Shaping What’s Next:
A bold, new strategic plan for directing UNC Charlotte’s next chapter NC Charlotte is at a powerful juncture in its history. As North Carolina’s urban research university approaches the 75th anniversary of its founding, the institution is positioned to take stock of all it has accomplished, particularly over the past two decades, and answer the question, “What’s next?” Among the University’s most notable and documented achievements of the early 2000s: Extensive growth in academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels; impressive gains in research investment; dramatic leaps in enrollment, including noticeably improved retention and graduation rates; unprecedented campus growth; measurable impact on the community and region; increased involvement and support among alumni and donors; and an infusion of excitement in athletics.
professor of both Management and Organizational Science; the 22-member committee, composed of faculty, staff, administrators and students, synthesized responses from a comprehensive series of discovery sessions, focus groups, online surveys and feedback from the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees, UNC System, Cabinet, faculty and staff caucuses, students, alumni, business and community leaders and University supporters and partners. “Incorporating the diverse thoughts of stakeholders has been critical in developing a robust strategic plan framework — keeping in mind the location of Charlotte as a gateway city and the everchanging demographics enabled us to be aspirational and bold,” said Mukherjee. “The outcome of diverse perspectives in implementing the strategic plan will drive UNC Charlotte to not only be accessible to all students but to become the most sought-after University for excellence in education, research and innovation.”
New chapter, new plan
Shaping What’s Next
BY SUSAN MESSINA
U “We are being very intentional about creating goals that are both aspirational and attainable. We will have metrics associated with each goal to help us track our progress and demonstrate qualitative and quantitative success.” —Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber
For Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber, the time is right for UNC Charlotte to take a calculated leap toward realizing the potential indicated by recent and current University-wide success. An interdisciplinary and crossdepartmental Strategic Planning Committee that she appointed has directed a months-long, multi-tiered, all-stakeholder, information- and opinion-gathering process designed to inform a blueprint to guide UNC Charlotte’s strategic direction for the next decade. “I’m excited that our campus values the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary participation,” said Gaber. “It is when we cross boundaries that the most interesting and meaningful work occurs; this includes research, student success and alumni engagement.” Co-led by Pinku Mukherjee, Irwin Belk Distinguished Professor for Cancer Research; associate dean for research and graduate education, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; and professor, Biological Sciences; and George Banks, associate 20 UNC CHARLOTTE magazine
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Spring 2021
The strategic plan framework that emerged from this interactive process, “Shaping What’s Next, 2021-31,” builds on UNC Charlotte’s considerable strengths while articulating a vision for a top-tier university that is ready to meet new challenges. It emphasizes four strategic areas of focus: academic excellence; research; problem-solving; and diversity, equity and inclusivity. Each of these is explored on the following pages. “There is a steady and growing national and international recognition for the great work going on at UNC Charlotte,” Banks said. “Over the next five to 10 years, a dramatic shift will take place that will be very exciting for the entire UNC Charlotte community.” For more information about “Shaping What’s Next, 2021-31,” visit: strategicplan.uncc.edu. Susan Messina is director of editorial services for University Communications.
