Our Strategic Planning Process Begins

September 2018

Dear Colleagues,

As we settle into this new academic year—and with the university’s realignment now complete—it is time to turn our attention toward developing a new strategic plan for our institution. Engaging in a campus-wide strategic planning process is essential as we determine the path ahead for Purdue University Fort Wayne.

A truly comprehensive, inclusive, and transparent strategic planning process will ensure that we have an agreed-upon roadmap to guide every aspect of how we move forward as Purdue Fort Wayne—from academic planning to budgeting to philanthropy to capital expansion.

The initial phase of planning has just begun. Our vice chancellors and deans participated in a half-day workshop three weeks ago to map out a framework for how to get started. We were guided in our discussion by Strategic Focus Associates, who will continue to provide support, guidance, and assistance going forward.

A key outcome of that session was the selection of Sean Ryan, director of the university’s Office of Engagement, as the coordinator of the strategic planning process. A steering committee, which will comprise about a dozen representatives, will help facilitate and coordinate three distinct phases of our strategy building—discovery, strategy formation, and deployment.

The Faculty Senate, the Administrative and Professional Staff Advisory Committee, and the Clerical and Service Staff Advisory Committee have been asked to provide nominations for individuals to serve on the committee. Additionally, the president of the Student Government Association has agreed to serve on the committee.

We now need your input—the first of many opportunities the entire university community will have to actively participate and shape the university’s next strategic plan. We are eliciting additional nominations of faculty and staff from across the campus to serve on the steering committee.

If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague to serve on the committee, please forward the name and a brief summary of qualifications directly to Sean Ryan at [email protected] no later than end of business on Monday, September 24, 2018. Final decisions on the composition of the steering committee will be made by the Vice Chancellors and Deans, and it is expected that we will announce the members of the steering committee in early October.

There is no task more critical to the university’s future than the creation and adoption of a comprehensive strategic plan. Thank you in advance for your participation in this process, as well as for the ideas, input, and enthusiasm you inevitably will bring to the mix through broad-scale involvement across campus.

Sincerely,

Ron Elsenbaumer
Chancellor