University Vision

  By Dr. Maadi Al-Madhhab

Member of strategic plan major team  
 

      A vision is a position one seeks reaching on the long run. In other words, the vision is the potential outcome the university desires to achieve within a fixed period that is, sometimes, long. Significance of the vision lies in inspiration and motivation. An expert says, “One million dollar could not be achieved thru 10-dollar vision”. This means that a kind of a vision controls creativity; proposes solutions; rekindles expectations; and helps getting free of a scope which some think comfy since they accustomed to it. 

      A vision is also borne in mind at the personal level; some persons have early visions. They could reach what they have been aspiring of when young. For example, a passer-by saw a boy with keen wits and said, “This boy will lead his nation someday.” The boy’s mother heard him and replied, “May he be bereaved of his mother, if he did not lead the Arab and non-Arab.” The mother was Hind bint Utbah, wife of a prominent chieftain, and the boy - Muawiyah bin Abi Sufian - grew up and went “The Commander of the Faithful”. He ruled the Arab and Non-Arab.

      The same happened at Harvard University, as stated in some studies. Some students had specific visions before graduation and they achieved them. It was said that Bill Clinton, ex-USA president, paid a visit when student, to the While House along with some students and a professor. Going out of the While House, they started to laugh loudly; the professor went angry and asked what for?! The students replied, “Student Clinton said he would not enter the While House again, unless a president”, and he did it. Organizations do not go different from individuals on that point. Many organizations have developed clear visions and have proved success. 

      A vision, developed by an organization, corporation, or university, should include elements of suspense, challenge and clarity. On developing a vision of extensive imagination and aspiration, timeframe goes longer with wide inspirations and motivates those who belong to the university. The university, in this context, shall develop a vision on the long run to serve the coming generations out of realizing its responsibility towards the homeland and the coming generations. 

      I do not think that all concerned will agree unanimously on a vision, yet, a vision agreed by the majority should be developed. A specific objective should be made, towards which efforts are exerted and mind maps are worked out.