Why today’s higher education leaders seek Lapin’s guidance and expertise

“Prince George’s Community College committed itself to complete a comprehensive environmental scan, mission review and strategic planning process in less than a year. Joel D. Lapin’s collaborative methodological approach and facilitation expertise played a key role in the College’s ability to meet this aggressive schedule and produce a dynamic vision, mission and set of strategic directions embraced by the entire College community. It is because of his support that we are able to remain focused on what is right and good for the community we serve.”

Dr. Charlene M. Dukes, President, Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD

“Although planning had occurred at COD, it was not systematic or more importantly it was not externally focused. Therefore in 2009, a comprehensive strategic planning approach was initiated with the assistance of Joel D. Lapin. By using Joel’s Environmental Scan (E-Scan) approach, COD was able to understand and address external trends in eight key areas impacting our students and community stakeholders. Based on the E-Scan  a comprehensive Strategic Long Range Plan was developed that has resulted in significant outcomes including: adding thirty new programs or certificates of study; creating innovative 3+1 agreements with several prestigious institutions; opening of a one-of-a-kind Homeland Security Education Center and the first LEED certified Culinary and Hospitality Center in the country; experiencing a positive increase in student enrollment; maintaining a modest debt level of 2.4% while growing the Fund Balance to over 50%; and in November of 2010, obtaining a voter approved capital referendum of $168 million dollars.”

Jim Bente, Vice President, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL

“In 2005-2006 Washington’s Community and Technical College system hired Joel D. Lapin to conduct a statewide Environmental Scan to guide workforce education decisions. It is now 2012 and I find the trends identified in the Scan to be remarkably accurate—even with unforeseen economic and housing disasters. The process was engaging and created new education conversations throughout our system: conversations that focused on researched trends rather than “best guesses.” We have relied on the Environmental Scan information as a research foundation for our System Direction vision, our System Strategic Technology Plan, and our Mission Study. Joel is thorough and thoughtful in his process for developing the Scan and he is responsive to unique institutional, regional and state cultural differences. He is a quality higher education professional in the truest sense!”

Dr. Michelle Andreas, Director, Student Services and Transfer Education, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Olympia, WA

“Joel helped our college to look beyond the walls of the institution, evaluating the climate and trends of the region. This research has allowed Northwest State to build a mission and goals that the entire campus and the communities we serve can embrace. The goals we established are the guiding force behind each decision and action the college takes to meet the needs of our students and area employers.”

Mari Yoder, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Northwest State Community College, Archbold, OH

“In 2003, Joel D. Lapin led Northwest Iowa Community College through a comprehensive and inclusive Strategic Planning process. The process consisted of a thorough environmental scan, SWOT analysis, review of the College mission and creation of a College vision. Through the process the College was able to identify five strategic initiatives that we were able to operationalize through goals, objectives and strategies. Nine years later, we continue to use the skills gleaned through Lapin as we move our institutional planning process forward. I would recommend his consulting services.”

Dr. Jan Snyder, Vice-President, Institutional Advancement and Enrollment Services, Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon, IA

“Joel’s planning process was inclusive of all employees and had a component for seeking input from the local community. The environmental scanning aspect of the planning was extremely valuable in helping us identify local, regional, and national trends that could impact on the college’s future. We felt like we had a very evidence-based plan that informed us in the drafting of a vision statement, mission statement and goals. Joel was very knowledgeable about planning, pleasant to work with, respectful of everyone, and aware of the culture of our college. With his help we were able to produce a strong and meaningful strategic plan. Having Joel consult with us was a satisfying and productive experience.”

Jane Schulz, Associate Vice-President for Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Planning, Bismarck State College, ND

“Joel D. Lapin led Frederick Community College in an intensive, comprehensive environmental scanning process that sets an excellent foundation for the college’s next strategic plan update. The scanning process was very inclusive, with every college employee participating, and many in depth. He was an excellent consultant, providing expertise and guidance but also making sure that the results were tailored to FCC’s unique needs. As a result of his work, the college is much better positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities for the future.”

Dr. Margaret Bartow, Vice President for Learning, Frederick Community College, MD

“Professor Lapin’s model of external environmental scanning provides an excellent framework for the development of a college’s strategic plan. A fundamental strength of the model is that the strategic planning process is grounded in research. Frederick Community College has benefitted greatly from using his process in the development of its strategic plan.”

Dr. Richard Haney, past Vice-President for Learning Support and past Executive Director, Frederick Community College Foundation

“I worked with Joel D. Lapin on two strategic plans at Joliet Junior College, the nation’s first public community college. Not only is Joel a pleasure to work with, but he also respected the institutional culture and took the time to listen to people. Joel’s process for environmental scanning and developing a strategic plan is inclusive, detailed and is focused on keeping you on task and getting results. The environmental scanning data we received is relevant and can be applied to not only strategic planning, but also workforce development, program planning, facilities planning, and assessment. If you are struggling with finding a process for environmental scanning and developing your strategic plan, then I would highly recommend Joel!”

Dr. Ryan Smith, Director, University Assessment Services, Illinois State University, IL

“The work of Joel D. Lapin was critical to the development of the 2010 strategic plan for Indiana University South Bend. Through environmental scanning, Joel helped us identify potential trends that made for a more effective strategic plan.”

Dr. Una Mae Reck, Chancellor, Indiana University South Bend (IN)