Strategic Plan

Pacific University is engaged in a strategic planning process to envision the next chapter of our future. A strategic planning task force, in partnership with external partner the Benefactor Group, is working through a discover-dream-design-deliver process to define and actualize our vision for the future of Pacific University. 

Process & Timeline

• Discover | Collect information, materials, stories, and insights from stakeholders through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and World Café sessions. Spring & Summer 2023
  • The materials provided are extensive and include, as an example, the "Conversations About Community" Summary Report
  • Three World Café conversations with 150+ participants (in person and virtual)
  • 333 faculty and staff responses to English survey (online)
  • Spanish survey being circulated now (online and paper)
  • Eight focus groups completed (including shared governance groups); three focus groups scheduled
  • Fifteen interviews in progress
• Dream | Analyze and assemble preliminary information and conduct a strategic planning retreat to develop a shared vision. Summer & Fall 2023
• Design | Translate dreams to reality by identifying strategic priorities, objectives, and projects. Share and seek feedback through the University governance system and approval from the Board of Trustees. Fall & Winter 2023
• Deliver | Move from strategic planning to strategic action as a university community. Fall & Winter 2023

Strategic Priorities and Objectives

Through the Discovery phase and the work of the Board of Trustees and Strategic Planning Task Force, three Strategic Priorities have emerged:

• Empower – focused on people. The Pacific University community will be empowered by a robust and diverse student body, world-class faculty and staff, and effective leadership.
• Thrive – focused on infrastructure, processes, operations, and environment. Teaching, learning, living, and personal growth will take place in a diverse community, served by the built and natural environment, and sustained by sound operations and policies.
• Advance - Pacific University will harness resources to achieve aspirational goals that advance fiscal health, academic achievement, scholarship and research, and far-reaching impact.

Several Objectives under each priority have also emerged. Objectives describe what Pacific University needs to accomplish to achieve Priorities. Objectives are measurable, with quantifiable targets and baselines to give Pacific University an understanding of where it is now and where it needs to be in the future.

While the Strategic Priorities provide a framework for the Objectives, other aspects of the University’s vision will be informed by values and aspirations at the heart of Pacific University, such as innovation, EDIA (equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility), collaboration, the pursuit of justice, and sustainability. Infusing these attributes across the strategic plan will create cohesion and strength and will fully express the best of Pacific University.

The draft strategic plan framework is being reviewed by shared governance this fall. The University Council, Staff Senate, and Faculty Senate reviewed the draft framework during their October meetings. Additional opportunties for faculty and staff to learn more and provide feedback on the priorities and objectives that have emerged through the discovery process and the work of the Board of Trustees and Strategic Planning Task Force are being provided in standing meetings throughout the month of November. 

Task Force Members

• Brandon Gatke, Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration
  Strategic Planning Task Force Chair

• Lindsey Blem '07, Dean of Student Development and Campus Living
• Kelli Gehrs '81, MAEd '82, Independent Trustee, Pacific University Board of Trustees
• Isaac Gilman, Dean, University Libraries
• Ava Johnson, Undergraduate Student Senate President
• James Kundart, Immediate Past Faculty Senate Chair, Professor, College of Optometry
• Jenni Luckett, Associate VP of Marketing, Communications & Brand
• Kerry Mandulak, University Faculty Chair, Associate Professor, College of Education
• Cat Marlow, Staff Senator, Director of Curricular Operations, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions
• Nancy Phillips '77, MAT '82, Independent Trustee, Pacific University Board of Trustees
• Amy Rasmussen, Emergency Manager/Business Continuity
• Phil Ruder, Faculty Chair, Professor, College of Arts & Sciences
• Mark Truax '09, Independent Trustee, Pacific University Board of Trustees
• Mary Von, Vice Provost and Executive Dean, College of Health Professions
• Jennifer Yruegas '96, Dean, College of Business
• Sam Yun, Graduate/Professional Student Representative
• Jenny Coyle '90, OD '93, MS '00, President (ex-officio)
• Ann Barr-Gillespie, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (ex-officio)
• Lucy Dubin, Vice President for Human Resources (ex-officio)
• Amy Eaton, Vice President for University Advancement (ex-officio)
• Jean Garcia-Chitwood, Acting Vice President for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (ex-officio)
• Sarah Phillips, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (ex-officio)
• Karla Staihar, Chief of Staff, Office of the President (staff support)
• Rebeka Andrade, Executive Assistant, Office of the President (staff support)