Fine-tuning KAS goals through strategic planning

Rob Weber

KAS members across the state contributed to the strategic planning process prior to the retreat by responding to a survey that identified their top priorities for KAS. With more than 60 respondents, members said they viewed KAS’s main roles as connecting students and early career scientists with colleagues and mentors; advancing science literacy in Kentucky; improving the use of science in public policy at the state level; and building a capacity for STEM in Kentucky through partnerships and networking.

Such responses guided discussions throughout the day-long strategic planning retreat. Though the final strategic plan is not complete, matters identified during the retreat as worthwhile strategic goals include:

Supporting scientific research in Kentucky;
Advocating for support of evidence-based/science-based policy;
Growing impactful partnerships with organizations that align with the KAS mission;
Addressing the shortage of STEM teachers and supporting existing teachers in K-12 public schools;
Increasing member engagement; and
Increasing KAS’s statewide visibility and engagement with the public.

The KAS Governing Board expects to have a final Strategic Plan in place around October 1st. Stay tuned!

KAS Executive Director Amanda Fuller said strategic planning will help KAS support those dedicated to elevating science. “I’m excited about what the Kentucky Academy of Science can do to allow members ways to get their research out to people, ways of engaging with the world, and engaging with more Kentuckians about the great science that’s happening in Kentucky,” she said.

Governing Board Secretary Elizabeth Thomas said she enjoyed the opportunity to review the organization’s 2015 strategic plan and recognize the success the group has had in achieving those goals.

Scott Wicker, an At-Large Representative on the Governing Board, said the retreat gave KAS leaders a chance to consider questions including: “How do we change direction or enhance the direction that we are moving to get the greatest impact for the commonwealth of Kentucky? How can we mobilize STEM educators in primary and postsecondary education … to go and advocate for the need for enhancing and improving STEM education in the commonwealth?”

Melony Stambaugh, KAS Program Director and Junior Academy Director, said she appreciated that strategic planning is giving KAS a chance to consider how it will work when the Junior Academy of Science meets in conjunction with the KAS Annual Meeting November 11-12 at Morehead State University.

“We’re bringing students and (KAS members) together to have a more cohesive meeting. We want it to make sense. We want it to have a purpose. Not something we do ‘just because.’ This helps figure out the ‘why’ we’re doing stuff,” she said.


Fine-tuning KAS goals through strategic planning Rob Weber KAS members across the state contributed to the strategic planning process prior to the retreat by responding to a survey that identified their top priorities for KAS. With more than 60 respondents, members said they viewed KAS’s main roles as connecting students and early career scientists with colleagues and mentors; advancing science literacy in Kentucky; improving the use of science in public policy at the state level; and building a capacity for STEM in Kentucky through partnerships and networking. Such responses guided discussions throughout the day-long strategic planning retreat. Though the final strategic plan is not complete, matters identified during the retreat as worthwhile strategic goals include: Supporting scientific research in Kentucky; Advocating for support of evidence-based/science-based policy; Growing impactful partnerships with organizations that align with the KAS mission; Addressing the shortage of STEM teachers and supporting existing teachers in K-12 public schools; Increasing member engagement; and Increasing KAS’s statewide visibility and engagement with the public. The KAS Governing Board expects to have a final Strategic Plan in place around October 1st. Stay tuned! KAS Executive Director Amanda Fuller said strategic planning will help KAS support those dedicated to elevating science. “I’m excited about what the Kentucky Academy of Science can do to allow members ways to get their research out to people, ways of engaging with the world, and engaging with more Kentuckians about the great science that’s happening in Kentucky,” she said. Governing Board Secretary Elizabeth Thomas said she enjoyed the opportunity to review the organization’s 2015 strategic plan and recognize the success the group has had in achieving those goals. Scott Wicker, an At-Large Representative on the Governing Board, said the retreat gave KAS leaders a chance to consider questions including: “How do we change direction or enhance the direction that we are moving to get the greatest impact for the commonwealth of Kentucky? How can we mobilize STEM educators in primary and postsecondary education … to go and advocate for the need for enhancing and improving STEM education in the commonwealth?” Melony Stambaugh, KAS Program Director and Junior Academy Director, said she appreciated that strategic planning is giving KAS a chance to consider how it will work when the Junior Academy of Science meets in conjunction with the KAS Annual Meeting November 11-12 at Morehead State University. “We’re bringing students and (KAS members) together to have a more cohesive meeting. We want it to make sense. We want it to have a purpose. Not something we do ‘just because.’ This helps figure out the ‘why’ we’re doing stuff,” she said.
KAS Newsletter - August 2022