STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT REPORT
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
This inaugural impact report reflects Georgia State University’s unwavering commitment to advancing its bold strategic vision, BluePrint to 2033 – Our Place, Our Time. Over the past year, we have made significant strides in areas central to our mission — enrollment growth, student retention and graduation, research development, and student engagement. Strengthened infrastructure, enhanced student support systems and increased philanthropic contributions have expanded scholarships and enriched academic programs.
Notable gains in retention and graduation rates underscore the success of targeted initiatives designed to promote student achievement. Continued investment in research and scholarly productivity has reinforced GSU’s standing as a leading urban research institution. Our dedication to fostering a vibrant campus community is evident in expanded opportunities for engagement, leadership and career readiness.
Guided by the four institutional pillars — Identity, Placemaking and Belonging; Innovating Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity; Student Success 2.0; and Beyond College to Career — we launched 20 new initiatives, each led by implementation teams charged with driving progress. We also introduced six university-wide metrics with aspirational goals to guide decision-making over the next decade. These pillars, metrics and initiatives form the foundation for measurable, lasting impact.
The BluePrint to 2033 enables continuous progress monitoring, data-informed decision-making and transparent communication with our university community. This report provides an overview of our pillars and goals, introduces the new metrics and outlines the initiatives that will shape our path forward. While celebrating our accomplishments, we remain clear about the work ahead. We will continue refining strategies, optimizing resources and strengthening partnerships to drive sustainable growth and institutional excellence. Our commitment to student success, innovation in teaching and research and deep community engagement remains steadfast.
The future will be shaped not only by our aspirations but by the decisive actions we take now. Together, we will continue building a university where every student reaches their full potential, where our research transforms lives and where our community thrives. This is Georgia State’s moment to make history — and together, we will write it.
M. Brian Blake President
MESSAGE FROM CROSS-CUTTING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
As co-chairs of the cross-cutting committee, we are pleased to share this impact report for Aug.1, 2024 –Sept. 30, 2025. Following the launch of 20 initiatives in November 2024, implementation has moved forward with purpose. Guided by the President’s Cabinet and implementation leaders, teams across the university set clear objectives, established timelines and identified milestones. Faculty and staff from multiple units worked diligently on implementation teams to keep each effort on track, within scope and aligned with expectations.
Through their focus and commitment, nearly all initiatives are now in active states of action. Updates are shared through the strategic plan website, presidential communications, the annual Impact Report, BluePrint webinar series and the “Our Place, Our Time” video series.
Our budget strategy reflects the same discipline. By FY 2026, planned investments will total $258 million, with $165 million from external sources, $7 million from the recurring operating budget, and $86 million in one-time funds. These resources support student success, research excellence, institutional growth, philanthropic engagement, career readiness and campus community engagement.
The impact reflected here is the result of the dedication of our faculty, staff, students and our partners, both internal and external. Together, we are building momentum toward our BluePrint to 2033 and strengthening the contributions we make to our university and the communities we serve. We look forward to continuing this work, sharing the progress, and celebrating the enhancements and transformations ahead.
Nicolle Parsons-Pollard Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
L. Jared Abramson Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
“NO OTHER UNIVERSITY HAS ACCOMPLISHED WHAT GEORGIA STATE HAS OVER THE LAST DECADE.”
— BILL GATES
OUR TIMELINE
The following timeline outlines the key phases and milestones of the strategic plan, BluePrint to 2033, since its launch in fall 2023. The timeline provides a clear framework for implementation and progress tracking. Each stage is designed to ensure alignment with our goals, optimize resource allocation and promote accountability across teams. By adhering to this timeline, we aim to maintain momentum, adapt to evolving priorities and achieve measurable results within the designated timeframe
MILESTONES
2024
Q1
Taskforces identify and select the top five strategic initiatives.
Top initiatives are presented to the Crosscutting team.
Q2
The Operations Team, Provost and Conveners refine top strategic initiatives and KPIs.
Cross-cutting Team scores strategic initiatives and provides feedback.
The Operations Team develops KPIs and scorecards.
Strategic initiatives and scores are presented to the President’s Cabinet for feedback.
Strategic initiatives refined.
Q4
Strategic initiatives for Phase I are finalized.
