History
A brief history of Elon’s transformative strategic plans
Elon’s emergence as a national university is the result of a series of four successive long-range strategic plans that were carefully created with broad community input and implemented with attention to measurable goals and accountability. The vision statements and goals of the plans form a timeline of Elon’s impressive trajectory.
Plan for the 90s (1991-1993)
Vision statement: To ensure that Elon College is one of the best institutions of its type on the Eastern Seaboard.
This plan had two primary goals: to achieve a higher level of quality in academic programs and to develop programs that provide a special identity and meaning to an Elon education. The major accomplishments of this plan included the following:
- Revision of the General Studies curriculum
- Strengthening of business, education, communications, grad programs
- Enhancement of cultural awareness and programs in study abroad
- Investments in campus technologies
- Investments in faculty salaries and resources
- Creation of the Elon Experiences
- New facilities included Moseley Center, upgrades in the library and facilities for science and communications, and construction of Koury Center and renovation of Alumni Gymnasium
Elon Vision (1994-1999)
Vision statement: To be, and be recognized as, one of the top private undergraduate institutions on the Eastern Seaboard.
This plan was a 17-point blueprint to reposition Elon on the higher education landscape – to move beyond the college’s regional identity and prepare for the transition from college to university. The main goals were organized under four headings and included the following:
Academics
- Achieve excellence in the sciences and construct the McMichael Science Center
- Construct Belk Library and repurpose the previous facility (McEwen Building) for communications programs
- Advance many premier academic programs and strengthen graduate programs, including addition of the physical therapy program
- Enhance technology resources
Students
- Increased student quality, more selective admissions with higher test scores
- Establish the Fellows programs and increase financial aid
- Increase retention and graduation rate
- Increase school spirit with construction of Rhodes Stadium and transition to NCAA Division I athletics
Faculty/staff
- Higher faculty credentials, increased salaries, and advancing Elon’s rankings in major college guides
Increase available resources by building the endowment and expanding the annual fund
NewCentury@Elon (2000-2009)
Vision statement: To be a national model of engaged learning, founded upon our traditions of innovation and community.
This plan was carried out in two phases and had three overarching objectives: Enhance academic excellence, provide facilities to support excellence and provide resources to support excellence. Phase I accomplishments included the following:- AACSB International accreditation for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business
- ACEJMC accreditation for the School of Communications
- Addressed criteria for hosting a Phi Beta Kappa chapter
- Construction of the Ernest A. Koury, Sr. Business Center
- Development of the Academic Village for the Arts and Sciences
- Establishment of the Elon University School of Law
- Creation of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning
- Strengthening of the honors and fellows programs
- Increased participation in the Elon Experiences
- Major investments in library and technology resources
- Expansion of faculty development and sabbatical opportunities
- Targeted salary initiatives for both faculty and staff
- Construction of Belk Track/White Field and continued progress in NCAA Division I competition
- Acquisition of South Campus property
Phase II accomplishments included the following:
- Received approval to shelter a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa
- Used research and discussions from a university-wide Academic Summit to increase academic challenge and enhance learning
- Completion of the Academic Village for the arts and sciences
- Expansion of residential facilities, including The Oaks and first buildings in The Colonnades
- Expanded programs to attract and retain a diverse student body, faculty and staff
- Awarded innovation and creativity grants to students, faculty and staff to pursue ideas that promote engaged teaching and learning
- Created additional international study centers similar to Elon’s current centers in London and Costa Rica
- Establish national program sites in several major U.S. cities to create additional student opportunities for internships, service, leadership and research experiences
- Developed a premier program in career services and renamed the office the Student Professional Development Center
- Broadened university efforts to be a responsible corporate citizen in the community
- Developed an environmental sustainability plan for the Elon campus
- Expanded partnerships with local school systems and community agencies and establishment of the Elon Academy
- Significantly increased the endowment, providing additional support for scholarships, program support, faculty development and other priorities
Elon Commitment (2010-2019)
Vision statement: Engaged minds. Inspired leaders. Global citizens.
This comprehensive plan to fully establish Elon as a national university includes eight themes:- An unprecedented university commitment to diversity and global engagement
- Supporting a world-class faculty and staff
- Attaining the highest levels of achievement across our academic programs
- Launching strategic & innovative pathways in undergraduate and graduate education
- Stewarding Elon’s commitment to remain a best-value university
- Developing innovative alumni programs to advance and support Elon graduates
- Establishing a national tournament tradition of athletics success along with the highest academic standards for Phoenix athletics
- Significantly enhancing Elon’s campus with premier new academic & residential facilities and a commitment to protecting our environment