Since 1890 when Washington State University was founded we have been on a mission of excellence in four categories. These are not in order but, first being academic and student success through numerous programs and degrees. The second is assisting communities and the world in solving lingering problems. The third is adapting as a school to fit the needs of our students and the communities that support us. The final and possibly one of the most important is respecting and living up to our land-grant mission. 

In the upcoming years, WSU and the WSU Strategic Plan Office have a lot of plans for the university that will bring even more success to our school, students, and communities. President Schulz and then Provost Daniel Bernardo appointed a 24-member team consisting of faculty, staff, and students from various WSU locations to lead the planning process for WSU. 

This group is in charge of creating the first-ever system-wide comprehensive strategic plan that encompasses the WSU system. We will be using data to lead our decisions to increase the number of yearly applicants, work on helping the communities around us, and increase the research that stems from our various locations. 

Our main objective for our five-year plan is called Drive to 25. This is essentially WSUs drive to become one of the top 25 research public institutions in the United States. In order to achieve this overall objective, we must make smart informed decisions with how we allocate funding and resources as well as create an environment where all faculty and staff have the same morals when it comes to the teaching of the current and future generations.

We hope to create an environment full of opportunities and success to ultimately enhance the lives of our students, faculty, and communities. This effort will elevate WSU into a new realm of success and open the doors for future generations and inevitably make Washington as a whole and potentially the world a better place. We have many goals and strategies that are available to read here if you would like to have a deeper and more well-rounded understanding.

About the author

Alex is a writer for the Office of Strategy, Planning, and Analysis at Washington State University. As a strategic advertising student, he focuses on brand development and promotion. He also works as an intern in Switzerland with the luxury watch company, Chopard.