Strategic Plan Year 1 Update

Dear University of Iowa community,

As we pause to look back on the first year of our 2022–27 Strategic Plan, we are extremely proud of the work our campus has started and the bright future we are building together at the University of Iowa.

Year 1 was about laying a strong foundation. We took time to understand where we were and to map a path for where we wanted to go. Then, as a campus, we rolled up our sleeves and launched new initiatives to guide us toward our goals. The early results are not just promising…they’re inspiring!

The First Gen Hawks Program is a shining example. This project is playing a crucial role in supporting students who are breaking new ground by being the first in their families to pursue higher education. It’s not just a program; it’s a statement of what we stand for as the state’s flagship university – accessibility, inclusivity, and opportunity.

We also are focusing energy into creating a Student Well-Being Center in the Iowa Memorial Union, a place where students can find the support and resources they need to thrive. In addition to promoting well-being, we’re improving accessibility for the campus community through classroom improvements and new technological solutions.

While we emphasize efforts to support students, we cannot overlook the importance of our dedicated staff in achieving those goals. That’s why we’ve introduced programs aimed at increasing employee engagement, looked for ways to enhance the experience for merit staff, and expanded development opportunities for supervisors.

We’re also supporting our incredible faculty, recognizing and championing the brilliant work they do every day. It is their expertise and dedication that fuels our success in teaching, research, and scholarly work. In Year 1, we leveraged initiatives to recruit new faculty members, and we worked to celebrate the remarkable faculty we already have who have helped shape the university’s foundation of excellence.

Then there is the impact we’re having on our state by expanding health care availability, partnering with communities to solve challenges, and ensuring Iowans have access to a high-quality, affordable college education.

As we move into the second year of the plan, we invite you to reflect on the milestones we’ve reached, which are outlined in our Year 1 Progress Report and throughout the strategic plan website. It’s a testimony to our collective spirit, hard work, and unyielding commitment to excellence.

Thank you for engaging in the process with us, for sharing in the work, for living up to our values, and for helping us achieve our vision. Collectively, our goal is to be the top-choice university for the next group of diverse and talented students, faculty, and staff who will help us create the brilliant future we are crafting together.