As we look to the future, we are crafting a vision for UNH that is grounded in hope and purpose. We are laying the groundwork for a strategic plan that addresses the question: What do we envision UNH to be in 2030? Through close collaboration between UNH President Elizabeth Chilton and the strategic planning committee, a roadmap is beginning to emerge. We invite you to actively participate in this process, with more opportunities for engagement throughout the semester, including listening sessions in March and April.
Four Strategic Priorities
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First Destination
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Interdisciplinary
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Well-Being
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State Impact
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First Destination
UNH is a first-choice destination for students seeking public higher education in New England.
While UNH is a first-choice destination for many, we strive to expand this notion to reach additional learners. Accomplishing this goal will require understanding the attributes and expectations of our current and aspirational student body and aligning this understanding with our enrollment practices, programs of study, facilities, student experience services and outcomes. The committee will consider strategies needed to attract, support and retain learners from different backgrounds and at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Specific goals and strategies to increase the percentage of New Hampshire residents who consider and choose UNH should be included.
Draft Objectives
We aim to inspire students to explore, enroll and succeed at UNH by expanding recruitment, tailoring academic opportunities and highlighting experiential learning and outcomes for all learners. Efforts will focus on attracting and retaining students, and enhancing strategic enrollment planning to reach diverse groups of students at all levels.
Using market research on student, family and alumni perceptions, UNH will develop a holistic marketing plan to showcase its distinct strengths in academic excellence, research, location and sustainability. We will also optimize financial aid and highlight student career outcomes to communicate the value of a UNH education to the public.
The university will foster student connections, belonging and a vibrant campus experience. We will enhance engagement through research, co-curricular opportunities and well-being initiatives, while also improving campus facilities to better serve academic and recreational needs.
UNH will embed student success and academic excellence into all aspects of its culture, policies and practices to create a supportive environment where every student can thrive personally and professionally.
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Interdisciplinary
UNH has distinctive interdisciplinary education and research strengths.
UNH has distinctive interdisciplinary strengths in education and research. While we will always be a comprehensive university with strengths in the arts, sciences, humanities and professional schools, we also have nationally and internationally recognized expertise in areas such as land, sea and space science, sustainability and advanced manufacturing. This committee will identify the infrastructure, policies, practices and resources needed to enhance our reputation in interdisciplinary research and education and recommend ways to advance successful interdisciplinary programs.
Draft Objectives
Interdisciplinary courses developed, offered and co-taught by faculty from different disciplines as part of normal curriculum across colleges
Multi-authored publications by authors from across different disciplines, departments and colleges
Undergraduate scholarship in the form of Inquiry publication and/or Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) presentation on interdisciplinary work
Interdisciplinary grant submissions and awards
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Well-Being
UNH commits to fostering a community of well-being and belonging.
This focus area centers on strengthening and promoting a welcoming and inclusive UNH community in which to learn, live and work. UNH aims to build a resilient, supportive and flourishing community through positive change at individual, department/unit and institutional levels. The committee, in collaboration with the campuses and communities in which we are embedded, will promote health, well-being, belonging, inclusion and connection by considering innovative programs, policies and practices. The committee will guide initiatives that address the evolving needs of learners and employees to thrive professionally and personally.
Draft Objectives
Engage in activities and programs that build social connections, celebrate differences and support work-life balance by creating transparent and inclusive university policies and practices to ensure access to resources that encourage belonging.
UNH promotes holistic well-being by enhancing wellness education, ensuring fair access to health services, supporting faculty, staff and students, and fostering collaboration with health networks to meet the community’s evolving needs across all eight dimensions of wellness.
Create an equitable, supportive and rewarding work environment that prioritizes well-being, professional growth and fair treatment through sustainable policies, resources and recognition.
Embed health and well-being into all aspects of our campus culture, policies and practices while creating supportive environments that enhance our success as an institution for each UNH community member to thrive personally and professionally.
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State Impact
The University of New Hampshire enhances the state’s prosperity by developing talent, driving innovation and strengthening communities.
