2026-2035 Strategic Plan
The 2026-2035 Strategic Plan outlines UWA’s vision for the future, guided by a clear timeline for development and implementation. At every step, transparency and engagement ensure that the plan reflects the collective aspirations of the university community. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in shaping the university’s direction, strengthening our mission and impact for years to come.
A Message from President Fritch
The University of West Alabama is a community where curiosity, discovery, and excellence come together. We celebrate our successes together because we know the importance and power in collaboration and shared strengths. At UWA, learning is far more than what happens in the classroom — it is an experience that challenges us to think deeply, connect meaningfully, and grow in ways that will shape our future.
For nearly 200 years, our University has been a place of scholarship and service, defined by people who bring passion, creativity, and purpose to their work. This chapter in our history is guided by our strategic plan, “Bridging Tradition, Igniting Transformation.” We are rooted in our core values of integrity, collaboration, excellence, commitment to learning, respect and trust, regional responsibility, and service. I invite you to explore all that UWA has to offer and to take your place in its story.
All my best,
Todd G. Fritch, Ph.D.
President
A New Way of Working
Decentralized Accountability
In this strategic plan, we are shifting from a centrally managed approach to one of distributed ownership. Each unit and department will set continuous, measurable goals that align with our university-wide priorities. By doing so, we ensure that progress is tracked and shared transparently, creating a culture of initiative and visible impact.
This approach is about more than just internal processes—it’s about a shared purpose and real, tangible results. It empowers all our faculty and staff, across every division, to lead within their areas, measure what truly matters, and celebrate the progress we achieve together. Ultimately, this is how we transform a strong plan into a stronger UWA, benefiting not only our university community but also our students, partners, and region.
Timeline for Implementation
Preparation
January – March 2024
The initial phase focuses on laying the groundwork for the strategic planning process. This includes forming planning committees, defining objectives, gathering relevant background information, and establishing a roadmap for the overall process.
Data Collection and Analysis
March – November 2024
During this phase, data is gathered from internal and external sources to assess the university’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities. Stakeholder input, institutional performance metrics, and industry trends are analyzed to inform strategic priorities.
Strategic Planning Workshops and Retreats
January – April 2025
Leadership teams, faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders participate in collaborative workshops and retreats to refine key goals and initiatives. These sessions help shape the direction of the strategic plan by fostering engagement and collective decision-making.
Drafting the Plan
May – July 2025
Based on insights from data analysis and stakeholder input, a draft version of the strategic plan is developed. This document outlines goals, strategies, and performance indicators that will guide the university over the 2026-2035 period.
Approval and Finalization
August – September 2025
The draft plan undergoes final revisions and is submitted for approval by university leadership and governing bodies. Once approved, the finalized strategic plan is officially adopted.
Implementation
January 2026
The university begins executing the strategic initiatives outlined in the plan. Resources are allocated, teams are mobilized, and key performance measures are put in place to ensure effective implementation.
Evaluation and Adjustment
Ongoing
Continuous assessment mechanisms are established to monitor progress, measure impact, and make necessary adjustments. The strategic plan remains a living document, evolving in response to new challenges, opportunities, and institutional needs.
Progress Updates
The Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) is committed to a transparent and collaborative approach in developing and implementing the 2026-2035 Strategic Plan. Below are key milestones in the planning process:
Presidential Council Strategic Foresight Meeting – Leadership discussions set the foundation for the strategic planning process.
Approval of the Sanaghan Model – The SPC officially adopted the Sanaghan Model as the framework for developing the plan.
Stakeholder Identification – Key stakeholder groups including faculty, staff, students, community members, local business leaders, and public officials, were identified for engagement.
Approval of Data-Gathering Questions – The SPC finalized the questions to be used in the Carousel Data Gathering exercise.
Formation of Sub-Committees – Sub-groups within the SPC were established to facilitate stakeholder engagement and data collection.
Facilitator Training – SPC members completed training to effectively implement the Carousel Model for data gathering.
Stakeholder Engagement Sessions – Sub-groups conducted data-gathering sessions and collected insights from faculty, staff, students, community members, business leaders, and local officials.
Strategic Planning Survey Distribution – A university-wide survey was distributed to all stakeholders to gather broad input on key priorities and themes.
- Concept Paper Development – SPC members were assigned to sub-groups and tasked with developing brief concept papers focused on the top themes identified during data collection.
- Presidential Council Vision Conference – University leadership participated in a facilitated session to refine the strategic vision based on gathered insights and emerging themes.
Drafting of Goals – The SPC drafted goals for the 2026–2035 Strategic Plan based on constituent feedback.
Approval by SPC – The SPC approved the 2026–2035 Strategic Plan and recommended that it move to University Leadership for approval at the August 11, 2025 meeting.
Approval by University Leadership – The draft plan underwent final revisions and was submitted for approval by University Leadership and governing bodies.
Board of Trustees Approval – The 2026–2035 Strategic Plan was presented to the UWA Board of Trustees for approval.
President’s Cabinet Operationalization Meeting – Held in October to establish the Annual Goal-Setting Timeline.
- Internal Communication and Public Publication – The finalized strategic plan was communicated to internal stakeholders and published publicly on the university website.
Methodology
The Sanaghan Model
The Sanaghan Model for Collaborative Strategic Planning is a structured, participatory approach that emphasizes stakeholder engagement, transparency, and shared leadership. This model ensures that strategic planning is both inclusive and adaptable, fostering a sense of collective ownership across the institution. This structured approach integrates broad-based participation with data-driven decision-making, ensuring that UWA’s strategic plan reflects the needs and aspirations of its community. By fostering collaboration and adaptability, the model enables the university to remain responsive to challenges and opportunities while advancing its long-term mission.
