Missouri State charts bold course with new strategic plan

Missouri State University adopted a new strategic plan , a forward-looking blueprint designed to strengthen academic excellence, expand community partnerships and reinforce the university's statewide public affairs mission.

Titled "Igniting Opportunity," the plan outlines five goals and introduces updated mission, vision and values statements to guide the institution's next chapter through 2030.

"This new five-year strategic plan is critical to taking Missouri State to the next level," President Richard B. Williams said. "With this plan, we are united around a series of intentional and strategic goals that were developed not only with extensive input from faculty, staff and students, but also from members of the community, including employers, governments and local leaders.

"Get ready…together we are going to accomplish some really big things in southwest Missouri!"

Debut

Willams will formally introduce the plan during the State of the University address delivered at noon Sept. 22 in the Plaster Student Union Theater.

Faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to attend. The event will also be live streamed.

Five strategic goals

The strategic plan provides a roadmap for growth in enrollment, research and student success while strengthening Missouri State's impact on Springfield, the state and beyond.

It is anchored by five goals:

• Academic Opportunities and Innovation - Advance academic excellence and innovation by embedding the public affairs mission across Missouri State's curriculum, promoting experiential, interdisciplinary and relevant learning opportunities, and expanding access to high-quality educational programs.

• Community Partnerships and Economic Development - Advance a systematic, sustainable, universitywide culture that supports our public affairs mission through intentional collaboration among university, industry and community partners connecting students' real-world learning with employers and organizations seeking talent and expertise.

• Institution of Choice for Students and Employees - Position Missouri State University as the institution of choice for students and employees.

• Student and Alumni Experience - Build a culture of enduring engagement by connecting students and alumni to the university through shared experiences and meaningful community.

• Branding and Identity - Energize every Bear to be Missouri State's biggest fan with branding that grows affinity with and promotes recognition of Missouri State.

Mission, vision and values

The strategic plan also updates the university's core tenants.

The new mission affirms Missouri State as "a community of citizen scholars committed to public affairs. Our innovative teaching, research and service create transformative experiences that benefit individuals and society."

The vision sets a decisive aspiration: "Missouri State will be the nation's leading public affairs university, delivering on our mission by cultivating civic responsibility and igniting social and economic opportunity."

Originally signed into law in 1995, the values reaffirm the three pillars of public affairs - ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement - as the foundation of the university's identity and daily practice. The university reaffirms and elevates these enduring commitments by formally adopting them as our core values.

A collaborative process

The strategic plan is the result of more than a year of work involving faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners. Through small group sessions, workshops, surveys and listening sessions, more than 500 participants shaped the plan's goals, strategies and outcomes. Together, we created "our" strategic plan.

It was finalized with approval by the Board of Governors in June 2025.

The university community is currently participating in workgroups focused on implementing the goals and strategies of the plan.

Read the full plan