Research Foundation Announces New Mission Statement

Over the past 18 months, the Old Dominion University Research Foundation has been making some important changes. Additional grant and contract administrative staffing, improved funding for operations and new senior management are having a positive impact.

Not to be overlooked, however, is an important contribution made by the foundation's board of trustees earlier this year. In March, the board approved a new mission statement for the Research Foundation, replacing the previous statement that had been in place since 1995.

In discussing the new mission statement, Julian F. Facenda, ODURF executive director, noted how the Research Foundation has evolved significantly over the last year and a half.

"In 1995, the Research Foundation reported sponsored program expenditures of $13.6 million. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013, this amount was in excess of $80 million. During this period of time, the Research Foundation developed into a more focused organization. In order to embrace and fully recognize the important role the Research Foundation has in the research mission of the university, the mission statement also needed to evolve," Facenda said.

He added that developing an organization's mission statement is a complex process and one that requires an acute awareness of the organization's role.

"In developing the new mission statement, many things were considered by the Research Foundation management team. How an organization states its name, the services it provides, the people it serves and the value provided are all critical components considered in this process," Facenda said. "Input was provided by employees, faculty and staff, as well as by members of the board of trustees and university administration."

In March 2013, the Research Foundation board of trustees approved the following mission statement:

"Old Dominion University Research Foundation collaborates with the university for the successful administration of sponsored programs by providing responsive and cost-effective support."

Facenda said the approved mission statement is clear, concise and places the foundation's focus on the collaborative effort it shares with university customers in the success of sponsored program activities. "The management team of the foundation is fully committed to this mission and trusts that the research community will be able to see this in the positive effects upon the services provided," he added.