Lehigh’s Strategic Progress: Celebrating Three Years of Innovation

Lehigh University Charts New Course with Evolving Strategic Plan

In a rapidly changing educational landscape, Lehigh University remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation and progress. With their Inspiring the Future Makers strategy, the institution is marking its fourth year of strategic evolution, aiming to adapt and thrive amid ongoing shifts in higher education.

The university’s leadership urges the community to reflect on the collective progress and achievements realized over the past three years. As Lehigh continues to bolster student outcomes, it focuses on areas where it can lead as the first, best, or only.

As part of this strategy, Lehigh has streamlined its initiatives, reducing the number from ten to eight by combining some projects to enhance focus and efficiency. More details regarding the changes in initiatives and leadership are outlined below. This restructuring aligns with Lehigh’s goals to remain a cutting-edge institution in student outcomes.

Common themes across the initiatives include Artificial Intelligence, the Arts and Libraries, Athletics, Global and Wellness. These themes are woven into the broader fabric of Lehigh’s strategic efforts, supporting three main goals: Make it New, Make a Difference, and Make it Together.

Current Initiatives

A Data-Informed Organization of the Future

Lead(s): Ilena Key, Yenny Anderson

(Combining the launch initiatives “An Organization of the Future” and “Decision Making Informed by Qualitative and Quantitative Data and Analysis”)

The initiative aims to enhance the university’s data infrastructure and integrate AI tools to support operational improvements, fostering a culture of data-informed decision-making.

Advance Research Excellence and Impact

Lead(s): Anand Jagota, Kate Bullard

(Combining the launch initiatives “An Expanded and Strengthened Research Environment” and “Invest in Strategic Interdisciplinary Research”)

Lehigh is building on its R1 status by developing new University Research Centers and fostering an interdisciplinary research ecosystem.

A Lehigh For Everyone

Lead(s): Donald Outing, Katherine Lavinder

Enhance Graduate and Lifelong Learning

Lead(s): Sabrina Jedlicka

Enhance the Shared Bethlehem Experience

Lead(s): Jeremy Gibson, Tracey King

Lead in Educational Innovation

Lead(s): Dom Packer, Robin Hojnoski