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A Five-Year Plan for St. John’s Future

The Next Chapter

In 2021, Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President, announced the formation of a Strategic Planning Committee. Fr. Shanley charged the Committee with developing a comprehensive strategic plan with clear objectives and measurable goals that will prioritize the activities and identify the resources needed to best support St. John’s University’s mission and vision going forward.

Introduction

For more than 150 years, St. John’s University has played a vital role in higher education, the broader community, and in the lives of those who have benefitted from a comprehensive educational experience. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s strives to fulfill St. Vincent de Paul’s vision and continue his efforts on behalf of those most in need. Fittingly, St. John’s is a place where students from all backgrounds, and particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, come to study, learn, and grow—and emerge as leaders in our rapidly changing society.

At this critical point in the history and growth of the University, the New York region, our country, and the world, it is imperative that we contemplate the future of St. John’s and articulate a bold, ambitious, and dynamic vision and Strategic Plan that propels the University toward greater successes now and for generations to come.

As President of St. John’s University, I am pleased to present a five-year (2022–27) Strategic Plan to help shape a bright future for our University. This plan, which serves as a roadmap for the University, is the culmination of a year-long effort on the part of the University’s Strategic Planning Committee. In April of 2021, the committee was charged with developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan with clear objectives and measurable goals.

The Strategic Plan focuses on five foundational themes, or “pillars,” that are crucial to the continued success and growth of the University:

  • Pillar 1: Student Success: Reimagining the Student Experience to Deepen Connection, Engagement, and Belonging
  • Pillar 2: Academic Distinction—Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Research
  • Pillar 3: Mission, Equity, and Inclusion: Building a Community of Belonging
  • Pillar 4: Institutional Resources: Growing and Optimizing Institutional Assets
  • Pillar 5: The St. John’s Identity: Elevating our National and Global Stature

Each pillar was explored by the Strategic Planning Committee, as well as more than 70 members of the student body, faculty, administration, and staff who served on subcommittees directly related to each.

While these continue to be challenging times for institutions of higher education, together and with the help of God, we will make St. John’s stronger. We will continue to make targeted investments to create new opportunities for our students, faculty, alumni, administrators, and staff. I remain confident that we will grow into the University that God wants us to be as we continue to serve others in the Vincentian tradition.

Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President

Foundational Themes

Graudates with back to camera caps in air

Student Success

Reimagining the Student Experience to Deepen Connection, Engagement, and Belonging

Student Success

Strategic Planning Timeline

DateMilestone
April 2021President Shanley announces formation of Strategic Planning Committee
May - July 2021Foundational themes determined, committees formed, chairs named.

Mon, 9/13

Strategic Planning Committee meeting

Fri, 9/17

Meeting with President's Advisory Council (PAC)

Tue, 9/28 

Meeting with Academic Deans

Wed, 10/6

Meeting with Board of Trustees

Fri, 10/15Meeting with President's Advisory Council

Wed, 10/27

Meeting with Board of Governors

Tues, 11/2Strategic Planning Committee Meeting
Fri, 11/12Meeting with President's Advisory Council
Sat, 11/13

Presentation at Board of Trustees Retreat

Fri, 12/10Meeting with President's Advisory Council
Thurs, 1/27Pillar Co-Chairs meeting with Fr. Shanley

January/February 2022

Campus “Community Feedback” surveys and focus groups on foundational pillars and goals

Tues, 2/1Strategic Planning Committee Meeting

February 2022

Feedback received

April 2022

Plan delivered to Fr. Shanley

May 2022

Plan presented to the Board of Trustees

August – November 2022The Senior Management Group reviews and refines the pillars, goals, and action items associated with the Strategic Plan
September 2022The Strategic Plan Implementation Committee is formed and holds its first meeting; meetings are also held in October and November
Fall 2022 semesterThe Co-Chairs of the Strategic Plan Implementation Committee meet monthly with the President’s Advisory Council to discuss and further refine the Strategic Plan
October 2022The Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors receive updates on the Strategic Plan at their October meetings
December 2022Board of Trustees adopts resolution to approve the Strategic Plan
Spring 2023 semesterThe Senior Management Group, in partnership with the Strategic Plan Implementation Committee, will complete benchmarking, finalize metrics, and determine targets for the Strategic Plan
Summer 2023The Senior Management Group, the President’s Advisory Council, and the Strategic Plan Implementation Committee will hold a strategic planning summit