This focus area guides our contributions to the state’s economic vitality, social well-being and resilience. This includes developing an educated, inclusive and engaged society with the skills to thrive in a changing world, the continued pursuit of public impact research, and fostering deep and mutually beneficial partnerships with communities, institutions and businesses. The below objectives provide a focused roadmap for UNH’s impact across New Hampshire, ensuring the university remains a leader in economic, social and environmental progress.
Draft Objectives
Build strong partnerships with local and state government, non-profit and community leaders across New Hampshire to support community and economic vitality and quality of life statewide.
Apply UNH’s research, expertise and innovation to address critical statewide, fostering solutions that improve New Hampshire’s future and inform public policy.
Align academic programs with industry needs, expand work-based learning opportunities and build stronger partnerships with businesses and educational institutions to support career success and economic growth.
Strengthen corporate partnerships, foster small business development and position UNH as a leader in economic innovation, social enterprise and entrepreneurship through research commercialization and business incubation.
Committee Membership
Co-Chair: Cyndee Gruden, Interim Provost, VP Academic Affairs, Provost Office
Co-Chair: Danielle O'Neil, Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing
Co-Chair: Kim DeRego, V. Provost, Enrollment, Provost Office
Co-Chair: Vidya Sundar, Associate Professor, CHHS
Lu Echazu: Associate Dean, Paul College
Jesse Stabile Morrell: Asst Dean, Lec., COLSA
Ashby Kinch: Vice-Provost & Dean, Graduate School
Christa Ricker: Director of New Student and Family Programs, Student Life
Tessa Marinello: Student, 1st year representative, COLA
Sarah Dorner: Assistant Dean for Grad Admissions & International Outreach, Law
Michaela Sabin: Professor, CPS
Co-Chair: Paul Robertson, Sr. Lecturer, Dir. of Hamel UG Research Center, COLA
Co-Chair: Anthony Davis Dean, COLSA
Mark Milutonivoch: Ex. Dir., Large Center Development, REEO
Ruth Varner: Prof, CEPS
Stephen Bird: Director, Carsey
Sonic Woytonik: Sr. Lecturer
Rawan AlSarraf: Ph.D. student in Agriculture, Nutritional and Food Systems, COLSA
Co-Chair, Kathleen Grace-Bishop, Director, Ed. and Promotion, Health and Wellness
Co-Chair: Jeffrey M Halpern, Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering and Chair, Faculty Senate
Kendra Lewis: Associate State Specialist/Extension Professor
Guangzhou Chen: Assistant Professor, Department of Recreation Management and Policy; Extension Affiliate Faculty, Community and Economic Development
Annie Nevells: Dir. Grad Enrollment/Advising, Paul College
Nadine Petty: AVP and CDO, Pres. Office
Maggie McGrath: Student Senate Health and Wellness Council, Chair
Lisa Enright: Asst. Dean, Student Success, CPS at UNH Manchester
Fumi Kimura: Deputy Director of Athletics
Co-Chair: Charlie French, Assoc. Ext. Professor, Ext Team Lead, Extension
Co-Chair: Tom Cronin, Chief of Staff, President's Office
Justine Stadler: Director of Corporate Engagement, REEO
Mike Decelle Dean: CPS, UNH-M
Mary Stampone: Assoc Prof, COLA
Michele Holt Shannon: Director, NH Listens, Carsey School
Raina Sprauge: Executive Director, Employer Relations, CaPS
Jayson Seaman: Dept. Chair, Rec Mgmt. and Policy
Seth Oranburg: Professor, Law
Subcommittee Community Forum Schedule
First-Choice Destination
Tuesday, March 4, 12 - 1 p.m. in MUB Strafford Room and via Zoom: http://unh.zoom.us/j/94852536298
Interdisciplinary
Tuesday, March 4, 1 - 2 p.m. in MUB Theatre 2 and via Zoom: http://unh.zoom.us/j/92139068392
Community Well-Being
Friday, March 7, 10-11 a.m. in MUB Theatre 2 and via Zoom: http://unh.zoom.us/j/98361562270
State Impact
Tuesday, March 11, 1 - 2 p.m. in MUB Theatre 2 and via Zoom: http://unh.zoom.us/j/99492917074