WSU Strategic Plan

The history of Wichita State is built upon big ideas and the undaunted dreamers who made them into reality.

From the streets of Wichita to the far corners of space, Shockers have proven time and time again that, at Wichita State, anything is possible.

It was with this in mind that the university set out to create a strategic plan that capitalized on Wichita State's unique DNA in a way that would leave a lasting impact on its students, its city, its region and its world. The resulting document is a blueprint for the university's aspirations of obtaining greater global prominence and a declaration of its intentions to serve as the flag bearer for the future of higher learning.

The following is a brief synopsis of Wichita State University's big audacious plan and what it means to the future of the university and its community.

Vision and Mission

Like many of those who once walked its campus, Wichita State's strategic plan shoots for the stars and proves that the university's pioneering spirit is alive and well. At the heart of the plan are vision and mission statements which clearly state the university's desire to chart a new course for higher learning while remaining dedicated to serving as a lifeblood to the region and doing its part to provide the highest quality of life possible to those who call it home.

Vision
To be one of the nation’s premier urban public research universities, known for providing impactful applied learning experiences and driving prosperity for the people and communities we serve.

Mission
The mission of Wichita State University is to be an essential educational, cultural and economic driver for Kansas and the greater public good.

University Goals

Student Centeredness

Promote holistic student success through a supportive learning environment in which all of our students — past, present and future — continually thrive and grow.

Research and Scholarship

Accelerate the discovery, creation and transfer of new knowledge.

Campus Culture

Empower students, faculty, staff and the greater Wichita community to create a culture and experience that meets their ever-changing needs.

Inclusive Excellence

Be a campus that reflects and promotes – in all community members – the evolving diversity of society.

Partnerships and Engagement

Advance industry and community partnerships to provide quality educational opportunities and collaborations to satisfy rapidly evolving community and workforce needs.

2022-23 Priorities

Helping families through access and affordability

Provide an accessible, affordable and impactful higher education for all Kansans with increased community connections and networks.
Proposed enhancements: Marcus Welcome Center, Clinton Hall, Hubbard Hall and Rhatigan Student Center.
Diversify and develop our faculty and staff to better reflect our student body and region.
Shocker Promise: Full tuition and fees for Pell-eligible families.
Increase need-based aid.

Supporting Kansas businesses with a talent pipeline that meets employer needs

Provide relevant applied learning experiences that match the needs of industry, agency and community partners.
Become a nationally recognized leader in digital transformation and SMART manufacturing.

Increasing economic prosperity with higher education that benefits the Kansas economy

Support faculty-led interdisciplinary research initiatives (2020-2023).
Support the needs of the region through the newly formed strategic engagement.
Continue the development of the Innovation Campus by attracting new partners and expand the Maintenance, Repairing and Overhaul (MRO) initiative.
Continue developing and supporting innovation and new ventures.
National Center for Aviation Training expansion.
University Village: Enter into financially prudent public-private partnerships on university-owned property that provide services.
Support Wichita downtown development via hospitality, culinary arts and health sciences.
Enhance compensation and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

What we believe

Core Values

Values that have always underlined the culture at Wichita State.

Integrity
Transparency
Personal responsibility
Collaboration
Access and equity

Distinctive Values

Values necessary to achieve the goals of the strategic plan.

Seizing opportunities
Adaptive approaches
Positive risk-taking
Innovation and creativity
Knowledge creation and dynamic educational opportunities

Questions or Comments?

Talk to us

Two female friends outside the Rhatigan Student Center

WSU Initiatives

Wichita State University’s vision is to be one of the nation’s most innovative public research universities, known for providing impactful student experiences and driving prosperity for the people and communities we serve. Important to realizing that vision is creating an assessment system that helps to clearly tell our story, as a university, to those both on-and off-campus. Reporting progress on our strategic plan helps to ensure transparency and helps all of us make decisions moving forward.

Assessment and tracking

WSU's assessment and tracking system, now in testing, provides all units within the university the opportunity to develop strategies and tactics unique to you and the work your unit is doing. Strategies that are aligned directly with the university's goals will apply to an overall university report. Tactics, which are specific deliverables for a strategy; and metrics, how the success of the strategy will be measured, must be entered with each strategy.

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