Implementation Team Leaders are identified.
Launch of Phase I initiatives.
Implementation Team members identified.
Q1
Q2
Strategic Plan webinar series Launched.
Roll out of Cascade Strategy Software Platform for planning and executing. Implementation Teams provide progress reports on Phase I. President rolls out six universitywide metrics.
Q3
President’s State of the University. Implementation Teams provide progress reports for Q1 and Q2 activities.
OUR MISSION & VALUES
OUR MISSION
Georgia State University, one of the largest, most innovative multi-campus public research universities, transforms the lives of students, advances the frontiers of knowledge and strengthens the workforce of the future. With campuses in and around metro Atlanta, Georgia State readies students for professional pursuits, educates future leaders and prepares citizens for lifelong learning. Enrolling one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation, Georgia State prioritizes student success ensuring that students from all backgrounds graduate at high rates. The university provides outstanding experiential educational opportunities and exceptional support for students seeking degrees from the associate to the doctoral level.
One of the nation’s fastest-growing research institutions, Georgia State’s scholarship and research focus on solving complex issues ranging from the most fundamental questions of the universe to the most challenging issues of our day, while our creative activities expand and enrich the world.
OUR VALUES
COMMUNITY
Fostering a distinctive shared identity and common purpose across our multi-campus university.
IDENTITY, PLACEMAKING & BELONGING
Respecting the dignity and value of all people and perspectives through honorable conduct based on engagement, fairness, access and civility.
TRANSFORMATION
Intentionally pursuing knowledge, practice and scholarly rigor to inspire lifelong learning, and to make our community and the world a better place.
INTEGRITY
Adhering to our values, mission and the truth through respectful cooperation and effective stewardship of resources.
EXCELLENCE
Achieving the highest standards and distinction in teaching, research and service.
STRATEGIC
INNOVATION
Embracing invention and creativity in the pursuit of meaningful discovery using our collective talents.
INSTITUTIONAL PILLARS
The strategic plan was founded upon the four pillars articulated by President Blake and presented to university leadership in December 2022. In March 2023, the Planning and Development Committee voted to recommend that the strategic plan be approved, and it was adopted at the April meeting of the full university senate. These four institutional pillars guided the development of the 20 initiatives released in fall 2024 and the universitywide metrics released in spring 2025.
IDENTITY, PLACEMAKING AND BELONGING
Creates a unified Georgia State identity that celebrates the distinct contributions of each campus while fostering inviting, sustainable, and accessible environments where students, faculty and staff feel safe, connected and inspired to learn, work and thrive within a culture of community and belonging.
STUDENT SUCCESS 2.0
Expands its reputation as a national leader in student success by building a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum that equips students with the critical thinking, adaptability, communication and emotional intelligence needed for lifelong success. The university will enhance academic and financial support systems to improve educational affordability and accessibility, while expanding opportunities to attract and support high-achieving graduate students.
INNOVATING RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP AND CREATIVE ACTIVITY
Enhances Georgia State University’s research reputation by recruiting, retaining and advancing faculty and staff committed to research, scholarship and creative activity, while fostering a culture that supports and celebrates these pursuits across the university.
BEYOND COLLEGE TO CAREER
Prepare students to become future changemakers by ensuring continuous access to career services, high-demand skills and emerging technologies. The university will expand experiential and service-learning opportunities while cultivating state, national and international partnerships with industry, government and nonprofit organizations to advance research, scholarship, creativity and innovation.
INSTITUTIONAL ASPIRATIONS
As Georgia State University charts its course through the BluePrint to 2033, our institutional aspirations define the bold vision that will shape the next decade of impact, innovation, and engagement. These aspirations reflect our unwavering commitment to student success, cuttingedge research, and public service— building upon our national reputation as a leader. They serve as both a compass and a catalyst, aligning our efforts across colleges, campuses and communities as we strive to become a model 21st-century urban research university. Grounded in data, inspired by possibility and driven by purpose, our aspirations point toward a future where Georgia State continues to transform lives and lead with distinction — locally, nationally and globally.
University-Wide Metrics
GROWTH
By 2033, Georgia State University aims to enroll 57,218 students, an increase of 9.34% from the 2021 baseline enrollment of 52,326.
