New strategic plan offers vision for future

Grand Valley is looking toward a bright future with its new strategic plan. The plan, which covers the years 2010-15, is for Grand Valley to become recognized as one of the nation's premiere Carnegie classification "Master's Large" institutions of higher education grounded in the tradition of liberal education.

"A great deal of collaboration and insight went into this plan, which will chart our course for the next five years," said President Thomas J. Haas. "This plan is designed as a roadmap for improving every aspect of Grand Valley's performance as we continue to mature as an institution."

The Strategic Plan is built around seven values that define Grand Valley: effective teaching, liberal education, scholarship, service, inclusiveness, community and sustainability. Those values provide the foundation for the university's mission to educate students to shape their lives, their professions and their societies.

"Grand Valley will continue to focus on the promotion of high quality undergraduate and graduate programs," said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Gayle R. Davis. "In addition, our innovative partnerships and initiatives will continue to promote the intellectual, social and environmental advancement of our region and our world."

The new plan is the result of a process that began in 2007 and involved a committee composed of representatives from across the university. The plan was endorsed by the University Academic Senate and the Administrative/Professional Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees in October. It can be viewed online at www.gvsu.edu/strategicplanning.