Happy New Year!

2013 promises to be an exciting year.

With updated strategic plans in place at the UT System, IPS and all the agencies, we have a clear roadmap for what we want to accomplish. Our strategy implementation teams are preparing annual work plans and the annual performance review process is right around the corner. Our goal is to align each employee's goals directly to his/her agency goals that are also linked to IPS goals and UT System goals. If we do this successfully, every employee will clearly see how his/her daily work activities help accomplish agency, IPS and UT goals. That's perfect alignment and a hallmark of high performing organizations.

The general assembly will convene next week and the Governor will present his budget shortly thereafter. We are hopeful for a good budget year (no budget cuts!) with an increase in operating funds as well as salary and benefit increases. I'll certainly keep you updated as information is available.

There are many exciting things happening across the state and throughout the institute. I look forward to hearing about them and sharing your excitement and successes throughout the year.

Happy New Year!