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

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

Strategic Planning Timeline