Faith in Our Future Strategic Plan

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) stands at a pivotal moment in its storied history—one that calls for bold reflection on its mission, a proactive response to the evolving needs of students and a strategic approach to the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing higher education landscape. Building on the momentum of the Aspire Even Higher strategic plan, Faith in Our Future presents a focused, actionable roadmap to guide the College into its next chapter.

This strategic plan is more than a document—it represents a shared commitment to continuous improvement, mission-aligned innovation, and collective accountability. As SMWC advances its priorities, it does so with clarity of purpose, confidence in its community, and faith in its future.

Grounded in the College’s enduring values and informed by thoughtful analysis, the plan is rooted in five key strategic priorities. Together, these actionable priorities are foundational pillars to Faith in Our Future.

Priority Pillars

–Enhancing Student Experience and Outcomes

SMWC will continue to place students at the center of its efforts—investing in programs, support systems and experiences that foster personal growth, academic success and professional readiness.

  • Growth – Establish new program offerings to enhance recruitment opportunities and choices for students in an ever-changing workforce.
  • Preparation – Prioritize student success through innovative academic support systems and co-curricular development.
  • Belonging – Nurture a culture of inclusion at SMWC.
  • Integration – Ensure programming enhances students’ personal, physical, professional and spiritual well-being.

–Bolstering Financial Sustainability

 SMWC will refine its financial strategies and institutional practices to secure long-term viability and uphold its mission for future generations.   

  • Financial Management – Implement sound and transparent fiscal management in day-to-day operations and long-term goals.  
  • Strategic Budgeting – Develop realistic and achievable budget goals, with input from various stakeholders, by maximizing revenue opportunities and embracing cost containment.  
  • Risk Management – Research, analyze and mitigate risks in institutional programs, business endeavors and corrective actions. 
  • Resource Innovation – Leverage resources for maximum efficiency and effectiveness, with special emphasis on developing human capital and applying technology-based solutions.   

–Fostering Impactful Engagement

SMWC will cultivate meaningful connections among students, employees, alumni and community partners, recognizing that vibrant engagement is essential to both individual achievement and institutional impact.

  • Awareness – Stabilize identity, visibility, and shared mission understanding.
  • Participation – Build community through active presence and mission‑centered engagement.
  • Collaboration – Create shared input, partnerships, joint programming, mutual benefits and co-responsibility.
  • Co-Ownership – Secure long-term alignment, shared mission and collective stewardship.

–Elevating Presence and Reputation

  • Cultivation – Support and share SMWC’s culture of learning and service that exemplifies its mission, vision and values.
  • Identity – Increase SMWC’s visibility and brand awareness through intentional storytelling and greater engagement with various audiences.
  • Vitality – Showcase SMWC’s compelling reputation and reinforce the College’s position as a respected institution.

–Promoting Accountable Governance

  • Evaluation – Review and assess existing shared governance structure including representative bodies from the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students and alumni.
  • Collaboration – Affirm existing and create new reporting channels to solicit input from all stakeholders.
  • Communication – Ensure transparency by sharing information at all levels through consistent meetings, open forums and straightforward reporting.