Building a relationship with the community is one of Paine College's goals, its president said during the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History's senior luncheon.

"We have a lot to give to the community, and the community has a lot to give to us," said George Bradley. "There has to be a mutual respect and a relationship there. Both sides have to give something to make it work."

About 40 people attended the museum's monthly luncheon Oct. 8 to hear Dr. Bradley discuss the college's achievements and his vision for the school -- "to be a premier liberal arts institution of higher education in the region."

"We wanted a vision that is measurable," he said. "By measurable, we mean that we can take other periodicals to see where we are in comparison to our peers."

One way to become a "premier liberal arts institution" is through student and faculty engagement on local, state, national and international levels, he said.

"We are moving away from volunteering. We are moving into service learning, a component that connects with their academics," he said. "Students will connect what they are learning in the classroom to the community, and the faculty will become more engaged in the community, especially in the areas of their expertise."

Dr. Bradley also discussed some things he isn't happy with and hopes to change.

"This facilities enhancement is a big one for me," he said of one of the college's strategic goals. "Thousands of people walk through our campus. We have to have that curb appeal. We have to have a good-looking campus, but on our four corners I'm not happy. Fifteenth Street should be the envy of the community. There's a lot of potential there."

By presenting a full picture to the community, Dr. Bradley hopes to gain support for the college.

"One of the key things is to be transparent," the president said. "No organization is completely rosy.

"In being transparent, you set up an environment where the community respects you for being truthful with them and are more likely to be more supportive. When the trust is there, a strong relationship can be built."