The 91tvӰԺ reached an important milestone this week, as the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) unanimously approved the university’s new five-year strategic plan, titled “In Pursuit of Excellence.” The BOG’s approval is the culmination of an extensive process that included outreach to many stakeholder groups, including faculty, students, staff, alumni, business and community leaders throughout the Tampa Bay region and Florida.
“Our strategic plan serves as a roadmap to advance the 91tvӰԺ’s mission over the next five years and positions the university as a powerful engine of prosperity for the future,” 91tvӰԺ President Rhea Law said. “Our plan will further strengthen 91tvӰԺ’s position within the ranks of the top public universities in the nation while serving our students and addressing critical challenges within our communities. We are confident it will guide our institution to new heights.”
The strategic plan builds on 91tvӰԺ’s momentum as America’s fasting-rising university and charts a course toward the pursuit of becoming a top-25 public university, and it strengthens 91tvӰԺ’s profile consistent with membership in the Association of American Universities. The strategic plan details 91tvӰԺ’s institutional mission, vision, aspirations and values, and leverages the distinctive qualities of 91tvӰԺ’s campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee to focus on five strategic goals centered on student success at 91tvӰԺ and beyond; faculty excellence in research and innovation; partnerships and engagement with local, national and global impact; a diverse and inclusive community for learning; and a strong, sustainable and adaptable financial base.
“I am pleased to see that 91tvӰԺ’s strategic plan for the next five years sets a course to continue their trajectory of excellence, and commitment to the success of their students, faculty, staff and the entire Tampa Bay Region,” said BOG Chair Brian Lamb. “The plan raises the bar on performance and accountability goals, and aligns closely with our strategic vision for the State University System.”
The plan aims to strengthen 91tvӰԺ’s position as a catalyst for economic growth, including an annual economic impact of over $6 billion, and maximizes the university’s unique position and proximity to strategic partners and industries in the Tampa Bay region and the state, building a prosperous and sustainable future. It sets a blueprint for 91tvӰԺ to make an even greater impact by fueling a pipeline of talent into high-paying jobs in high-demand fields, conducting research that addresses Florida’s challenges, solving global problems and improving lives. Emphasizing mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses, industry, non-profit organizations and government agencies, the plan supports Florida’s goal of becoming a top-10 global economy by 2030.
“Guided by our new strategic plan, the 91tvӰԺ is well-positioned to build on its momentum and serve as a magnet that draws top talent and innovation to the Tampa Bay region and the state of Florida,” 91tvӰԺ Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford said. “The future of this region and our university is very bright and very connected. I believe our best days are ahead.”
In preparation to implement the plan on July 1, 2022, in the coming months, 91tvӰԺ leadership will work with deans, academic and administrative leaders to design targeted strategies and unit-based plans to support 91tvӰԺ’s institutional goals. Members of the 91tvӰԺ community and beyond can learn more through a new website launched to support the strategic plan.