ENGAGEMENT
By 2033, Georgia State University will enrich the collective student experience by cultivating a dynamic campus community that empowers every student to engage and connect. Using Panther Involvement Network (PIN) data to measure participation, the university aims to increase student engagement by 5% annually, reaching 32,797 users by 2033.
SUCCESS
By 2033, Georgia State University will achieve an 85% retention rate for first-time, full-time bachelor’s students enrolled at the Atlanta Campus and increase their graduation rate to 60%. The university will also continue to lead in providing affordable, high-quality associate degree programs and transfer pathways through Perimeter College.
CAREER
Georgia State University will empower every student to graduate career-ready by ensuring sustained access to career services, continuing and professional education and professional networks.
RESEARCH
By 2033, Georgia State University will strengthen its commitment to research excellence by increasing sponsored research expenditures to $192.3 million, advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and enhancing its reputation as a leading research institution.
PHILANTHROPY
By 2033, Georgia State University will expand its philanthropic impact to reach $600 million in support of scholarships, research, facilities and academic programs, strengthening the university’s capacity to advance its mission and strategic priorities.
OUR NUMBERS BY 2033
9.34% $600 M
aim to increase research expenditures aim to expand philanthropic impact aim to increase student enrollment
$192.3 M
INITIATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
Since the launch of the initiatives, Georgia State University has advanced strategic efforts aligned with its 10-year blueprint for institutional progress. The highlights and accomplishments of the strategic initiatives are organized according to their contributions to key university-wide performance metrics. Many initiatives were intentionally designed to advance multiple institutional priorities, demonstrate strategic alignment, deliver cross-functional impact and adapt over the 10-year implementation period. These initiatives are explicitly identified as having complementary impact on the university-wide metrics.
GROWTH & ENGAGEMENT
Georgia State continued to expand its reach and strengthen campus and community connections through infrastructure, enrollment and engagement initiatives.
RECRUIT, CULTIVATE AND RETAIN HIGH-QUALITY GRADUATE STUDENTS
Graduate enrollment initiatives yielded strong results, including the addition of 610 new students in FY25 through targeted marketing, an 8% enrollment increase from spring 2024 to Spring 2025, and the launch of six new online graduate certificates and one MIS program. Milestones included the first external MOU for a fasttrack program linking selected undergraduate programs at partner universities to GSU graduate programs, along with the implementation of residency-neutral tuition for five graduate degrees and all graduate certificates.
Complementary university-wide metric impact: SUCCESS CAREER
new graduate students in FY25 recruited through targeted marketing campaign
Outreach to 435
increase in graduate enrollment 8%
students who temporarily leave or paused their studies
degree programs and all certificate residency neutral tuition
new online graduate certificates
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT TOOL
In 2024, marketing automation journeys supported by a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for Registration and Financial Aid were implemented, and a Director of Marketing and expanded team were added to focus on undergraduate admissions and continuing student communication. The first re-enrollment campaign was held in April 2025, resulting in more than a 20% increase in registration compared to the same time in 2024.
Complementary university-wide metric impact:
ENGAGEMENT
increase in registration from spring 2024 to spring 2025 20%
GSU MOBILE APP
Now in the final stages of building its foundational architecture, the GSU app will be available on both Apple and Android platforms. Key features include GSU CampusID single sign-on, a unified calendar, an integrated campus map with geo-location services, a centralized message center, a smart dashboard, in-app push notifications and an AI assistant trained on GSU knowledge bases.
Complementary university-wide metric impact:
SUCCESS
SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
The university completed the installation of 471 upgraded security cameras and added new emergency callboxes in high-priority areas identified through a campus safety walk. Lighting was enhanced with new LED fixtures, and the Atlanta Campus transitioned fully to tap-based access, with mobile credentialing underway. Design plans for Phase II of the GSU Blue Line — including branded sidewalks, crosswalks and a new sculpture — are under review.
Complementary university-wide metric impact: SUCCESS
PANTHER QUAD ON EVERY CAMPUS
Steady progress on these one-time investments will have long-lasting value as campus quads often serve as the heart of campus. Three of six campus quad projects are in various stages of development. The Clarkston Campus quad broke ground during 2025, with site identification underway for Decatur, Dunwoody and Newton campuses. Project structure has been identified for the Alpharetta Campus and Atlanta Campus projects are moving forward with preconstruction.
