Wright State University launches Strategic Plan 2030 to advance student success, enhance role as regional economic driver 

Wright State University launched a new five-year Strategic Plan designed to guide the university through 2030. This plan will advance student success, strengthen collaborative partnerships and further enhance the university’s role as a driver of economic vitality in the region.

The plan, introduced at the June 20 meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees, builds on Wright State’s current momentum. It was developed through a collaborative process that involved working groups of over 70 faculty, staff, students, trustees and community stakeholders, along with numerous campus-wide listening sessions and feedback surveys.

The heart of Wright State’s success is found in its talented faculty and staff, who help foster a university environment where students are supported and find a sense of belonging.

“The expertise and commitment of our phenomenal faculty and staff are essential to delivering an exceptional educational experience that changes lives,” said Wright State President Sue Edwards, Ph.D.

With the launch of the new Strategic Plan, Wright State is capitalizing on its continuing progress and financial stability to elevate its programs and support the region’s evolving workforce and economy.

“This plan reflects how far we have come in just a short time,” Edwards said. “It’s a focused vision that is reflective of our community’s commitment to empowering all students to excel in their lives and chosen careers through integrated learning, research, innovation and experience.”

Rooted in Wright State’s long-standing priorities of recruitment, retention and relationships, the plan is centered on delivering exceptional student experiences, fostering success and enhancing Wright State’s impact across the region.

“This plan is our roadmap. It positions our university to continue as the driving force for economic vitality and transformation in our region,” Edwards said. “We’ll accomplish this by preparing graduates to be successful and fuel innovation in their chosen field and leveraging our community partnerships to create lasting prosperity for our graduates.”

Strategic objectives

Wright State’s Strategic Plan 2030 outlines five university objectives designed to address the needs of today while anticipating the demands of tomorrow:

• Create transformational educational experiences: Deliver high-quality learning in and outside the classroom to prepare students to lead, innovate and drive upward social mobility.
• Cultivate student success through campus development: Support the holistic well-being of students, faculty and staff and foster a welcoming, thriving community where everyone can go further.
• Forge lasting collaborative relationships and engage communities for shared success: Work with partners in education, health care, defense and industry to fuel innovation and create robust talent pipelines across the region.
• Advance knowledge for individuals and communities: Drive transformation through research, entrepreneurship and creative activity that enriches lives locally and globally.
• Achieve sustainability with optimized strategic resources: Ensure Wright State remains accessible, affordable and aligned with the evolving needs of students and the region.

From stabilization to strength

The new plan builds on the foundation created from Wright State’s Bridge Strategic Plan 2023–2025, which helped guide and stabilize the university through post-COVID-19 uncertainty.

The new Strategic Plan capitalizes on the remarkable progress made by Wright State’s community in recent years, marked by increased enrollment, record first-year retention rates, a strong financial position reflected in a perfect Senate Bill 6 score and key partnerships with Premier Health, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Dayton Children’s Hospital.

“We’ve come a long way,” Edwards said. “Through disciplined stewardship, we are now in a position of strength and our future looks bright. This Strategic Plan ensures that Wright State remains laser-focused on serving our region for generations to come.”

To view Wright State’s Strategic Plan 2030, visit wright.edu/strategic-plan.