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The American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2008, and the society felt there was no better time than during its centennial year to announce its plans to kick off the next 100 years. As we move forward, the society will continue to focus on animal science in terms of animal agriculture, but we plan to become more inclusive and begin to focus on the scientific issues of all animals used to benefit humans. In addition, we have entered a time where we must return to our roots by increasing our focus on teaching, extension, and industry as well as increasing our international presence and membership. ASAS has a history of reviewing its membership needs and working to meet those needs. In 1994, ASAS created its first strategic plan, which was reviewed and reworked in 2002. Many of the elements of that first strategic plan were incorporated into ASAS, and many of them were used as the cornerstones of FASS. It is our hope that the proposed strategic plan reflects the changes and needs of our current membership. The planning process was initiated by the ASAS Board of Directors in 2006 and included a benchmarking survey, a membership survey, external stakeholder interviews, and focus groups held at the annual and sectional meetings.

Mission Statement

The American Society of Animal Science fosters the discovery, sharing, and application of scientific knowledge concerning the responsible use of animals to enhance human life and well-being.

Vision
As ASAS enters its second century, its vision must change and adapt to current and future conditions and environments. ASAS will continue to be the world leader as a source of scientific information on the contributions of animals to food and fiber production. We recognize, however, that animals contribute greatly to enhancing the human life and well-being in a wide variety of ways, including companionship, recreation, and human aid. Therefore, the broader vision of ASAS is to be a diverse community of professionals recognized as the leading source of new knowledge and perspective on animals that enhance human life and well-being.

ASAS facilitates global scientific exchange through innovative and inclusive venues. In the next century, we will look for new opportunities to partner with other professional organizations and non-traditional venues to enhance scientific exchange concerning animals. We will become a facilitator of effective interactions among academia, industry, government agencies, and other stakeholders to reach consensus regarding science-based animal issues. Continued leadership in providing a scientific voice of animal science to the broader public is an inherent component in facilitating scientific exchange.

To deal with the myriad contributions of animals to society, we recognize that it is vital for animal science professionals to be trained in a variety of disciplines. To this end, ASAS will provide member services and professional development opportunities in a proactive and accountable manner. Through our meetings, journal, and professional development opportunities, ASAS will be the training ground for future animal scientists.


Key Points in 2008-2014 Strategic Plan

• Reemphasized the need for ASAS to be the scientific voice of agriculture
  


• Expand numbers and diversity of membership.
  


• Broadened the definition of species and disciplines that we represent.
  


• Initiate more special symposia, interactive sessions and forums to attract new constituencies.
  


• Work to diversify the ASAS leadership and expand the leadership contributions of members.
  


• Position ASAS to be not only a generator but as the primary disseminator of multi-disciplinary information, research and potential solutions to critical issues affecting animal sciences and management.
  


• Assure that ASAS remain fiscally accountable to the membership.
  


• An implementation and assessment plan is included in the plan.

Member input is important to ASAS! After reading the Strategic Plan, please take a couple of minutes to answer the following short survey:

http://www.fass.org/survey/survey.asp?ID=37