Crafting the Plan

Four Pillars The university's most recent strategic planning process, launched in 2013, culminated in Vanderbilt's current Academic Strategic Plan. The purpose of the 2013-14 Strategic Plan was to develop broad and compelling ideas that align with the university's mission and blaze a path for the University to follow as it approaches its 150th anniversary. At its core, the plan aspires to shape the future of higher education and make a positive difference in the world at-large.

The planning process marked the first time all ten colleges and schools were involved. The benefits of this inclusive, campus-wide approach were apparent from the start, and the range of perspectives gave rise to a rich variety of innovative ideas and recommendations.

The process relied on a bottom up approach with the faculty leading the way. Over 600 faculty participated formally or informally in the process. This attribute is quite distinct in comparison to the organization of strategic plans at other universities. As the year unfolded, great care was also given to securing feedback from key university stakeholders. The end result allowed great ideas to flourish, and the plan benefited directly from the input of the Board of Trust, donors, alumni, students, and staff.

With this approach, the values, visions, and initiatives that define this Strategic Plan should be positioned to not only shape the direction of the University for the coming years, but also to serve as a collective blueprint for the future.

A set of dynamic and inter-connected themes drove Vanderbilt’s 2013-14 Strategic Plan: Undergraduate Residential Experience, Trans-institutional Programs, Healthcare Solutions, and Education Technologies. These overlapping themes encouraged creative exploration of new ideas that can thrive in an intimate learning environment nested within a leading research university. These pillars also force us to confront important challenges; whether it be the rise of new technologies, the many criticisms facing higher education, or the tough problems facing society, such as healthcare.

The Mission Statement of Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is a center for scholarly research, informed and creative teaching, and service to the community and society at large. Vanderbilt will uphold the highest standards and be a leader in the

quest for new knowledge through scholarship,
dissemination of knowledge through teaching and outreach,
creative experimentation of ideas and concepts.

In pursuit of these goals, Vanderbilt values most highly

Intellectual freedom that supports open inquiry,
equality, compassion and excellence in all endeavors.

Phases of Plan Development

Concept Development Phase: June - July 2013

Executive Committee Meetings

Concept Refinement Phase: August - October 2013

Faculty Senate Meeting
Executive Committee Kick-Off and Retreats in the Four Theme Areas
Steering Committee reports submitted on October 15th

Concept Revision Phase: November 2013 - February 2014

Board of Trust Nov and Feb Retreats
Release of Executive Summary of POTENTIAL initiatives
Presentations to Dean’s Council, Faculty Senate, DAR, SOM, SOE

Continued Input and Feedback: February - May 2014

Town Hall Meetings with Faculty
Meetings with Student and Staff Groups
April presentation to Board of Trust

Submitted FULL Draft of Strategic Plan to Board of Trust in June 2014

Advisory Committees

In launching this strategic planning process, Chancellor Zeppos charged the Executive Committee and its Steering Committees to be bold and creative. To meet this charge, the Planning process included for the first time the entire campus—all ten colleges and schools. This inclusive process was inspired by the success of the 2002 University Central and 2006-08 Medical Center strategic plans. The benefits of a campus-wide approach were apparent from the start, and the range of perspectives gave rise to a rich variety of innovative ideas and recommendations. In total, well over 1,250 colleagues and friends contributed to this process, providing constructive insights and opinions from the important constituencies that comprise Vanderbilt.

Organizational Chart Image

Committees & Advisory Boards

Action & Impact Phases

Review the quarterly Update Reports to track the plan's progress, specific to the Action and Impact phases.