VSU's 'Best Practices' Strategic Planning and Budgeting entry makesSACUBO's Final Four in San Antonio

Valdosta State University, the University of Tennessee, the University of Virginia, and Florida State University were all named to the equivalent of the Final Four in San Antonio April 19-20 when the four institutions and their ?Best Practices? were honored by The Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO). VSU was recognized by SACUBO for its presentation, ?Effective Allocation of Resources through an Integrated Strategic Planning and Budgeting Model.?

'Best Practices'The Best Practice Award showcases VSU's five component planning model that integrates the strategic plan, budget plan, master plan, facilities plan, and external plan.

Dr. Marsha Krotseng, VSU's Chief Planning Officer, traveled to San Antonio to make the presentation and to receive a special plaque and monetary award.

?The presentation focused on key elements of the web-based budget planning model, especially the direct connection from budget initiatives to departmental plans, VSU's Strategic Plan, and the Strategic Plan of the Board of Regents,? said Krotseng. ?It showed how this model has empowered the campus to participate in the planning process and enabled us to direct resources to meet the expressed needs of the University.?

Krotseng said the award recognizes the strong commitment of the entire VSU campus to participation in strategic planning. She credited Interim Vice President Jim Black and the Division of Business and Finance, Interim Chief Information Officer Joe Newton, Programmer Jason Gaskins and the Division of Information Technology for their special roles, along with the vision and leadership provided by VSU President Dr. Ronald M. Zaccari.

?The SACUBO award for VSU, which follows similar ?Best Practices? recognition by the Georgia Board of Regents last October, shows that we are making great progress with our strategic planning initiative,? said Zaccari. ?Being in the Final Four for good business is a great credit to our entire VSU community for a job well done.?

The SACUBO ?Best Practices? competition received 55 entries representing 26 universities and college systems, including VSU. SACUBO, founded in 1928, includes 15 states. The organization informs higher education institutions in the southern region of the United States of issues that affect higher education. The purpose of the association is to foster, develop, and promote improved principles and efficient practices in the business and financial management of colleges and universities.