Framework for the Future:
Bethany Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond
Bethany College Launches 2026–2029 Strategic Planning Process
Bethany College, under the guidance of the Board of Directors, has begun an inclusive strategic planning process that will guide the College’s work and priorities from 2026 through 2029. The accelerated planning effort will run from February through August 2026 and will culminate in a vote by the Bethany College Governing Board on a three-year foundation plan at its October 2026 meeting.
The purpose of this process is to establish focused, grounded priorities that strengthen Bethany’s mission and long-term sustainability while supporting the work of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. The process emphasizes broad participation, transparency, and practical outcomes that can be implemented and assessed over the next three fiscal years.
This Framework for the Future will create a practical three-year structure that the college can execute, assess and communicate clearly.
On July 24th, the Board of Directors approved the following commitments of the plan. These five commitments will be the foundation of the plan. All goals will connect to one or more of these commitments:
- Establish a Student Experience That Drives Retention and Recruitment
- Strengthen the Foundation and Achieve Financial Stability
- Claim and Live Our Lutheran Identity in Higher Education
- Build Innovative, Relevant, and Impactful Academic Programs
- Enhance Community and Business Engagement
On August 5th, during the first all-campus meeting of the year, cabinet members led sessions on each commitment where members of campus worked together to identify 1st year actions and 3-year outcomes related back to the commitment.
Cabinet then wrote these actions and outcomes on large sticky notes, and employees had the opportunity to endorse 12 of them using the "sticker-it" method.
Now, each area of campus is working on specific goals and measurable outcomes that will make up the strategic plan. The final plan will go to the board for approval at the October 2026 board meeting.
Begin the journey down your path.
