On January 7, 2025, the UCA Strategic Planning Committee met to review long-term goals and kick off the university’s strategic planning process, with guidance from the Education Advisory Board (EAB).
Aligning Strategy with UCA’s Mission and Vision
The committee focused on ensuring the strategic plan remains aligned with UCA’s mission of providing high-quality education and fostering a community of inclusivity and integrity. The committee reaffirmed the university’s dedication to these values, ensuring that the plan will reflect UCA’s core principles while positioning the institution for growth and success in the coming years.
SWOT Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
The majority of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the results of the SWOT analysis. The committee recognized UCA’s strong sense of community, student-centered culture, and highly respected academic programs. However, challenges such as lean internal resources and operational silos were noted as potential barriers to quick adaptability.
The SWOT also identified key opportunities for UCA to strengthen its economic impact by leveraging trends in AI and workforce development. At the same time, external threats, such as legislative changes and heightened competition for talent, were recognized as challenges to address in the planning process.
Defining Strategic Imperatives for the Next Decade
5-10 years. The committee emphasized the need for alignment between UCA’s academic programs and the evolving needs of regional employers, integrating emerging technologies like AI into the educational experience, and expanding access to education for underrepresented groups. These priorities will help shape UCA’s roadmap for growth and innovation.
Next Steps and Future Engagement
The committee emphasized the importance of aligning resource allocation with the identified priorities to ensure the success of the strategic initiatives. Moving forward, UCA will engage stakeholders across campus through surveys, focus groups, and workshops to ensure that the strategy reflects the needs and aspirations of the university community.
The next committee meeting is scheduled for late February 2025.