President Steven Leath introduced Iowa State University's
FY2017-2022 Strategic Plan and priorities during his annual address last night.
As Iowa's only land-grant institution, Iowa State brings tremendous value to the state. The university remains committed to the mission of creating, sharing, and applying knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place; and will continue its vision of striving to lead the world in advancing the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
Demand for an Iowa State education is at an all-time high, thanks in part to first-rate programs, a rich student experience, excellent faculty and staff, a beautiful campus, affordable access, and high job-placement rates. To build off that success, the strategic plan includes four overarching goals that will benefit the Iowa State community and others who count on Iowa State for an education, assistance, or innovation.
Goal 1: Ensure access to the Iowa State experience
Iowa State will continue to put students first by ensuring access to the Iowa State experience -- including an exceptional education that is affordable. Iowa State aims to improve the experience and prepare all students for lives and careers in a dynamic, global community.
Leath announced that he met his five year goal of raising $200 million a year early for the Moving Students Forward campaign. So far, more than 23,000 students have received financial aid from the fund. Student support will continue to be a top priority as Iowa State kicks-off the largest comprehensive campaign in university history on Sept. 30.
Goal 2: Enhance the university's research profile
Beyond educating the leaders of tomorrow, Iowa State faculty and staff are conducting research to improve lives and sustain the planet. Iowa State is dedicated to strengthening its research enterprise with local, national, and international impact.
Leath acknowledged the work of faculty in securing funding records in a year of economic volatility. External funding last year reached $425.8 million and research funding increased 12% to $252.5 million.
Goal 3: Improve the quality of life for all Iowans
Improve the quality of life for all Iowans through services and programs dedicated to economic development and the promotion of healthy communities, people, and environments. Each year more than 1 in 3 Iowans directly benefits from Extension and Outreach services that concentrate on agriculture and natural resources, health and well-being, youth development, and community and economic development.
As a result of this success, Iowa State has been designated by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities as an "Innovation and Economic Prosperity University." Iowa State is one of only 54 institutions in the country and the only one in Iowa to earn this designation.
Goal 4: Enhance and cultivate the Iowa State experience
It's diversity that makes the university vibrant and dynamic. Iowa State will continue to enhance and cultivate an experience where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are safe and feel welcomed, supported, included, and valued by the university and each other.
To become a truly inclusive campus, Leath called on the university to embrace the
Principles of Community
, drafted
a decade ago by student leaders seeking to inspire more respect, open-mindedness, and community on campus.
The
strategic plan was created with input from students, faculty, staff, and other university stakeholders and provides a clear path forward.
Leath said he looks to elevate the university's reputation through an unwavering commitment to excellence to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and everyone plays an important role in making Iowa State University an institution of excellence
-- a better, stronger Iowa State.
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