Appalachian State University’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027 — “Empowering Human Potential through the Appalachian Experience” — addresses:

• our fundamental purpose of teaching, research and service;
• our key pillars of sustainability, resilience and diversity of thought, belief and community; and 
• our priority to invest in our employees. 

For each of the plan’s strategic priorities, metrics, benchmarks and procedures will be utilized to assess impact, and annual updates will communicate the overall impact. Assessment tools will include a universitywide financial plan, climate action plan, strategic plan for the research/creative endeavors enterprise, diversity, equity and inclusion plan, and a comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Development Process

App State’s University Planning and Priorities Council (UPPC) developed this strategic plan, which will guide the university through the next five years. UPPC is a group of nearly 60 individuals representing faculty and staff from every college and division, and includes the leaders of Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and the Student Government Association (SGA) and Graduate Student Senate.

Listening sessions open to the entire campus community were held in November 2021, followed by meetings with constituent groups that included Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, SGA and Alumni Council. Feedback from these listening sessions was incorporated into the plan, and it was again shared with campus for feedback in spring 2022. The final version was presented to and approved by the App State Board of Trustees in June 2022.

The process to develop the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan was a comprehensive, transparent and collective effort that allowed everyone who wanted a voice in the process to have one.

Strategic Priorities

Providing Exceptional Educational Experiences

Provide all students with inspirational learning experiences that foster student success and add demonstrated value to their investment in higher education.

Advancing Research, Innovation and Creativity

Advance knowledge and promote discovery and the application of findings that benefit our region, state, nation and world.

Advancing Local, Regional and Global Engagement

Foster lasting economic vitality through local, regional and global engagement.

Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Cultivate and support a welcoming university community and an academic culture of collaboration and respect through education and inclusive practices.

Investing in Faculty and Staff Excellence

Dedicate and ensure ongoing resources to recruit, retain and support exceptionally talented faculty and staff.

Strengthen Resilience and Sustainability

Strengthen our culture of sustainability that protects and supports the physical environment, the well-being of people, the university’s economic vitality, and the resilience of our campus community.