MMA introduces a five-year strategic plan to ensure our strong future
The 121-year tradition that is MMA was built on the desire to provide a fitting education for boys in a time and place where private - and sometimes even public - school education was considered a great privilege. The west was hardly settled when MMA opened its doors in 1889. A military school education was a common choice for parents who wanted to prepare their son for success.
Times have changed considerably since then, but there is still an important place for military school education. Boys with untapped potential who have difficulties amid the “noise” of modern day society find their way at Missouri Military Academy. A program that relies on traditional structure as well as modern educational techniques is the answer for these young men.
Our history of success and dedicated leadership has allowed the Academy to continue to thrive while similar schools have struggled. In 2009, the Board of Trustees voted to adopt The Legacy Project: a five-year Strategic Plan that will expand and improve all aspects of the Academy, further cementing our place in the future.
MMA is poised to move ahead as one of the premier all-boy military boarding schools in the country – a college prep institution that provides a structured learning environment with a focus on educating “the whole boy.” Character development, physical wellness and social skills will continue to be central to an MMA education, but we will also take steps to add innovative programs as outlined in The Legacy Project.
This is a time when MMA calls upon our alumni and friends to establish their legacy at MMA by supporting our success. Although each strategic priority requires a different level of financial support, increased participation at all levels on behalf of every alumnus, parent and friend will move us closer to our goals. Now, more than ever, Annual Fund contributions are crucial to our mission and will determine the successful completion of the Legacy Project.
Strategic Focus: Academics MMA is building a cutting edge program that provides cadets with a “21st Century Education” taught by a professional faculty and staff. Professional development and continuing education for our faculty is a priority, since it is crucial to our growth.
Elevation of the math and science curriculum and expansion of
the technology and business education programs are of particular priority, since these subjects are increasingly crucial to our future workforce. The addition of foreign languages such as Chinese will also prepare students for futures in global commerce or international relations.
Strategic Focus: Physical Plant
The plan addresses a need to renovate existing facilities and to construct new facilities on campus. From small renovations and maintenance to complete remodeling projects, the preservation of our historic campus is an ongoing priority.
Major construction projects include a new Stribling Hall built in the image of the original structure, with significant updates to the building’s interior layout and rear elevation. An athletic stadium facility on the site of the current soccer field has also been proposed, along with development of an outdoor obstacle course, the acquisition of properties surrounding the Academy, construction of a President’s home and renovation of the barracks.
Strategic Focus: Technology The expansion of technology in and out of the classroom will elevate the level of education offered by MMA as it improves internal and external communication. The plan makes the consistent and constant acquisition of new technology a priority, including new hardware, software, web-based applications and communication systems.
The creation of a language lab, development of a digital television and film studio and the introduction of additional courses in computer science and web development are also part of the plan.
Strategic Focus: Development MMA is looking to double our Annual Fund revenue from approximately $200,000 annually to $400,000 annually by 2015 and we are relying on increased participation on behalf of alumni, parents and friends to reach our goals.
The Annual Fund is an essential fundraising priority for MMA, since it will support many of the initiatives described in the plan by increasing our annual budget.
Leadership gifts will be pursued to support capital projects and to establish more endowed scholarships, which will meet a growing need for financial aid.