A Destination University
We began this journey with a bold vision: to establish the University of Iowa as the top choice for the next group of talented students, faculty, and staff. Guided by our strategic plan, we have called on the entire UI community to help carry out this mission, and our efforts are producing remarkable results.
As we reach the midpoint of our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, we have enjoyed a tremendous amount of progress and have already surpassed several key targets for retention rates, graduation rates, philanthropic support, research expenditures, and patient care capacity. While we are proud of what we have accomplished, there are more challenges, opportunities, and goals for our university to strive for in the coming years.
Together, we will continue to enhance the University of Iowa’s standing as one of the most distinguished public flagship universities in the country.
2022-2027 Strategic Plan Update
The University of Iowa completed a mid-cycle update of the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan in February 2025. This update aligns the plan with the recently amended Iowa Board of Regents’ Strategic Plan and ensures compliance with new state laws —including Iowa Code Chapter 261J. It also allows the university to assess progress, refine strategies, and set ambitious new goals.
You can also learn more about the update from Iowa Now. The full version of the mid-cycle update is available online.
Latest Updates
Strategic plan investments help drive record retention, graduation rates
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ strategic focus on academic advising, student services, and instruction is helping more undergraduate students succeed at Iowa.
Cancer Research Building will pave way for significant discoveries
The University of Iowa is advancing plans for a new, state-of-the-art Cancer Research Building, which will lead to significant discoveries in cancer research and address Iowa’s growing rates of new cancers.
Improvements to better serve Iowans at university campus
The beginning of a transformation is underway at the UI Health Care Medical Center university campus. Numerous projects are in the works that will help our faculty, researchers, and staff provide better care for Iowans and make way for a new patient care tower.
7 UI faculty selected for National Academy of Medicine Emerging Leaders Forum
University efforts to provide mentorship and engagement opportunities for exceptional mid-career faculty helped facilitate opportunities for faculty from four UI colleges to attend a prestigious forum on April 8-9.
Priorities and Goals
The five priorities of the strategic plan are interconnected, building upon each other to position our institution for success.
Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Foster high-quality teaching and dynamic educational experiences that empower all students to achieve their aspirations.
Innovative Research and Creative Discovery
Advance the success of UI scholars, researchers, and artists and build on the university’s distinctive strengths in areas of current and emerging research and creative discovery.
Welcoming Environment
Facilitate a respectful campus environment that ensures access and opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff throughout their Iowa experience.
Holistic Well-Being and Success
Provide a comprehensive foundation of support for individuals throughout all stages of their relationship with the university, beginning by attracting and retaining talented students, faculty, and staff who will contribute to a thriving university community.
Transformative Societal Impact
Expand the university’s impact on local and regional communities, the state of Iowa, and the world by leveraging its areas of distinction, the resources entrusted to it, and the collective talent of its people.
What's Next
Our Strategic Plan Action and Resource Committee (SPARC) is helping the university reach new heights. For the strategic plan to be successful, we need continued participation and support from members of the campus community. Your ideas, input, and engagement are critical to us achieving our goals.