Complementary university-wide metric impact:
SIGNATURE UNIVERSITY-WIDE EVENTS
The Spring Carnival was broadened in April 2024 to include faculty, staff, families, alumni and prospective students, paired with the Spring Football Game to create a full evening in the Summerhill neighborhood. External funding elevated the Juneteenth celebration into a university-wide signature event, while Homecoming 2024 expanded with a new Saturday parade route through Summerhill. The MLK Day of Service in January 2025 introduced a Unity Walk to the King Center, drawing over 900 participants.
Complementary university-wide metric impact:
HIDDEN GEMS
The Hidden Gems Initiative highlights historic sites across Georgia State’s campuses, showcasing the university’s deep ties to surrounding communities. A new website and virtual tour, launched in January, attracted over 1,000 views in its first month and is now being used by external partners and integrated into courses such as GSU 1010.
1,000+
website visitors
4,111
attendees at Spring Carnival, exceeding the 3,000 target
Over 900
4,498 articipants in 2025 MLK Day of Service
students participated in 2024 Homecoming activities
Renderings of Atlanta Campus (top) and Alpharetta Campus (bottom)
SUCCESS & CAREER
Georgia State advanced efforts that promote belonging, professional readiness and employee success, supporting both students and staff.
RECRUIT, CULTIVATE AND RETAIN EMPLOYEES
The compensation study progressed with the completion of a new staff pay structure, the mapping of most job codes to the updated framework and the identification of employees requiring market-based salary adjustments to align with their assigned pay grade. A professional development needs assessment was also administered and analyzed resulting in the creation of a new Employee Success Center.
Complementary university-wide metric impact:
HIGH-IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPS) AND CORE CURRICULUM
Georgia State advanced its High-Impact Practices (HIPs) work by securing two 2025 USG HIPs Challenge Grants — one to integrate AI tools into HIPs and another to incentivize faculty use in core courses. A two-day HIPs Faculty Fellowship engaged faculty from four disciplines. Departmental grants were launched with $10,000 awarded to English and Economics, and three graduate assistants were hired to create quickstart guides, sample syllabi and a new HIPs website to further support faculty.
Complementary university-wide metric impact:
awarded in departmental grants
UGS HIPs Challenge Grants
HIPs Faculty Fellows
ENGAGE FACULTY TO INCREASE STUDENT SUCCESS
A cross-cutting working group consisting of 11 faculty members across three courses, two departments, two colleges and five campuses, partnered with the CETLOE data analytics team to develop a dashboard aimed at improving retention. A self-service version rolled out to taskforce members during 2025 and will support data-informed recommendation development.
Complementary university-wide metric impact:
EXPAND ACCESS TO CAREER SERVICES AND ENHANCE THE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Georgia State launched new Career Readiness modules in iCollege, providing all undergraduates with continuous access to self-paced resources on building a brand, developing résumés and cover letters, preparing for interviews and gaining experience. Aligned with the Beyond College to Career pillar of the Strategic Plan, the modules expand equitable access to career preparation tools, including guidance on platforms like VMock, ensuring support for all students regardless of their ability to visit a career center in person.
Complementary university-wide metric impact:
ON-CAMPUS WORKER-LEARNER PROGRAM
To advance student employment initiatives, Georgia State is developing two iCollege courses — one to track National Association of Colleges and Employers competency acquisition for undergraduate student employees and another for supervisors. A new position classification matrix was created to support Federal Work Study and Student Success roles, and student assistant pay was increased to $10 per hour.
faculty
2 departments
11 colleges
5
2 campuses
6.25% GROWTH ENGAGEMENT
25%
increase in minimum wage for entry level student assistants
6,528
4,559 students using VMock platform
Complementary university-wide metric impact: investment $75 K students using VMock Resume Module
increase in retention for eligible federal work study employees
RESEARCH
Georgia State strengthened its research ecosystem, integrating infrastructure, support and new opportunities for inquiry and collaboration.
STRENGTHEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AND RESEARCH
On Jan. 15, 2025, Georgia State broke ground on a 155,000-squarefoot Research Tower on its downtown Atlanta Campus. The state-of-the-art facility will feature modern laboratories, flexible research space and teaching environments to foster innovation and collaboration. Construction is scheduled for completion in spring 2026. The groundbreaking event was attended by Gov. Brian Kemp, House Speaker Jon Burns, Board of Regents Chairman T. Dallas Smith and USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue.
In August 2025, a new Student Center at 25-27 Auburn Avenue opened. The new center serves as a one-stop hub for Georgia State’s nationally recognized student success services including the Office of Enrollment and Registration Services, the Student Financial Management Center and Supplemental Instruction. It is also the home of the National Institute for Student Success.
Complementary university-wide metric impact:
SUCCESS ENGAGEMENT
Broke ground on 155,000 square-foot
in spring 2025
Student Success Center opened in August 2025
REIMAGINE RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION
To advance the university’s commitment to research excellence and growing research funding, the budget for internal grants has doubled from $300,000 to $600,000. This 100% increase strengthens GSU’s alignment with peer institutions and supports the demonstrated link between robust internal grant funding and annual growth in research and development. New dashboards for proposals, awards and expenditures are now fully integrated into the Research Portal. Testing is underway for the integration of OneUSG salary data, and two critical Web Developer–Data Visualization positions have been successfully filled.
GRADUATE RESEARCH EXCELLENCE PROGRAM
Georgia State secured $1.8 million in funding for graduate assistantship support, which increased stipends for more than 600 students across 15 programs. The university also established funding for students presenting at professional conferences and expanded resources supporting firstgeneration graduate students.
increase in internal funding
CENTER FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND CREATIVE INQUIRY (CURCI)
On July 1, 2025, Dr. Kyle Franz was appointed the inaugural Senior Director of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry (CURCI). In this role, Dr. Franz will lead the center’s efforts to advance undergraduate research and creative activity, working closely with the planning group and partners across campuses to ensure that CURCI’s goals are closely aligned with the evolving needs of the university community.
Complementary university-wide metric impact:
$1.8 M students impacted
Complementary university-wide metric impact: distributed in recurring funding
PHILANTHROPY
Georgia State continued to advance its strategic priorities through philanthropy initiatives that strengthened the university’s financial sustainability, expanded donor engagement and aligned resources to maximize institutional impact.
Thanks to an $80 million gift from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, Georgia State University will soon begin what is perhaps its largest transformation project ever. The foundation’s contribution will help fund $107 million in upgrades across Georgia State’s downtown Atlanta footprint; a slate of nine projects set to reinvigorate and reimagine the campus experience. The gift is the largest in Georgia State’s 111-year history, and the largest ever by the foundation to a University System of Georgia institution.
Georgia State University’s seventh annual day of giving, Georgia State Day 2025, made history, setting a new GSU giving day record by topping $1 million for the first time. Through their giving, nearly 2,000 donors significantly boosted nearly 300 university programs that create student opportunity and foster success in the classroom and beyond. For example, the Georgia State University Foundation contributed $50,000 to support graduate recruitment travel and other key initiatives.
K
to support graduate recruitment
Woodruff Foundation gift $80 M
raised in GSU 7th Annual Day of Giving $1 M
A LOOK AHEAD
Looking ahead to next year, we will build on the momentum of the past year by refining strategies, investing in high-impact initiatives and remaining responsive to new opportunities and challenges. Some specific initiatives include:
• The launch of a six-month commission on credential and certificates to explore new course and program opportunities
• Plan development to establish a School of Computing
• Defining and establishing career metrics and outcomes
• Continuation of investments in infrastructure to create spaces that are inviting, accessible, sustainable, safe and rewarding for the university community
• Introduction of ARISE, the next generation of Project RISE
The BluePrint to 2033 will continue to guide our work, anchored by its four institutional pillars and six university-wide aspirational metrics, while evolving initiatives ensure we make the most effective use of our resources. Through ongoing collaboration, transparent communication and a commitment to measurable outcomes, we will strengthen our position as a leader in student success, research, innovation and engagement, creating a thriving environment for students, faculty, staff and partners in the years to come.
For more information, please visit strategic.gsu.edu or contact Cynthia Lester, Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives, clester6@gsu.edu.