Strategic planning is often viewed as a formality — a document that satisfies accreditation requirements or aligns budgets to broad institutional goals. But when done well, it is so much more than that. Purposeful planning creates alignment, builds shared ownership, and connects people to a vision larger than themselves.

Start with Why

Every effective plan begins with a clear sense of purpose. When I work with teams, I always ask: Why does this matter? If we can’t articulate the “why,” the “what” and “how” lose their meaning. Purpose keeps us anchored when the work gets complex and ensures that every initiative supports a common mission rather than competing agendas.

Strategic planning is not about creating a list of tasks — it’s about naming our priorities and giving them direction. Purpose helps us choose what deserves our time and attention, and what doesn’t.

Align to the Bigger Picture

Divisionwide success depends on alignment. In higher education and K–12 settings alike, departments often operate in silos, each doing important work but not always in sync with institutional goals. Alignment bridges that gap.

When teams connect their outcomes to the institution’s mission and strategic priorities, it transforms planning from an administrative exercise into a shared movement. At the University of St. Thomas, we use the Basilian values of Goodness, Discipline, Knowledge, and Community as the lens for our planning process. These values provide coherence across programs and remind us that success is not measured only by metrics, but by mission.

Build Buy-In, Not Just Buy-Off

A plan on paper means little without people who believe in it. Building buy-in requires early and consistent communication — not just presenting the plan, but inviting people into its creation. When faculty, staff, and students see their ideas reflected in the goals, they become champions of the process rather than passive participants.

Transparency is key. Share progress, celebrate milestones, and acknowledge where adjustments are needed. The goal is not perfection, but participation.

Measure What Matters

Purposeful planning is both visionary and measurable. Define clear outcomes — but make sure they reflect the values you’re trying to advance, not just the numbers you’re trying to reach. Data should tell a story about impact, not just activity.

At its best, assessment is an act of stewardship — a way to ensure that our energy and resources are used wisely in service of our mission.

Communicate Relentlessly

There’s a saying I return to often: there’s no such thing as too much communication. Effective strategic planning depends on clarity and consistency. People support what they understand. When communication is frequent, honest, and mission-centered, teams stay connected even when plans evolve.

Planning as a Living Process

A purposeful plan isn’t static. It’s a living framework that evolves as we learn, grow, and respond to new challenges. Divisionwide success comes from treating planning as an ongoing conversation — one that builds community, strengthens accountability, and keeps our collective purpose in view.

When planning is guided by mission, alignment, and communication, it becomes more than a document. It becomes a culture.