Focused Strategic Analysis
Stevens Strategy designed and facilitated the process that Immaculata University used to determine whether its undergraduate college should remain a single-sex institution or become a co-educational one and developed a 5-year financial planning model to support the decision-making process.
Our Client’s View
Dr. Tom Ford, Vice President, Immaculata University
“I have worked with many consultants during my time in higher education with varying degrees of success. I have noticed that some consultants often have an elitist attitude when dealing with a small school like Immaculata. I did not sense any arrogance or elitism from the folks at Stevens Strategy. The staff [Brendan Leonard and Michael Townsley] appeared to be well qualified and anxious to help. They were very professional, had strong knowledge of higher education organizations and issues and good communications skills when dealing with faculty, executive administration and governing boards. The positive interaction Stevens Strategy had with the staff and administration at Immaculata is a primary reason for the success of both projects. I found working with John Stevens to be a positive and worthwhile experience and I would recommend their services to other schools. This decision to go co-ed will have a dramatic impact on Immaculata University for years to come.”
The Task Force Chair’s View:
John Wingerter, Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies, Immaculata University
“I found it most reassuring to have a consulting firm the caliber of Stevens Strategy in chairing a major task force. John Stevens was most supportive throughout the entire six months of the study. His strong skills as a presenter, along with his experience and knowledge base, proved most beneficial. His understanding of “process” assisted the task force in submitting a compelling, data driven report with openness and sensitivity. With the support and guidance of Stevens Strategy the report has been approved by the Board and openly accepted by our many communities. Immaculata University is now poised for an exciting and rewarding future.”
The Local Newspaper’s View on the Process We Designed and Facilitated:
The Daily Local News, Editorial, 10/29/03
“Some colleges serve only one gender. If those institutions are considering changing their policy, they can consider Immaculata University as a model of how to do it. On Monday, after months of studying the issue and discussing it with the various shareholders in the Catholic school, its trustees approved going coeducational.
“The vote drew little controversy. There were not the protests that have occurred at other single-sex colleges where such a radical change was being considered or put into place…Come September 2005, that…[list of co-educational] schools will include Immaculata University. We hope it means more men and women on the beautiful campus in East Whiteland.”