ChancellorMay 25, 2023

UAFS 2023-2028 Strategic Plan Approved by System Board

Dear colleagues and students,

I am thrilled to share that the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees has approved our Strategic Plan for 2023-2028. This is a significant milestone in our university’s history, and it would not have been possible without your dedicated participation in the development of this plan. 

Through focus groups, committee revisions, and open forum discussions, your collective efforts have helped shape a strategy that truly reflects our shared vision for UAFS.

In alignment with this new strategic direction, we have redefined our mission, vision, and institutional commitments.

Our New Mission: UAFS empowers the social mobility of its students and the economic growth of the River Valley through exceptional educational opportunities and robust community partnerships.

Our New Vision: Through dynamic academic programs, innovative research opportunities, and transformational centers of intellectual and economic development, UAFS will advance its community and become an institution renowned for educating and inspiring the ambitious students who call it home.

Our Institutional Commitments:

• Students: We provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment for personal and professional success.
• Community: We serve and strengthen the River Valley through collaborations addressing regional needs.
• Integrity: We uphold honest, transparent, and ethical behavior.
• Innovation: We foster creativity, exploration, and novel solutions.
• Value: We prioritize excellence, efficiency, and continuous improvement to provide premium, affordable education.

A detailed version of the strategic plan, organized around four key strategic pillars, will be available at uafs.edu in June.

The updated pillars include:

1. Student Access, Engagement, and Success: We are dedicated to empowering our students to grow, lead, and succeed.
2. Teaching and Learning: We strive to cultivate exceptional learning experiences and promote excellence within our community.
3. Economic Development, Community Engagement, and Industry Partnership: We drive transformational change by forging strong and innovative partnerships across the region.
4. Institutional Sustainability and Resource Stewardship: We are committed to securing our institution's long-term stability through responsible practices and policies.

With the plan now approved by the Board of Trustees, we will begin developing implementation plans. Over the coming months, each university department will create individualized plans aligned with the four strategic pillars, ensuring that robust strategies, actions, and success metrics are clearly articulated. 

Department and divisional leaders will submit annual reports on their progress toward achieving their success metrics, and to foster transparency and accountability, summaries of all annual reports will be presented to university employees and students each year.

For access to the UAFS 2023-28 Strategic Plan: 

https://uafs.edu/strategic-plan/

Thank you once again for your invaluable contributions to this strategic plan. It is a testament to our commitment and passion for UAFS, and I am honored to be your chancellor during this important time in the university’s history. 

Terisa C. Riley, Ph.D.

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