The field of higher education is changing rapidly. Conversations about the cost of attendance, student debt and return on investment shape public opinion; demographic shifts impact enrollment; public funding lags behind inflation; political and social trends affect state support; and new competitors move in and out of the market.
CMU must be prepared to respond and adapt to remain competitive in this changing environment.
To that end, CMU is embarking on a strategic envisioning process under the working title “Rigor, Relevance and Excellence” to guide the university through the next decade. The 10-year planning timeline allows for bold and innovative thought and truly transformational change. We will reshape CMU and position ourselves to better serve our students; foster innovation and economic development; ensure civic and social advancement; and spur new creations that will impact our region, our state and beyond.
The following five strategic pathways will guide our planning:
- Enhance the overall academic quality and environment of CMU with a commitment to rigor, relevance and excellence in our curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular programs.
- Distinguish CMU as fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and thoughts, leading to actions, while fundamentally committed to equity and inclusion.
- Build and foster a reciprocal ecosystem to promote innovation, economic development and cultural enrichment by engaging with Michigan's communities for partnerships.
- Understand and proactively address the dynamic nature of the college student – both current and future.
- Redefine and expand our business model to increase partnerships with organizations and help individuals advance lifelong learning and achieve career development goals.
Working groups for each pathway will engage campus and community stakeholders in discussions and develop strategic objectives that will define CMU in 2030.
Steering Committee
- Mr. Rich Studley (Co-Chair), Chair, Board of Trustees
- Dr. Bob Davies (Co-Chair), President
- Mr. Todd Anson, Trustee, Board of Trustees
- Mr. Ernie Bedford, Manager, Michigan Programs
- Mr. John Fikany, Alumnus
- Dr. Betty Kirby, Dean, College of Education and Human Services
- Dr. Mary Schutten, Provost, Executive Vice President
- Dr. Brad Swanson, Chair, Academic Senate
Administrative Liaison
- Mr. Joseph Garrison, Executive Director, Financial Planning and Budgets