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I am proud to introduce “Rockhurst by 2029,” Rockhurst University’s latest five-year strategic plan. Developed with valuable input from our University community, this document lays out both our future direction and specific steps we plan to take to achieve our goals.
A good strategic plan essentially comes down to answering two questions — “Where do we want to go?” and “How do we get there?” “Rockhurst by 2029” seeks to answer these two questions with priorities divided into four pillars — renew, engage, connect and partner. Under each of these pillars are specific action items to pave our future path as an institution. They include steps for long-term financial stability and enrollment growth, investment in technology and infrastructure, capital projects that will further transform our campus to meet the changing needs of our students, new programming to continue attracting top students and to ensure those who do come to Rockhurst are welcomed and supported, and calls to seek partnerships with other institutions and within our community to expand opportunities for students to learn in and out of the classroom.
But just as important as our where and our how is our why. To meet the challenges of today and build a future for tomorrow, access to a high-quality, well-rounded Jesuit education remains of vital importance. At Rockhurst University, students are taught how to think, not what to think. And when it comes to complex problem-solving, these critical thinking skills, along with our Jesuit core values, make for a potent toolkit. I believe we truly foster students ready to lead with courage and live with purpose. Having a strong, foundational strategy allows Rockhurst University to continue providing that transformative education well into the future.
Consider this your invitation to become part of Rockhurst University’s future. I also want to take this moment to thank all of the members of the strategic plan committee as well as members of our University community who helped shape its priorities.
Sincerely,
Sandra Cassady
President