Strategic plan to focus on innovation, community, sustainability

Dear Campus Community,

I am excited to announce that Furman has launched a five-year strategic plan to strengthen our position as a university of innovation and impact, foster a thriving community, and ensure a sustainable future. “FUture Focused” will do just that, focus and guide our activities through 2029. It is an expression of our commitment to elevating excellence and the holistic development of our students and our community.

“FUture Focused” outlines a roadmap for continued excellence through three pillars:

Priority One: University of Innovation and Impact

Position Furman as a premier liberal arts and sciences university recognized for delivering a high-value, individualized learning experience through the teacher-scholar model, a culture of innovation, and thought leadership.

Priority Two: Thriving Community

Cultivate a vibrant, interconnected community where students, faculty, and staff flourish, engagement thrives, and wellbeing is prioritized.

Priority Three: Sustainable Future

Foster a dynamic and sustainable future as we enter our third century.

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the strategic plan during its spring meeting, which concluded Saturday. Working groups will convene and begin to put the plan in motion this summer. Learn more by reading this news story.

I am so grateful to the Strategic Planning Team members and its co-leaders, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Beth Pontari and Vice President for Student Life Connie Carson, for their dedication and hard work. I also would like to thank the campus community for providing valuable feedback throughout the process, which refined and sharpened the plan.

I’m eager to work with you on this plan and for the focus it will bring over the next five years.

Warmly,

Elizabeth Davis

President