Preparation for the planning process 2025-2030 strategic plan began two years prior to the end of the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. In January and June 2024, the Cabinet held retreats to assess progress, to consider institutional needs, and to review the institution's mission, vision, and values. At the same time, a comprehensive two-year institutional self-study was underway, engaging approximately 100 people from across campus and providing a detailed evaluation of institutional progress on the 2020 strategic plan goals.
After reviewing feedback from the 2025 Middle States site visit and visiting team report, the Cabinet reconvened to conduct an environmental scan of the higher education landscape and to appoint a strategic plan steering committee and working groups with members representing all sectors of campus. Consensus emerged that the themes of the 2020 strategic plan had served the institution well, providing forward momentum during our transition from a college to a university. Thus, the key priorities of the 2020 plan were carried forward with minor modifications to reflect the institution of today. The five strategic priorities areas for 2025-2030 are, as before, steadfast commitment to improvement of:
- Rigorous Academics
- University Life and Climate
- Community Engagement
- University Infrastructure
- Fiscal Stability
Accelerated through a streamlined and efficient planning timeline, working groups representing various faculty and staff sectors worked throughout Fall 2025 to develop new strategies and tactics to guide us through the next five years. The steering committee reviewed drafts and shared updates with key campus stakeholders through the process and the President regularly updated the Board of Trustees.
The draft strategic plan was shared with the campus in December, for feedback prior to finalization and approval by the Board of Trustees. The Strategic Plan will guide the creation of a new Facilities Master Plan and division and department-level strategic planning moving forward. Through a process of intentionality and collaboration, the strategic plan is designed to launch the university into its eighth decade of excellence.