Trinity regents approve strategic plan

Deerfield, Ill. - Trinity International University regents unanimously approved an eight-year strategic plan for the institution that will address 12 institutional priorities and more than 120 individual initiatives.

The strategic plan, titled "Heritage and Hope: Trinity 2023," will guide the University as it approaches its 125th anniversary in the 2022-23 academic year.

The board's vote came during meetings on the Deerfield campus Feb. 26-27.

"This plan was shaped not only by an appreciation for Trinity's heritage, but also the Christ-centered hope with which we will proceed," President David S. Dockery said. "The Trinity community will be prepared to address the challenges of delivering higher education in the 21st century."

He presented a draft of the strategic plan to faculty and staff during campus meetings on Feb. 16. Dockery told the board there is "buy-in and enthusiasm" about the plan throughout the Trinity community.

The first five priorities call on Trinity to celebrate its institutional heritage as a hopeful resource for advancing its mission; ensure Christ-centered faithfulness; refine the work of institutional oversight; develop a coherent, synergistic and strategic approach to leadership, management and administration; and strengthen the commitment to intellectual seriousness and academic rigor while exploring new academic programs, offerings and services.

The next four priorities will create a context for continuous quality improvement, prioritize student recruitment and service to students, enrich the student learning experience, and improve support for Trinity faculty and staff.

The final three priorities call for continued stewardship of the financial and facility resources, expansion of the strategic work of the University and constituent relations, and enhanced technological support.

Judy Bradish, a board of regents member, observed that "the plan addresses Trinity's immediate concerns such as enrollment, the need for a comprehensive campaign, and many other far-reaching yet realistic goals."

Dockery said the strategic plan could be updated during the eight-year cycle, and that some of the initiatives are already underway or completed.