Over the years, Wilson College has stood as a beacon of education and transformation. Today, there is a growing buzz on campus and beyond as more people recognize the power of this institution to not only educate, but to change lives like never before.
“When I’m in the community, I feel a real sense of enthusiasm and momentum around Wilson. The positive attention we’re receiving reflects the fact that while we’re not fully thriving yet, we are clearly on that path—honoring 157 years of history while transforming more students’ lives than ever before,” said
President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D.
The next chapter of Wilson’s story builds on the momentum of the previous strategic plan, Future Wilson: The Phoenix Rises, which ended this past June. Now, it is time for a new roadmap, one shaped by a true community effort. Faculty, staff, students, alumnae, alumni, and Trustees all contributed their voices and ideas. Together, they asked: How can Wilson best serve today’s students, and tomorrow’s Phoenix? The answers shaped a vision that keeps the student experience at its core, and the result is a bold new plan that charts a course through the challenges that lie ahead: Igniting the Future: The Phoenix Soars, which will guide Wilson through the 2025-2028 academic years.
At Wilson, we’ve embraced big dreams and made tough decisions to position our alma mater for success, but the vision and values of the College remain the same. With the strategic imperatives of Igniting the Future, the focus will be on the enrollment and retention of students, facilities and deferred maintenance, faculty and staff retention, career preparation and employment outcomes of our students, and, of course, strengthening the institution’s financial position. These key performance indicators will guide the College as it moves forward with new strategic initiatives.
Through the implementation of this plan, Wilson will remain focused on her mission to prepare graduates who are confident thinkers, creative visionaries, effective communicators, honorable leaders, and agents of justice. For more than 157 years, this commitment has guided the institution’s work. With a solid foundation now established, Igniting the Future provides a clear framework to sustain that mission and advance Wilson’s continued strength and distinction.
VISION
Creating possibilities.
Forging exceptional student success.
Transforming lives.
MISSION
Wilson College empowers students to be confident and critical thinkers, creative visionaries, effective
communicators, honorable leaders, and agents of justice.
STRATEGIC IMPERATIVES
I. Deliver Impactful Student Experiences Through Purposeful Programs
DEFINITION: Integrate proven, evidence-based strategies across academic and co-curricular pathways that enhance student engagement and learning.
GOAL 1: High Impact Practices drive greater student engagement in academic pursuits and campus life, leading to a greater sense of belonging and community.
GOAL 2: Graduate employment outcomes are bolstered by enhanced career exploration and preparation experiences.
II. Illuminate Our Story
DEFINITION: Deepen understanding and pride in the Wilson College brand with all constituents, including local and regional communities.
GOAL 1: Wilson College is known regionally as an affordable, accessible private institution of choice providing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees via online, in-person, and hybrid modalities.
GOAL 2: The greater Chambersburg community as well as alumni, current students, faculty, and staff identify and understand the College’s brand story and can speak about it with pride and confidence.
III. Foster A Data-Informed Campus Culture
DEFINITION: Leverage technology to streamline administrative processes to better meet institutional goals and deliver a seamless student experience.
GOAL 1: A college-wide data management strategy improves data retention and decision-making.
GOAL 2: Student experience obstacles are eliminated with the use of technology that improves staff/faculty processes and productivity.
IV. Rejuvenate And Inspire Our Workforce
DEFINITION: Support students by reinvigorating faculty and staff in their work to deliver the Wilson educational experience.
GOAL 1: A shared understanding of workforce needs leads to formal and informal initiatives that improve overall job satisfaction.
GOAL 2: Improved retention of faculty and staff enhances the student experience at all levels.
V. Strengthen The Institution’s Financial Position
DEFINITION: Diversify and grow revenue streams while managing institutional expenses through innovative, mission-centric strategies that support long-term sustainability.
GOAL 1: Pursue new revenue generating opportunities and cost containment strategies that align with the College’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
GOAL 2: Steward and increase donor engagement and philanthropic support of the College and her future goals.
