Wayne State launches accelerated refresh of strategic plan

A campuswide committee has begun work on an accelerated "refresh" of Wayne State University's 2022-27 strategic plan, Our Moment in Time, as outlined in a May 6 campus message from President Kimberly Andrews Espy and Chair of the Board of Governors Shirley Stancato. The representative group, led by Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D., held its initial meeting on June 4.

The committee kicked off the process with an overview of its charge and a discussion about the original plan's goal and impact. Its work will continue throughout the summer.

In collaboration, the Board of Governors, university leadership and the Academic Senate Policy Committee determined that a strategic plan update - with fresh, forward-looking goals - was an important and timely effort. The refresh will help guide the university beyond 2027 and strengthen donor engagement as Wayne State prepares to launch the public phase of its new comprehensive fundraising campaign in fall 2026.

"Since its adoption in 2022, our strategic plan has served as a strong framework for the university's shared governance vision and goals," Clabo said. "However, some targets - like achieving a 60% graduation rate - have already been met. Other areas now require greater focus. This refresh offers an exciting opportunity to look ahead and more clearly define who we are so we can communicate a unified and compelling vision to our communities - both internal and external."

The revised plan is not expected to significantly alter its original spirit, but rather remain relevant, flexible and responsive to evolving needs and help define priorities in the upcoming comprehensive campaign.

A newly updated strategic plan website invites members of the campus community to provide input and feedback on the plan's direction and process. Once the draft refresh is complete this fall, the university community will have multiple opportunities to review and provide feedback. Final consideration by the Board of Governors is anticipated in February 2026.