History

A brief history of strategic planning at Wake Forest follows:

1980-1983 — President Scales calls for a “Year 2000” Committee at Trustees Meeting 

• Given pending separation from the NC Baptist Convention
• Trustees approve Senate Committee to examine “Future of the University”
• The Senate Committee presented its Report and Goals to the Board
  • Provide the best possible instruction for its students
  • Expand the horizons of knowledge through research and explore ways of applying the results of that research in the production of human values
  • Render appropriate services to the broader community 

1988-1992 — Strategic Planning Process initiated by President Hearn

• Need for professional school space in transition from College to University
• Strengthen Law and Business School education to match College
• Increase undergraduate international education opportunities
• Create an institutional financial plan

1992-1996 — The Plan for the Class of 2000 Developed

• Improve the first-year experience (First Year Seminars)
• Integrate information technology for learning (Laptop Program)
• Add 40 faculty to lower the student-faculty ratio from 13/1 to 11/1
• Scholarships for study abroad and faculty-student research 

2007-2009 — The Collegiate University Strategic Plan under President Hatch

• Build exceptional faculty-student engagement
  • Establish Presidential Endowed chairs to recruit/retain faculty
  • Recruit 500 more students for more revenue and more diversity
  • New geographic reach to increase diverse/international students
  • Create an Undergraduate Research Center (URECA)
  • Establish Humanities Institute
• Create and preserve opportunity
  • Admissions becomes test optional 
  • Cap loans for families earning less than $40,000
  • Increase need-based aid 
  • Build a new Admissions Center
• Connect the Liberal Arts and the Professions
  • Create New Interdisciplinary/Cross-School Research Centers
  • Initiate Provost Fund for Interdisciplinary Academic Excellence
  • Expand the Teaching and Learning Center University-Wide
  • Integrate Undergraduate and Graduate Business Schools
  • Create Office of Academic Advising and OPCD 
• Educate the Whole Person
  • Establish Magnolia Scholars Program
  • Add residence halls to improve student experience
  • Establish Institute for Public Engagement (now OCCE)
  • Renovate Dining, ZSR, Scales, Academic Public Spaces for Improved Student Experience 
  • Large-scale expansion of Study Abroad to Global Programs and Studies