MORGANTOWN - West Virginia University President James P. Clements concluded his first State of the University address Monday by referring to the institution as "home."

"This is our university and we can make it what we want it to be and make it something special," Clements said. "Remember the words you used to describe this university: life-changing, innovative, visionary, affordable, resilient, capable, committed, empowering. These words should remind all of us that we are united in a spirit of dedication and optimism and stand together on a solid foundation of success.

"Of all of these words, there is another one that is very special to me - home. This university is our home."

More support structures for researchers, more faculty, a focus on multiculturalism and globalization - plus the establishment of a new student health center and an investment in recreational space - were among plans introduced by Clements.

Since taking office June 30, Clements has been gathering input from alumni, donors and friends through a survey called "Share the Vision," which generated more than 600 responses to date.

He also looked at key indicators such as enrollment, fiscal health and research and found them to be on solid ground.

"From our academics to our athletics, to our student organizations, to our public service and our faculty and staff achievements, we absolutely have a lot to be proud of here at West Virginia University," he said.

WVU must continue that forward momentum, Clements said, as he identified seven key areas of emphasis: academic and faculty quality, research, undergraduate experience and education, graduate education, collaboration and impact on the state, health care and multiculturalism and globalization.

He addressed the need to decrease the student-faculty ratio, increase academic program innovation, support graduate education growth and facilitate research growth.

Citing WVU's leadership in forensic identification and biometrics, Clements encouraged those in attendance to think about other programs WVU can lead nationally.

"In the 'Share Your Vision' survey the issues most cited as the world's greatest challenges were the economy, technology, education, health care, energy and the environment," Clements said.

In the area of technology, a new chief information officer will be charged with undertaking a comprehensive review of infrastructure systems to determine how WVU will become more current and responsive with technology investments, Clements said.

In the area of leadership, Clements announced that supervisory training will be enhanced. New programs will begin in January to complement the Mountaineer Leadership Academy program.

He discussed plans to put more support systems in place to help improve student retention through the sophomore, junior and senior years. Academic Affairs and Student Affairs leadership will be key to this "blueprint for retention," he said.

Emphasizing his commitment to student health and wellness, Clements will announce detailed plans for a new student health facility in the next few months. By the end of the year, he said he plans to roll out an action plan for health and wellness efforts for students.

Included in his commitment to improve student wellness, Clements announced the dedication of $1.5 million to improve and expand recreational space for intramurals, club sports and recreational programming.

"When we look back years from now, I want WVU to be seen as the best campus in the country for student health, wellness and happiness. This includes mental health support and counseling, nutrition, wellness programming, recreational activities and student health," he said.

Clements stressed the need to put more focus on graduate education and to increase the number of doctoral degrees awarded. To do this, he said, more resources will be needed for doctoral stipends.

To demonstrate WVU's commitment to public service in the state, Clements said the university will apply for the Carnegie Classification in Engagement. The classification is awarded to institutions that collaborate with their larger communities for the exchange of knowledge and resources.

Clements also discussed plans to work with Health Sciences Chancellor Chris Colenda to review the overall structure of the Health Sciences Center and look for areas to improve.

"Dr. Colenda is a visionary leader who will help our health sciences enterprise achieve a new level of competitiveness and success," Clements said.

Along with his goals for the future, he also addressed some of the challenges WVU faces.

Clements pointed out funding, competitive staff and faculty salaries and lagging technology systems and infrastructure.