Southwestern University officials have adopted the second-ever five-year tactical plan, a guiding document that facilitates the school’s success in several key areas, including capital improvements and admissions.
What happened
The SU board of trustees approved the 2026-2031 tactical plan in July, which continues the goals of the first plan while placing more emphasis on attracting students to the university, according to a news release.
“This second five-year Tactical Plan reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional liberal arts and sciences education while ensuring that students can clearly see how their Southwestern experience prepares them for lives of purpose, leadership, and impact,” President Laura Trombley said in the release.
Digging deeper
The first plan highlighted five central priority areas:
- Diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity, or DIBE
- Student retention
- Program development
- Physical and technological infrastructure
- Competitive compensation
The three priorities of the second tactical plan include:
- Defining and delivering Southwestern’s distinctive value
- Ensuring every student thrives
- Strengthening financial, operational and organizational foundations
Initiatives include the four-year Pirate Plan, tailored to student’s individual needs and combining academic, personal and professional goals. Additionally, the SU 560 development upholds the tactical plan by creating a mixed-use development with public amenities and cultural destinations.
“The future of higher education belongs to institutions that can clearly articulate their value and deliver on that promise,” Trombley said. “This plan helps ensure that Southwestern continues to do both.”
