Just as the 2021 Strategic Plan positioned Elmhurst University to experience success, the 2028 Strategic Plan will ensure the University thrives and is well-positioned to navigate the shifting landscape of higher education.
Mindful of our past and what we do best, we believe that a strong liberal arts foundation, together with professional preparation, educate our students to be engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders. The vision statement reflects the best of Elmhurst University, an institution with a long history of embracing change and responding to the needs of students, the communities we serve, and broader society, so that our alumni make the places they live and work healthier, more equitable, and more just.
Elmhurst’s values continue to provide a foundation for understanding how we work toward achieving our mission and vision. These values serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to a common good, justice, and diversity, equity and inclusivity. We recognize that organizations and individuals have both the right and responsibility to achieve at the highest levels, and we believe that achievement can only be understood in terms of the highest ideals and service to others, and that these values reflect our affiliation with the United Church of Christ.
Pillars
“The pillars represent the foundation upon which we build and sustain our transformative educational experience.”
– President Troy D. VanAken
Guided by our mission, vision and values, we pursue strategic priorities within each pillar theme that move us toward our overall goal of excellence as an institution. An increasingly diverse, competitive and ever-changing higher education landscape calls us to embrace both tradition and transformation as we meet the needs of those we serve. Each pillar’s strategic priorities guide the key initiatives and actions that, if accomplished, will allow us to fulfill our mission and achieve our vision.
Importantly, none of these pillars exists on its own. The University relies on all the pillars – and the interdependence of these pillars – in its pursuit of excellence. We will prioritize interconnectedness as we make decisions and invest resources in our future.
