In This Section
Strategic Plan Approach & Phases
A Collaborative and Comprehensive Strategic Plan
The Smeal College of Business partnered with Huron Consulting Group to embark on a transformative strategic planning initiative. This process was designed to shape the College’s future through intentional, data-informed decision-making and broad stakeholder engagement. Drawing from proven frameworks and expertise, we aimed to define clear priorities, actionable initiatives, and a cohesive vision that would align with a strategic budget.
Grounded in collaboration and inclusivity, the planning process emphasized input from faculty, staff, students, alumni, corporate partners, and other key stakeholders. By leveraging their diverse perspectives, we aimed to ensure that the resulting strategic plan reflects the aspirations and needs of the entire Smeal community.
Phases of the Strategic Plan
January–March 2025
Through market analysis, benchmarking, and extensive stakeholder engagement—including focus groups and surveys—this phase developed a deep understanding of Smeal’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities. A SWOT analysis captured key insights to guide the next steps.
Progress
Reports & Deliverables
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April–May 2025
Building on insights from Phase 1, this phase generated innovative ideas for the College’s future. Activities included brainstorming sessions and idea generation surveys. These ideas were evaluated and filtered to identify a focused set of strategic priorities and initiatives.
Progress
Mid-Phase 2 Update
August-September 2025
This phase involved drafting the initial strategic plan document, which includes the mission, vision, values, goal areas, and actionable initiatives. Feedback was solicited through two virtual town halls and a community survey to refine the draft and foster community buy-in.
Progress
September–October 2025
The final phase focused on finalizing the strategic plan and developing an implementation roadmap. This includes actionable steps, a strategic budget, and mechanisms to monitor progress. The plan was then presented to the Smeal community, setting the stage for its execution.