U of I's strategic plan

University of Idaho's strategic plan will ignite a bold, shared vision for the future, centered around three to four transformative pillars. By aligning resources with key priorities, the plan will guide the university’s growth and evolution, empowering us to reach new heights of excellence.

Built through the collective effort of employees, students, alumni, industry partners, the Board of Regents and the wider community, this plan will serve as a dynamic roadmap, shaping both immediate progress and long-term success. Each school, college and division will align their plans to the university strategic plan, ensuring a unified and powerful momentum that drives University of Idaho into an era of unprecedented impact.

Strategic plan components

  • Mission: What is our university’s broad and enduring mission or purpose?
  • Vision: To what end should we direct our efforts and resources over the next five years?
  • Values: What are the values that drive our behaviors and decision-making?
  • Strategic goals: What primary areas of activity will help us realize our vision?
  • Signature initiatives: What are the most important initiatives that will help us realize our vision?
  • Success measures: How will we know we are successful?
  • Execution capabilities: What capabilities and resources will be required to support implementation?

Strategic plan timeline

  • Phase 0: Preparation and Data Collection. September 2024
  • Phase 1: Diagnose Competitive Landscape and Build a Shared Understanding of the U of I Context. Dec. 13, 2024
  • Phase 2: Set Strategic Aspirations and Goals. January through March 2025
  • Phase 3: Define Concrete Initiatives for Each Strategic Pillar, Socialize and Prepare to Launch. Time frame TBA
  • Phase 4: Launch and Begin Implementation. Time frame TBA

Annual strategic plan updates

The Idaho Impact: Annual Report & Strategic Plan Update provides a review of U of I highlights and success stories across our mission, together with quantitative updates on Strategic Plan progress.

FAQ

Why do we need a strategic plan?

An effective strategic plan will unify University of Idaho around a common vision and shared values, align resources to critical priorities, and outline a clear roadmap for meaningful action.

Who is involved in the process?

A Strategic Planning Council of U of I community members is leading the development of the strategic plan. Throughout the process, we will also engage other employees in addition to students, alumni, industry and community partners, and more through focus groups, interviews and surveys.

Who is on the Strategic Planning Council?

U of I Faculty

Traci Craig, Co-Chair
Barrie Robison
Dennis Becker
Kevin Chang
Mya Groza
Barb Kirchmeier

U of I Staff

Lee Espey, Co-Chair
Kali Armitage
Shawna Bertlin
Brad Ritts
Carly Schoepflin

External Stakeholders

Jon Gaffney, President, U of I Alumni Association
Jacie Jensen, Thorn Creek Native Seed Farm
Scott Madison, Foundation Board and Energy Industry

How can I participate?

We appreciate your interest and welcome your participation. We encourage you to provide feedback and ideas using the form at the bottom of this page.

How will our Carnegie R1 eligibility and the related infrastructure growth and needs be considered as part of this process?

Achieving and supporting Carnegie R1 status will be a key objective of University of Idaho's strategic plan, as it directly supports our work to advance research excellence, solve local problems, and promote economic growth in Idaho. A market analysis and feedback from research leaders will shape critical decisions in the plan around infrastructure, capacity and resource allocation.

Not everyone is comfortable giving feedback in an open forum. Will there be other methods of engaging?

We understand the importance of engaging with various members of our community during the strategic planning process. The first planning phase will include outreach to all campus groups that may not fully participate in traditional open forums. By using methods such as surveys, interviews and focus groups, we will provide opportunities for everyone to share their input.