With President Steven Leath's recent approval, Iowa State's next strategic plan is one step away from official status. The plan also must be approved by the Iowa Board of Regents, which is expected to take action this summer.
The FY2017-22 plan was eight months in the making.
"The university community really came through," said Steve Freeman, chair of the strategic plan steering committee and University Professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, "Some 100 faculty, staff, students and external stakeholders put in busy months on the committees that drafted sections of the plan.
"And many others in the community provided valuable input throughout the process -- participating in open forums, sending ideas and, finally, reading the public draft with a critical eye and offering concrete suggestions."
Areas of focus
Freeman noted that the plan runs from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2022, and is built on four areas of focus:
- Ensure that students receive an exceptional education
- Conduct high-impact research
- Improve the quality of life for all Iowans
- Enhance the university climate for both the ISU community and visitors
Living document
"This strategic plan is viewed as part of the continuum of moving the university forward, not a stand-alone plan with a specific start and end," Freeman said. "It will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that it is a living document that is guiding the university forward."
