letter club organization for all sports that ensure consistent communication with former student-athletes #HailSSU SSU Athletics Strategic Plan 5

E. Developing a high quality system for customer service during game time to encourage a lifelong customer. 1. Branding the Savannah community as the Home of Savannah State Athletics and the only NCAA Division I athletics program in the Savannah Chatham County region 2. Develop a standard game management manual with emphasis on the total fan experience 3. Develop programs that will grow our fan base by connecting our fans of all ages to our athletic brand 4. Provide a game experience that exceeds all fan expectations 5. Develop an athletic motto that SSU Fans will embrace and support #HailSSU SSU Athletics Strategic Plan 6

Conclusion: This plan is a guide to lead the SSU Athletic Department into the future with the intent to be the most viable athletic program in the state. This plan provides a solid foundation for moving the Athletic Department forward and at the same time allows for periodic adjustments when needed. SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS Home of the Tigers #HailSSU SSU Athletics Strategic Plan 7